Lafayette Coney Island temporarily closes after second rat infestation

DETROIT (FOX 2) - A Detroit landmark coney island will close down temporarily to address an infestation, and it is not the first in its history. 

What we know:

The Lafayette Coney Island in downtown Detroit is set to temporarily close their restaurant to address a rat infestation issue, according to Chief Public Health Officer, Denise Fair Razo.

"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," she said. 

The closure will allow workers to clean the restaurant and look over structural issues. This can include permanently sealing all openings to the outdoors.

"Our priority is to protect the public's health and ensure that the establishment meets all safety standards before reopening," Razo said.

The backstory:

This is, unfortunately, not the first time rats shut down the famous coney island. 

In 2022, Lafayette Coney Island was shut down following a failed health inspection. 

Then, rat videos from inside were posted onto social media and health inspectors found droppings inside.

Workers at Lafayette said the problem starts with rats from a nearby garden who make their way inside the two empty spaces in the building — and then through holes in the basement wall at Lafayette.

Customers at the Lafayette Coney Island recorded video of rats inside the renowned restaurant.

"I see rats, a mouse, Tom and Jerry," said customer Dion Hastie who watched the video.

Someone tagged the city’s health department in the video, leading to them sending inspectors there immediately.

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Lafayette Coney Island voluntarily closes following failed health inspection, sources say

Lafayette Coney Island was closed on Wednesday, Sept. 7, after a failed health inspection, according to FOX 2 sources.

What we don't know:

As of Friday, it is unknown when they will be back open.