28-01-2025
Lafayette Coney Island fires back at American, posts pest control report
Lafayette Coney Island — which shut down this weekend, with a sign on its door saying that it was closed for remodeling — took to social media late Monday to refute inflammatory comments made by its next-door neighbor about a rat problem.
The long post began: "We wanted to put on the record that we have been diligent at taking care of things and we have our amazing Orkin team who inspects and services our place weekly."
It included an Orkin service report, which "found no evidence of any infestation."
A decades-long, downtown Detroit rivalry between American Coney Island and Lafayette Coney Island, which at times has seemed friendly and been featured in the local and national media.
In 2013, for instance, Lafayette boasted on Facebook that it — and its "next door neighbors American Coney Island" — would be "featured on the Travel Channel's 'Food Paradise' show" and urged customers to check it out.
But the neighborly love wasn't there Monday, as the quick service eateries that serve savory hotdogs slathered with chili took shots at each other.
The Orkin report posted to Facebook was dated Jan. 22, noting that Lafayette had been a customer of the pest control company going back to 2022. Some information was redacted with black marker, including a technician's last name and license number, but much of it was plainly visible.
Key parts also were highlighted: "Upon inspection, there is no new activity to report."
We wanted to put on the record that we have been diligent at taking care of things and we have our amazing Orkin team...
Posted by Lafayette Coney Island on Monday, January 27, 2025
The Free Press contacted Orkin, which said it was looking into the report.
Lafayette's post added: "If they had found something we would of proceeded properly. Detroit does have a rat problem. The city needs to help the businesses that keep this beautiful city of ours running. I guarantee there are other places with an infestation."
Grace Keros, co-owner of American, called a news conference Monday at her restaurant, angrily making accusations about a rat problem in her neighbor's restaurant, touting her own eatery's cleanliness and calling for swift action.
Keros acknowledged Monday that some rats may be coming from a nearby public park, which she said grows vegetables in the summer. She suggested that was something that also should be addressed, but most of her criticisms were reserved for her competitor.
Lafayette, at 118 W. Lafayette Blvd., was inspected by the health department Friday, Denise Fair Razo, Detroit's chief public health officer, told the Free Press on Saturday. She said a consumer had complained about seeing rats while dining.
The health officer added that evidence of rat droppings was found in the basement.
More: American Coney Island owner outraged over neighboring Lafayette's rat problem
Lafayette also was shut down in 2022 after a video of rodents in the restaurant was shared on social media, sparking public outrage and disgust and prompting a visit from the city's health department inspectors.
By late Monday, however, Lafayette defended itself, returning fire at Keros, although not directly by name, and seemed to also mock the media's penchant for an investigation and a good story.
The Free Press also sought to contact Lafayette on Monday and Tuesday.
"Yes, the building is old and we have decided to take this time to put in new flooring, paint and make some minor updates to better serve our customers," Lafayette said in the post, a reference to the sign on its door. "We love all of our customers and appreciate everyone who supports us and has our backs.
"And in light of the soapbox statement someone made earlier, unlike her we have never been and are not into bashing and putting down other businesses, we aren't that desperate. The true Detroit Spirit is to help and raise each other up!"
Lafayette added it was easy for American "to blame us," and implied an accusation of its own: "But who can really say the rats aren't coming from them to our side? We might need to find and interview one of the rats just to make sure."
Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Lafayette Coney Island fires back at American, posts Orkin report
