NILES — When heavy rains in February caused historic flooding across the Michiana region, Hot Wok — a well-loved local Chinese restaurant was among Niles’ downtown businesses damaged in the storm’s wake. 

Since closing their doors at 424 N. Second St. in March, business owner Xiu Lin has been working to make repairs. On Monday, Lin was back behind the counter of his restaurant, filling orders for bourbon chicken, shrimp-fried rice, General Tso’s chicken and many other dishes. The fanfare was so great that, by Monday evening, a call to the restaurant revealed that the business had actually run out of food. 

Lin has owned the Chinese restaurant for the past eight years in downtown Niles. Originally from Hong Kong, China, Lin’s first language is Mandarin. Lin’s nephew Tony Xiao, of St. Joseph, helped to communicate his uncle’s efforts to repair his business.

Xiao said Lin was forced to close the business in March and that he had to complete a number of repairs to get the business operating once again.

“They had to close because of water damage,” Xiao said. “They had to gut the whole restaurant and replace the dry wall and make sure everything was mold free and all dried.”

For weeks, comments filled the business’s Facebook page, expressing sadness that the restaurant was temporarily closed. When the restaurant announced plans to re-open Monday, customers were very enthusiastic.

“Hot Wok is back open? I know where I’m eating tomorrow…,” wrote Ron Metz.

Others echoed this sentiment, saying they were delighted to see the “open” sign back in the window.

For his part, Lin said he was glad to have the opportunity to be back at work.

“I’m looking forward to not sitting on my butt,” Lin quipped.

When asked what it was like to finally be able to re-open his business of eight years, a smile spread across Lin’s face.

Xiao said Lin was surprised by the community’s response.

“Word of mouth traveled real fast,” Xiao said for Lin. “They ran out of a whole lot of things, because they were not expecting that.”

Prior to owning Hot Wok, Lin operated a restaurant in Louisiana. He moved to Niles to be closer to family, Xiao said.

Lin said customers can still expect to find their favorites on the menu.

“It’s been such a long time, I’m sure everyone is craving Chinese again,” Lin said.

Hot Wok is a take-out and dine in restaurant. Their hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information about Hot Wok, visit the business’s Facebook page at facebook.com/Hot-Wok-166544846693414.