Winnipeg restaurant given green light to reopen after closure due to rodents

A well-known Winnipeg restaurant recently re-opened after being temporarily shuttered due to what health inspectors say was the presence of rodents and other issues.

But the owner of Deer + Almond in the Exchange District says the closure was an isolated incident.

“First time in the history of the restaurant being open that that happened,” said owner and chef Mandel Hitzer.

“We set a high standard when it comes to health care, and we resolved the problem.”

The restaurant, which offers Winnipeggers a $77, four-course “dining experience,” was closed by provincial health inspectors for two days during the period of April 6-12.

The reason provided: it failed to “take effective measures against the entry and presence of rodents” alongside failing to ensure food was protected from contamination and that food contact surfaces were cleaned and sanitized.

Deer + Almond in Winnipeg’s Exchange District is reopened after a short closure due to health violations in what its owner says was an isolated incident. (Mike Sudoma/CityNews)

Hitzer says steps have already been taken to remedy the issues. He says inspectors have since given them the “green light” to continue service.

While he understands patrons may be wary, he says the restaurant’s offerings are safe to eat and they’re looking at the incident as a learning experience.

“I hope people restore their faith in us,” he said. “We’ve done our job. We’re actually really proud that we’ve had the opportunity to do a better job, because that’s what we do, day in and day out.”

Jim Middleton, the owner of Reliance Pest Management, has more than a decade of experience managing unwanted rodents and critters. He says to stop mice, you have to cut off their food source.

“If you don’t do this, then whoever takes care of a mouse issue, is really only taking care of a portion of the population of mice that are in there,” said Middleton.

Jim Middleton, owner Reliance Pest Management, says it’s important restaurants take the presence of pests seriously. (Mike Sudoma/CityNews)

While he doesn’t know what went on specifically at Deer + Almond, he says it’s important restaurants are free of pests and take their presence seriously.

“If you have a mouse problem, and let’s say no one is dealing with this at all, I would close it down and the reason I say this is because the urine from mice can be anywhere.”

Hitzer says he’s thankful for the inspection and proud the shop was able to quickly address the issues. He believes the relationship between health inspectors and those on the front line of food services is critical.

“We have to put our faith in them,” he said. “They’re doing their job and we’re proud to keep a good rapport with them.”