Dover buffet temporarily closed, deemed 'high risk' after state finds dead, live rodents

A Dover buffet was closed by the health department after an inspector found live and dead roaches throughout the restaurant.

Old Town Buffet at 1646 S. Governors Ave. was closed March 19 due to "imminent health hazard" and "extremely gross unsanitary conditions," according to the report. The restaurant was allowed to reopen on March 21, but was designated as a "high risk" food establishment. 

READ MORE RESTAURANT INSPECTIONS

Rodent droppings, improper temperatures result in state closing Urban Cafe

Wilmington gyro eatery closed for 'large' rodent droppings, employees not washing hands

Dover food store closed after cat complaint, kimchi violation, state says

The official noted in the report dead roaches also were found at its last routine inspection in early February. The inspection last week stemmed from a complaint in which a person saw a cockroach near the restrooms and the "manager came out and killed it."

During the inspection on March 19, the health official saw roaches on the wall and dead roaches throughout storage areas, the report said. The official ordered the restaurant owners to clean the food debris under every table and piece of equipment.

The inspector also wrote pest management needs to assess the level of infestation in the food establishment, the report said. The restaurant was fined $100 for having a repeat violation from the inspection in February. 

During a follow-up inspection the next day, the inspector found food debris under tables and equipment and a roach "moving toward grill area," the report said. There was still a buildup of grease in certain areas.

There also was clutter in the back room, including bikes and fishing rods. The buffet was fined an additional $100 for not correcting violations from the previous day.

Old Town Buffet was allowed to reopen following a re-inspection on March 21. The state health official said the restaurant is now considered "high risk," meaning it will have an inspection every three months until it has two routine inspections without any violations, the report said. 

The inspector also wrote that pest management needs to spray the business once a week for three months. 

At least 15 food establishments have been ordered closed by the state since the start of 2019. This includes Hong Kong Chinese Buffet in New Castle, the bar of Bowlero near Prices Corner, China Taste in Milford and Tasti Thai in New Castle. 

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.