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UPDATED: After closure for heavy roach infestation, Shoney’s in Corbin could reopen early next week
Posted On 23 Aug 2012
While the sign at the Shoney’s of Corbin claims the restaurant is "closed for repairs," it was actually shut down Wednesday by the Laurel County Health Department for a heavy infestation of roaches.
Laurel County Health Department officials say Shoney’s Restaurant in Corbin will remain closed until at least Monday as work continues to eliminate what they described as, "a heavy infestation of (roaches)."
Mark Hensley, director of the health department, said the restaurant will definitely be closed the remainder of this week. Before the restaurant may reopen, the health department must do a follow-up inspection to ensure the infestation has been eliminated.
"It is possible the reopen inspection will be done on Monday," Hensley said. "As soon as the inspector gives the ok, the restaurant can reopen."
The restaurant was ordered closed at noon on Aug. 15 when health department officials acting on an anonymous complaint, discovered, "unsanitary conditions."
"Due to what appeared to be a heavy infestation of insects that I observed to be roaches an immediate closure has taken place," inspector Rick Evans stated on the inspection report, which was released to The News Journal following an open records request.
Signs were posted on the front door of the restaurant explaining that it was closed by order of the health department.
Bill Emendorder of Athens, Tenn., the franchise owner, did not return calls seeking comment Tuesday.
Hensley said the crews have been working extremely hard to eliminate the infestation and get the restaurant open again.
"I think they have done the right thing," Hensley said, of the efforts.
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I have always wondered why our local health departments do not post the large green “A”, “B”, “C”, etc on the front doors or windows of our restauraunts. Travel anywhere outside of Knox, Whitley or Laurel counties and you know before you enter if the establishment has an acceptable grade.
I feel sick to my stomach now
Remember Hunan’s? It was closed due to roach and rat infestation, that place was one of the worst ever reported. If you were an emergency worker you could eat for $2 and have gastro problems the rest of the night. Shoney’s needs to be gutted out and rebuilt or torn down and a building put up. Or better yet keep it closed and open a Bob Evans or similar type place, the food would be better and bug free. If Shoney’s opens they will soon go under, no local will eat there.
how could it have gotten so bad? Do they not perform monthy inspections?
Pizza & Company has the same problem. But they never shut that nasty place down. I have even reported them to the health department after seeing roaches crawling on the counter right by the pizza I had went in to pick up. When I told them I didn’t want the pizza and pointed the roach out to them they didn’t act surprised. But they did act irritated that I asked for my money back.
Shoney’s might as well close down for good now. Even if they pass another inspection and reopen, who in their right mind would want to eat there? If they allowed roaches once, they’ll allow it again!
I always wondered what the crunch was in my biscuits and gravy — now I know!