Beloved Lafayette Coney Island reopens after rat infestation

Historic Detroit eatery Lafayette Coney Island reopens after addressing health concerns.

A beloved Detroit institution, Lafayette Coney Island, has reopened its doors after implementing significant health and safety improvements. The iconic restaurant, which voluntarily closed on January 24 due to rodent issues, passed a rigorous reinspection by the Detroit Health Department on Monday, March 3, and welcomed customers back on Tuesday.

The restaurant’s successful reopening marks a positive example of collaboration between local businesses and health authorities to maintain food safety standards in Detroit’s dining scene.

Comprehensive improvements ensure safe dining experience

Lafayette Coney Island underwent extensive renovations and improvements during its closure, including:

  • Complete structural repairs to prevent pest entry
  • Implementation of new cleaning protocols
  • Comprehensive staff training on food safety practices
  • Enhanced sanitization procedures

Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair Razo praised the restaurant’s proactive approach, stating: “We take the health and safety of Detroit residents very seriously. 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.”

New city-wide restaurant safety initiatives

The reopening coincides with Detroit’s broader efforts to enhance restaurant safety across the city. The Health Department has implemented several key programs:

  • The Dining with Confidence Ordinance, effective October 1, 2024, which includes a public placard system
  • Regular health inspections every 6-12 months
  • Progressive enforcement measures for safety violations

City Councilmember Scott Benson expressed support for the reopening, noting: “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.”

The successful resolution of Lafayette Coney Island’s health concerns demonstrates the effectiveness of Detroit’s restaurant safety programs, with over 1,000 establishments already earning Green Placards for meeting high food safety standards.

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