Video of filth at Detroit Popeyes leads to shutdown

Sarah Rahal | The Detroit News

A Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen in Detroit is closed Tuesday after a video showing unsanitary conditions inside the restaurant went viral on Facebook.

The Detroit Health Department’s Food Safety Team shut down the restaurant, 14180 Gratiot Ave., at 2 p.m. due to multiple health risks.

"The location is temporarily closed and the Popeye’s management is cooperating with the Health Department and following all cleaning protocols," health department officials posted on Facebook.

The video was posted by a Popeyes worker, Shakita Shemere, who showed the filthy scene after she was told to clean up. Shemere repeated the word "sick" as she recorded dirty dishes being used, water covering the floor, bugs and uncovered meat being frozen.

The Detroit Health Department said it will work with the Popeyes location to make sure the restaurant is in compliance with regulations before it reopens.

Popeyes corporate offices responded, saying public health and safety are top priorities for the chain.

"We understand that the franchisee who owns and operates this location is currently working with local health officials and taking all appropriate measures to ensure that the restaurant is safe for all guests and team members," Popeyes officials said in a statement.

The video below of the inside the restaurant includes vulgar language.