COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A local restaurant that has been serving customers for more than 40 years appeared before Columbus Public Health officials Monday.
NBC 4’s Matt Alvarez reported with the FAST FACTS.
Shades Restaurant at 983 E. 5th Ave. had 11 critical food-safety violations during a CPH inspection Thursday, March 19.
Inspectors found alleged unsafe practices, including cross-contamination of raw and ready-to-eat foods, unclean food surfaces and improper date-marking.
It wasn’t the first time Shades has received food-safety violations, either.
Food-safety inspectors found similar issues in 2008, and the owner voluntarily shut down the business for four months.
The restaurant, which boasts a big community fan base, recently reopened.
"Since we reopened, we've seen over 8,000 people. We serve great food. Great prices. And, it's a historical landmark in Columbus," Marc Ryder said.
Ryder admitted to past mistakes, some of which he said he inherited with his new position as manager. He’s optimistic for the future, though.
Ryder also said he was unaware that some of the violations discovered by health officials were indeed violations.
"It is overwhelming. I’ve been the manager since February 3rd. I am working very hard. I work 10- to 12-hour shifts. And I’m putting in 80 hours per week at the restaurant, but it’s worth it. We have a great customer base, and it’s going to continue to get better," Ryder said.
Columbus Board of Health was scheduled to make a decision on what actions will be taken against the restaurant Tuesday, May 19.
For additional information, stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com -- Where Accuracy Matters.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail stories@nbc4i.com.
MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News
NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video
NBC 4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video
Advertisement