American Coney Island says Lafayette Coney rat closure is hurting business

American Coney Island says a rat infestation that temporarily closed its Downtown Detroit neighbor, Lafayette Coney Island, is impacting business.

Lafayette voluntarily shuttered on Friday after an inspection found evidence of rats inside the beloved Coney joint. 

"There was an abundance of rat pellets," said Denise Fair Razo, the Detroit Chief Public Health Officer. "It was way too many to be open."

American and Lafayette share the same building, and there is a longstanding debate over who has the best Coney dogs. However, after evidence of rats at Lafayatte was found, American said its business is being hurt.

Commenters on social media have expressed concerns about American since both eateries are in the same space. In a press release, American said it goes "over and beyond to ensure a clean restaurant and not having issues like their next-door neighbor."

American Coney owner Grace Keros expressed frustration over the closure, saying that she keeps her building clean and orderly and shouldn't be impacted by the other restaurant's problems.

"I'm annoyed, I'm upset," Keros said when speaking to reporters on Monday morning. "What they do - we are not one and the same. Not in how we run the business, not in how we act, not in what we serve."

According to Detroit restaurant inspection records, American Coney hasn't had an inspection that revealed priority concerns in nearly five years. Both American and Lafayette are scheduled to be inspected every 150 days.

The backstory:

This closure is the second time that the restaurant has shut its doors over rodents. 

In 2022, Lafayette Coney Island was shut down following a failed health inspection

Then, rat videos from inside were posted onto social media and health inspectors found droppings inside.

Related

Lafayette Coney Island temporarily closes after second rat infestation

A Detroit landmark coney island will close down temporarily to address an infestation, and it is not the first in its history.

Workers at Lafayette said the problem started with rats from a nearby garden who make their way inside the two empty spaces in the building — and then through holes in the basement wall at Lafayette. 

What they're saying:

On social media, Lafayette Coney Island shared a copy of a pest inspection report, saying that no evidence of rats was found:

"We wanted to put on the record that we have been diligent at taking care of things and we have our amazing Orkin team who inspects and services our place weekly. Orkin was here last on 1/22/2025 and they found no evidence of any infestation. And I have attached a copy for you to see, if they had found something we would of proceeded properly. 

"Detroit does have a rat problem. The city needs to help the businesses that keep this beautiful city of ours running. I guarantee there are other places with an infestation. Yes, the building is old and we have decided to take this time to put in new flooring, paint and make some minor updates to better serve our customers. We love all of our customers and appreciate everyone who supports us and has our backs. 

"And in light of the soapbox statement someone made earlier, unlike her we have never been and are not into bashing and putting down other businesses, we arent that desperate. The true Detroit Spirit is to help and raise each other up! Like we have done over the years when they needed help. It's easy for American Coney Island to blame us. But who can really say the rats arent coming from them to our side? We might need to find and interview one of the rats just to make sure. Oh and yes we have a broom and even a mop."

What's next:

Lafayette has been ordered to patch up the holes in the basement and come up with a plan of action to prevent future issues. City inspectors are expected to check in on the restaurant's progress early this week.

The Source: This story was written with information from the Detroit Health Department, a press release from American Coney Island, and American owner Grace Keros.

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