DETROIT – It’s been almost two weeks since Detroit’s well-known Lafayette Coney Island closed for a rat infestation.
It’s their second shutdown since 2022. Now, the owners are seeing increased pressure from the community.
Malik Shabazz, a community activist, is calling for the restaurant to be permanently closed.
“We know we’re downtown. We know it’s an urban city. We know we’re dealing with food. And people make mistakes, but it was supposed to be cleaned up. It was supposed to be straightened up,” said Shabazz. “Look, when you got rats, you got rat feces, you got rat urine. So, when you’re eating your chili, you’re eating rats. You got rat hairs.”
“As far as I’m concerned, their license should be revoked,” continued Shabazz.
Lafayette Coney Island released a statement, saying, “Detroit does have a rat problem. The city needs to help the business that keeps this beautiful city of ours running. I guarantee there are other places with an infestation.”