DETROIT (WXYZ) — The Detroit Health Department on Friday said that Lafayette Coney Island in downtown has closed once again to address a rat problem.
The health department posted on Facebook that it has been working with the popular coney spot to address a rat infestation.
"As a result, an inspection was completed and Lafayette Coney Island has voluntarily shut-down until all violations are corrected, which includes a plan of action to prevent future violations. During this closure, the restaurant will undergo thorough cleaning, and address all structural issues, including permanently sealing all openings to the outdoors," the post said on Facebook.
Signs outside the restaurant on Friday said they're closed for remodeling. The owners say they hope to reopen in seven to 10 days after intense cleaning and changes inside.
Lafayette Coney Island owners let 7 News Detroit inside to see firsthand as efforts are underway to ensure a safe and clean space for staff and customers. They said they voluntarily closed on a temporary basis after the health department visited for a report of raised concerns.
“The customer left a message and they essentially stated that they saw rats running through the restaurant. And this is exactly what we experienced about two years ago,” said Denise Fair Razo, the director of the Detroit Health Department.
In September 2022, the coney spot had to close temporarily after an inspector reportedly found rat droppings inside Lafayette after videos circulated on social media showing rats inside. Lafayette closed for more than a month before reopening in the middle of October 2022.
Watch below: 2022 report on Lafayette Coney Island's closure due to rat problem
“There were rat droppings throughout the restaurant, which is unacceptable. So, we worked really closely with the owners, sat down with them, shared with them exactly what our expectation was in terms of keeping the restaurant clean,” Razo said.
Razo shared what will happen next.
“They’re going to clean the restaurant top to bottom. They're going to patch the holes where the rats are coming through. And then, we’ll do another inspection and we'll let them know whether they’ll be able to open or not,” she said.
Lafayette also said their flooring will be replaced.
Outside the restaurant, some customers were surprised to hear of the temporary closure.
“I was shocked. I’ve always had pleasurable experiences in there so I mean, that just wasn’t my experience,” customer Ayana Gates said.
Watch below: 2022 report on tracking inspections of iconic Lafayette Coney Island closed due to rats
Another customer, Beatriz Molina, said “I personally have not seen anything, nothing out of the ordinary.”
“They have good food, service is good, respectful, everything is awesome,” customer Freddy Ayala said.
Lafayette has a big reputation in the city, which includes many visits from elected leaders and major stakeholders.
“We are very hopeful that over the next couple of days, they will clean up their act and be able to reopen again because it’s a wonderful restaurant. It’s a great place to eat and a family-friendly environment,” Razo said.
