NHP’s Nanking Restaurant honored by Kaplan

Tom McCarthy
The Chinese-Indian Nanking Restaurant was honored with a New York State Senate 2019 Empire Business Award from State Sen. Anna Kaplan (D-Great Neck) for their service to the community last Thursday. (Photo courtesy of State Sen. Anna Kaplan's office)

The Chinese-Indian Nanking Restaurant was honored with a New York State Senate 2019 Empire Business Award from state Sen. Anna Kaplan (D-Great Neck) for their service to the community Thursday.

“Nanking has truly become a home for the diverse communities of New Hyde Park to come together for a great meal and to work towards the betterment of our community,” Kaplan said. 

The reason for the award, Kaplan said, was for the restaurant being known for “opening their doors” to local community groups, including generously providing dinners and catering services to community events. 

The guidelines for the award focus on businesses that excel in their field while playing an active role in supporting their community, Kaplan’s office said. 

“By generously hosting and supporting so many local groups, Nanking is helping these organizations to grow and thrive, so that they can improve the lives of our friends and neighbors,” Kaplan said. 

Nanking owner Mike Himani said that when his New York City restaurant expanded into New Hyde Park 15 years ago he and the staff made it their mission to give back to the diverse community that welcomed them with open arms. 

Some of the things that Nanking does for the community including volunteering and donate to local soup kitchens, charities, the Greater New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce and other local organizations, Himani said.

Himani said the makeup of the average customer is very diverse.

“We know people by their first name now, a lot of them, not only Indian people,” Himani said. “We are so honored to be recognized by Senator Kaplan for our efforts, and will continue to do everything we can to support the community.”  

Himani urged Long Islanders to be “adventurous”, saying that not all the food is the restaurant is spicy and that they are an A La Carte restaurant.

Awareness is important to a healthy community, Himani said. He stressed it is important to welcome and be kind to all communities.

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