NASHUA – One of the city’s oldest restaurants, the Haluwa Restaurant & Lounge at the Nashua Mall, has shut, but is reportedly being sold to an employee and will reopen soon.

The restaurant, which dates back to 1977, didn’t open for business last Friday and hasn’t opened since. Undelivered mail and phone books are scattered around its front door, and a sticky note from FedEx tells of a failed package delivery.

People at adjoining businesses said they had been told owner Allan Lew is selling the business to a longtime employee, who plans to reopen it under the same name and with a similar menu.

Lew, of Brookline, Mass., could not be reached for comment, nor could a spokesman for The MEG Companies, which manages the mall.

However, in a video posted on Facebook, Lew said he is retiring and the business would be closed for a week to 10 days while his “day manager David” prepares to take it over. Lew said in the video that there would be no changes.

Heidi Peek, Nashua’s health officer, who must sign off on any restaurant operation, said her office had heard this rumor but received no official confirmation.

“We heard there was someone who wanted to buy it. We’re waiting to do a change-of-ownership inspection,” Peek said.

The uncertain status of the Haluwa Restaurant & Lounge, which advertises its Chinese, Polynesian and Hawaiian food, has produced dismay in its regular customers.

“I’d hate to see a place like that close,” said Ron Leclerc, of Nashua. “I’ve been going since the late ’80s. … It’s homey, and the people there are always friendly. The owner, Al, is always there.”

David Brooks can be reached at 594-6531 or dbrooks@nashuatelegraph.com. Also, follow Brooks on Twitter (@GraniteGeek).

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