Food Hub in Flatts has relocated operations to Devonshire – a move its owner says was already planned but now comes amid backlash over viral videos showing what appeared to be untidy scene inside the kitchen.
The restaurateur insists those images are outdated and do not reflect current conditions.
The takeaway and delivery spot has now moved to its sister site Pinky’s in Devonshire, combining menus and continuing delivery services from the new location.
Management says the move helps them “demonstrate… that we are serious about safety, not just physical safety but the sense of safety,” while the Flatts location undergoes renovations and prepares for a relaunch under the direction of a new Head Chef. A plan that has been in the works since last year but has since been sped up.
Readers might be aware of videos that made the rounds on social media earlier this week appearing to show unsanitary conditions inside the original kitchen.
In response, owner Marico Thomas says the issue was addressed last year, adding, “the situation was corrected and has been controlled.”
He says steps included retraining staff, removing some employees, and reinforcing standards, which he says adherence to is mandatory.
Mr Thomas also pushed back on the timing of the footage, stressing, “this matter is NOT current” and that the images “do NOT reflect the corrections taken, nor the reestablishment of the standards.”
He said: “The recent public outcry has been tough, harder because we had already taken the steps to rectify the situation and because a former employee (the videographer) was directly responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the premises.”
The Department of Health says it understands the public’s concern, calling the footage “disturbing” and “unacceptable.”
However, officials say they were told the video is several months old.
A surprise inspection carried out the same night the videos surfaced found no evidence of pests.
Mr Thomas echoed that, saying inspectors found “nothing… zero,” and that the business meets its current health rating of a B.
As for the site switch-up, Mr Thomas described the timing as useful, allowing them to accelerate plans to prepare the Flatts store and the neighbourhood for something new.
He said: “We were going to change Flatts anyway, we are just doing it now. “
Meantime, health officials say the establishment will continue to be monitored and expressed appreciation for the community’s vigilance.
Anyone with food safety concerns should report them directly to Environmental Health on 278-5333.
