Woxx closes West Orange storefront

Woxx Asian Cuisine, a glatt kosher Chinese takeout restaurant on Pleasant Valley Way in West Orange, closed its doors April 30. Proprietor Simcha Klagsbrun cited “issues with the lease” for its decision to close. “We appreciate everyone’s patronage over the last two years,” he said by telephone.

The restaurant originally opened as Chopstix in 2005, a satellite location for the Teaneck-based restaurant, but it was sold in 2012 and became Woxx Asian Cuisine. In 2015, it was again taken over by new management but retained its name.

Klagsbrun told NJJN that the restaurant is “hoping to reopen in the general area within a few months, offering sit-down service,” but declined to say in which town that would be.

“I was very sad and disappointed to see it close,” said Rabbi Mendel Solomon of Ahavat Torah: Chabad of Short Hills, who serves as one of three co-presidents of the Vaad Harabonim of MetroWest, the group of Orthodox rabbis who oversee kosher establishments in the local community. “People have depended on it for a long time.”

The Vaad certifies the kashrut of 20 entities, including eight caterers (two of which also offer takeout from West Orange storefronts), a butcher and prepared food in three ShopRite locations, two specialty stores (chocolate and nuts, respectively), a bagel shop, a bakery, a senior housing complex, and four restaurants, including a smoked meat truck, Rye Deli and Tokyo Hibachi in Springfield, and Jerusalem Pizza in Livingston. Woxx was the only kosher restaurant in West Orange.

“We are doing what we can to increase kosher in the area,” said Solomon.

While some praised the restaurant, other recent comments on YELP described some of the problems that may have led to its demise. “Very good kosher Chinese,” wrote Lauren S. of Parsippany. “Decent portion, takeout is quick (15-20 mins.) and good quality meat.” She added, “Really enjoyed the wonton egg drop and garlic chicken. So happy to have this kosher restaurant nearby.” But Janet S. in Livingston wrote, “The food is never ready on time, and last night’s dinner bordered on inedible. The floors and counters are sticky and the kitchen looks a mess. Unfortunately they are the only game in town for kosher Chinese.”

Tokyo Hibachi, another glatt kosher Asian restaurant that delivers to West Orange and other areas, opened in Springfield in November 2011.