The Allegheny County Health Department has lifted its health alert against Walnut Grill in the Waterworks near Aspinwall after addressing a rodent issue and multiple health code violations. The restaurant, part of a regional chain, quickly took corrective action following an inspection that found evidence of mice and other infractions.
The alert was removed on Feb. 28, according to Abigail Gardner, director of communications for Allegheny County.
Co-owner of the Walnut Grill group of restaurants Kirk Vogel said the situation was handled within 24 hours.
“Sometimes things happen,” Vogel said. “We took care of everything immediately.”
A health inspection report released Thursday cited rodent droppings and 11 dead mice, along with 15 health code violations — three of which were classified as high-risk, including general sanitation on floors, walls and ceilings and general premises. Low-risk concerns included missing floor tiles and water pooling in some areas. No cross-contamination hazards were observed, and the kitchen surfaces, air vents and hood were cleaned.
Vogel said the restaurants have pest control companies on site biweekly because the restaurant is located not far from the river on Freeport Road. The Allegheny County Health Department’s food safety report confirms that the facility removed dead mice and rodent droppings and that a pest control treatment was provided.
Walnut Grill operates additional locations in Robinson, South Strabane and Pine, and also owns Rival in Collier.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive staff writer. She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com. Quincey Reese is a TribLive staff writer. She can be reached at qreese@triblive.com.
