Hibachi Grill in Peoples Plaza closed for flies, roaches and lack of permit

Hibachi Grill in Bear was temporarily shut down by the health department after a state official saw dead flies and roaches in the kitchen and employees not washing their hands.

The restaurant at 730 Peoples Plaza, which touts more than 150 items, was ordered closed by the Division of Public Health during a routine inspection on Jan. 16. It was operating without a proper permit and had "gross unsanitary conditions," according to the inspection report.

Manager Helen Chen said Tuesday the restaurant reopened for business on Jan. 17. "We already corrected everything. Everything is fine," she said. 

A state inspector wrote in the Jan. 16 report that the restaurant didn't inform the health department about a change of ownership and wrote that the "person in charge was evasive" when the official asked who was the current owner.

Fly strips throughout the kitchen were "completely coated with dead flies," the report said. Roaches were seen under and on the dishwasher as well as the employee restroom and sink.

Raw eggs were kept on top of raw peppers in the refrigerator, according to a report. The pH meter was also not working for the sushi.

The dumplings on the steam table were not at the correct temperature, the report said. They measured 108 degrees, when they should be held at 135 degrees. 

During the inspection, the health official observed employees "wiping hands on cloths in the food prep area instead of washing them with soap and water." They were also rinsing their hands with "dirty gloves ... instead of removing gloves and washing with soap and water and changing gloves."

The plumbing line in the employee's bathroom was disconnected, preventing employees from using that toilet, the report said. 

The inspector wrote that the person in charge did not "demonstrate knowledge of food safety principles by ensuring that food temperatures are monitored, employees are effectively cleaning their hands, properly sanitizing equipment" and "preventing cross-contamination of foods and food contact surfaces."  

The inspector wrote that the restaurant could not reopen until a change of ownership application is submitted and the violations were corrected. 

So far this year, at least six food establishments have been ordered closed by the state. China Taste in Milford was closed Jan. 8 after a health inspector saw roaches in the kitchen and shrimp thawing in a bucket, while Tasti Thai in New Castle was closed Jan. 9 for the second time in three months.

The bar of Bowlero, a bowling alley near Prices Corner, was closed on Jan. 4 after an inspector found "paper towels with fecal matter" on the floor. It reopened on Jan. 7.

A Best Western in Bear was ordered to stop serving a breakfast buffet Jan. 8 until it had the proper food permit. 

Semo's, a downtown Wilmington restaurant that serves lamb gyros, was temporarily closed on Jan. 2 and reopened the next day. 

Customers who want to anonymously report unsanitary conditions at Delaware food establishments and restaurants can call a consumer complaint hotline at 302-744-4736. Inspectors follow up on complaints.

Contact Meredith Newman at (302) 324-2386 or mnewman@delawareonline.com and on Twitter @MereNewman. Contact Patricia Talorico at (302) 324-2861 or ptalorico@delawareonline.com and on Twitter @pattytalorico.