A Puerto Rican restaurant in Auburn has reopened, with renovations, after its seizure by the state for nonpayment of taxes. Don Juan Cafe Restaurant, a location of the Syracuse-based chain, reopened May 13, according to its Facebook page. The flaking paint and exposed wood of its facade has been replaced by new siding.
The 24 Chapman Ave. restaurant was seized by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance in November for a tax debt of $88,088.31, a representative of the department told The Citizen.
"Seizure is typically a last resort and, even at that point, we will work with business owners to allow them to reopen as soon as possible," the representative said. The restaurant is in the process of paying its debt, the representative said Tuesday. As of June 8, it owes $73,837.
49. The owners of Don Juan Cafe Restaurant could not be reached by The Citizen for comment. Open since 2015, the restaurant serves roast and fried pork and chicken with rice and beans, stews, mofongo, fritters and more Puerto Rican cuisine.
WHAT: Don Juan Cafe Restaurant WHEN: Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.
m. Mondays through Saturdays WHERE: 104 Chapman Ave., Auburn INFO: Visit facebook.
com/donjuancaferestaurantauburn or call (315) 255-1115 Get local news delivered to your inbox!.
