UPDATE: Allegheny County Health Department says this Alert was lifted on February 28 after all issues were resolved.
Kirk Vogel, President of Walnut Grill Holdings tells KDKA Radio:
We apologize to our guests and community and acknowledge the recent health citation which we take seriously. The health and safety of our guests and team have been our top priority since we opened our restaurant almost 20 years ago. We addressed the issue promptly and thoroughly. Our team actively worked with health authorities to rectify the issue as well as further training for our team. On Friday, February 28th at approximately 3:00pm, the citation was removed. “One of the best follow-up-walk-thru inspections I have ever seen,” was the response of the health official.
We appreciate the ongoing support of our community and we are dedicated to maintaining the trust you place in us. We will continue to reciprocate our community support as we have the past two decades. Thank you for your understanding.
A Consumer Alert has been issued for a popular restaurant in the Pittsburgh area.
Walnut Grill on Freeport Road in Fox Chapel was hit with 15 violations, including three considered "high-risk” after an inspection on Thursday.
According to an inspection report, the high-risk violations include three workers found smoking and then returning to work without washing their hands.
Mouse droppings were found near nine areas of the restaurant and 11 dead mice were found in the restaurant, specifically the bar area and staff locker room.
One live mouse was found in the seating area.
Grease and black mold were found in some areas of the restaurant including grease and dirt on a kitchen air vent and hood exhaust system.
Black mold was found, along with “pink sludge” on a deflection plat in the kitchen ice machine.
The restaurant also “lacks high temperatures dish machine puck and/or test trips to monitor water temperatures.”
Visit the Allegheny County Health Department’s website for the full report as well as any updates when the Alert is lifted.
Walnut Grill operates four locations in the Pittsburgh area, only the Fox Chapel location is affected by the Alert.