Detroit Health Department clears Lafayette Coney Island to reopen
- Clearance given after restaurant makes significant upgrades to establishment to ensure cleanliness and health safety
- Lafayette Coney Island voluntarily closed on January 24 due to rodent infestation and related issues
- Passed inspection on Monday; set to open today following final training by Health Department staff
The Detroit Health Department reinspected Lafayette Coney Island on Monday, March 3, and the restaurant has passed the inspection and reopened on Tuesday, March 4. Chief Public Health Officer, Denise Fair Razo provided an update on the voluntary closure of Lafayette Coney Island and the steps the restaurant has taken to address health concerns identified by Environmental Health Inspectors. The update also covered the restaurant’s ongoing efforts to maintain safety standards, and the continued cooperation between the Detroit Health Department and the establishment.
In addition, the Detroit Health Department outlined the measures being implemented to ensure that all restaurants in the city maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and safety for residents.
"We take the health and safety of Detroit residents very seriously," said Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair Razo. "Through the Dining with Confidence Ordinance and our ongoing inspections, we are working to ensure that our city's restaurants are safe, clean, and meet the highest food safety standards. Lafayette Coney Island took the responsible step of voluntarily closing after our Environmental Health Inspectors identified health concerns, and due to their efforts, the restaurant has reopened. We will continue working closely with Lafayette Coney Island and all restaurants to address any issues and maintain a safe dining environment. Ensuring the safety of our residents is a top priority."
Key Initiatives from the Detroit Health Department to Ensure Restaurant Safety:
Dining with Confidence Ordinance:
Effective as of October 1, 2024, this ordinance aims to raise awareness about restaurant inspection results and encourages restaurants to correct violations through a public placard system. As of today, over 1,000 Detroit restaurants have been awarded the Green Placard for meeting high standards of food safety.
Routine Inspections:
Inspections are conducted every 6 to 12 months to ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation standards. Inspectors also educate restaurant management on best practices for food safety.
Progressive Enforcement:
Restaurants failing to correct serious violations face progressive enforcement actions to ensure compliance and protect the public.
"It is great to see a restaurant with a long history of serving Detroiters reopen after working with the Detroit Health Department to meet the requirements of the State's food safety standards," said City Councilmember Scott Benson. "One of the reasons we worked extensively with our restaurant community on the Dining with Confidence placard program was to instill not only confidence in the dining public about the cleanliness and food safety of our restaurants, but also to ensure that our eateries work with the Detroit Health Department if they have trouble complying with the health code. Earning a green placard for meeting compliance standards tells the public you take their safety seriously and will lead to business success in our city."
Key Improvements Lafayette Coney Island Implemented to Demonstrate Good Standing:
Staff Training:
Lafayette Coney Island has completed comprehensive training for all staff members on food safety and sanitation practices. This ensures that every employee is knowledgeable about best practices for maintaining a clean and safe environment for both staff and patrons.
Repairs to Prevent Pests:
The restaurant has made necessary repairs to eliminate any points of entry for pests. This includes sealing gaps and addressing structural issues that could have allowed pests to enter the restaurant, reinforcing their commitment to a pest-free environment.
Cleaning Protocols:
Lafayette Coney Island has established daily and weekly cleaning protocols to ensure that all areas of the restaurant remain sanitized and meet health standards.
The Detroit Health Department is committed to making sure that all restaurants in Detroit operate safely, and that patrons can dine with confidence, knowing their health is a top priority.