Update, Thursday morning: The Popeyes on Gratiot Ave. near 7 Mile, which had been closed since late last month because of filthy conditions, opened Tuesday after it corrected all cited violations, WXYZ reports. If some customers don't return, that will be understandable.
A Detroit Health Deparment statement says:
As of today, the Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen location at 14180 Gratiot in Detroit has corrected all cited violations and is in compliance with the Michigan Food Law and Code. Popeyes has fully cooperated with the Detroit Health Department’s Food Safety Team, submitted a corrective action plan, and has reopened.
The corrective action plan includes protocols on staff training, cleaning and improvements to timeliness and prioritization of repairs and to stay in compliance with the Food Code. The Popeyes Management will provide updates on the implementation of their corrective action plan to the Detroit Health Department.
The Detroit Health Department’s Food Safety Team will continue to monitor the establishment and follow up with regular food safety inspections.
Original article, July 25:
No chicken wings, cajun fries or po’boys are available at a roach-infested Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen branch near East Seven Mile for the second straight day.
And a new manager will be on the staff when the Detroit Health Department lets the shop at 14180 Gratiot Ave. it reopen. The supervisor blamed for disgusting conditions and another staffer were fired, Kimberly Craig reports at WXYZ.
She shares this health department statement:
"The Detroit Health Department's Food Safety Team is conducting an ongoing investigation of the Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen located at 14180 Gratiot.
"The Popeyes management is fully cooperating with the health department and has agreed to voluntarily remain closed until all priority violations are in compliance."
The broadcaster also speaks with recently hired employee Shakita Jones, who posted a Facebook Live video of conditions (below):
"When I filled out that application, it didn't say we got roaches, you gotta kill them, you have to step on them. It didn't say they had dead flies on the ice."
Original article, Tuesday evening:
Detroit health inspectors are monitoring a deep cleaning at this Gratiot fast food outlet.
Dirty floors and weeks-old food. That's enough right there to turn stomachs.
That appeared to be just a portion of the deplorable conditions that prompted the Detroit Health Department to temporarily close a Popeyes on Tuesday at 14180 Gratiot near Seven Mile on the east side, DeAsia Paige writes at the Detroit Free Press.
A Facebook Live video Monday revealed employees upset with the work environment and unsanitary conditions. The Detroit Health Department found those conditions deplorable enough to temporarily shut the shop Tuesday afternoon, according to a statement from the department:
"The Detroit Health Department’s Food Safety Team is currently on site and investigating the Popeye’s location at 14180 Gratiot. The location is temporarily closed and the Popeye’s management is cooperating with the Health Department and following all cleaning protocols.
"The Detroit Health Department will continue to work with the Popeyes' location and it will work to make sure the restaurant is in compliance prior to reopening."
