UPDATE, MAY 12: All clear! As of this morning, an inspector found no new sign of rodent activity and all materials sanitized and stored properly. A pest control service has been contracted. It may reopen. 

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UPDATE, MAY 9 (later): The Environmental Health Division has un-reopened Old Town Coffee and Chocolates, and says that today’s reopening was an error.

Here’s a statement from Director Mario Kalson:

Environmental Health has reclosed Old Town Coffee & Chocolates. It appears they were reopened this morning in error. We regret that this error was made and are reviewing internal processes and training.

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UPDATE, MAY 9: DHHS has announced that, following a reinspection, Old Town Coffee and Chocolates’ retail food facility permit has been reinstated. 

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Original Post: The Humboldt County Division of Environmental Health has ordered downtown Eureka staple Old Town Coffee & Chocolates to close its doors to the public, at least until such time as it has dealt with what the division is characterizing as a major rodent infestation.

During a visit yesterday, a health inspector noted rodent feces “in every area of [the] facility” — including, but not limited to, kitchen counters, underneath coffee makers, in the “chocolate room,” in dry storage, and on floors in the dining area.

In order to reopen, the cafe will have to clean and sanitize all contaminated surfaces, throw away a bunch of single-use utensils and the like, and contract with a pest control service. 

Read the entire inspection report here.