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Health Department Orders Pittsburgh Eatery Shut Down

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 13:09 GMT by Patch
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Pittsburgh Health Department Orders Popular Eatery to Close Amid Serious Sanitation Violations

On Thursday, the Pittsburgh Department of Health and Human Services issued a notice ordering the temporary shutdown of a well‑known downtown eatery after a routine inspection uncovered a litany of severe food‑safety violations. The incident has prompted a flurry of reactions from the community, the restaurant’s owners, and city officials, as well as a renewed discussion about public‑health oversight in Pittsburgh’s food‑service sector.

The Inspection and the Violations

The inspection, conducted on March 12, by the department’s Food Safety Team, revealed multiple violations that the department deemed “critical.” According to the official notice (link available on the department’s website), the violations included:

1. Improper Food Storage Temperatures – Refrigerated items were consistently found above the required 40°F threshold, while hot foods were below the mandated 140°F safe temperature.
2. Inadequate Hand‑washing Facilities – The kitchen lacked a properly stocked sink with running water, soap, and paper towels.
3. Mold Growth on Walls and Ceiling – Visible mold was present in the ventilation system and behind the main preparation counter.
4. Pest Infestation Evidence – Rodent droppings were discovered in the storage area and near the trash chute.
5. Unsealed Food Packaging – Opened containers of dry goods were not covered, risking contamination.

The Department’s food‑safety regulations state that violations of this magnitude “render the premises ineligible to serve food to the public until corrective actions are taken.” The order—effective immediately—required the eatery to shut down until a follow‑up inspection confirmed that all issues had been addressed.

The Eatery and Its Owners

The establishment, known as “The Hearth”, is a 12‑year‑old gastropub located on Third Avenue near the Schenley Park neighborhood. The restaurant has been celebrated for its locally sourced menu and community‑oriented events, attracting both residents and visitors. Owner and chef Mara Delgado issued a brief statement to the press: “We’re shocked by these findings. Safety is our top priority, and we’re working 24/7 to remedy every violation.” Delgado also said she would be hiring a third‑party food‑service consultant to audit and overhaul the kitchen’s practices.

Community and Public‑Health Response

The closure has sparked a wave of concern among patrons who have frequented the restaurant for its “hand‑crafted cocktails and seasonal farm‑to‑table plates.” A local food‑blogger, Tommy Lee, posted on Instagram that he was “disappointed but relieved that the health department acted promptly.” On the other hand, some residents expressed frustration that the eatery, which had never previously been cited, is facing a shut‑down, questioning whether the inspection was overly stringent.

City officials weighed in as well. Mayor James F. T. Smith issued a brief comment via the city’s official Twitter feed: “The Department of Health is committed to protecting Pittsburgh’s residents. We’ll review the situation to ensure that the enforcement process is fair and that the community is safe.” The city’s Office of Consumer Protection is also slated to conduct an independent review of the incident.

Legal and Economic Implications

The Department’s shutdown order gives The Hearth three days to secure a new health inspection certificate. If the eatery fails to meet the required standards, the department may pursue civil penalties and potentially file a criminal complaint for health code violations. The local business association, Pittsburgh Small Business Council, has pledged to provide legal assistance to The Hearth’s owners as they navigate the enforcement process.

From an economic perspective, the closure threatens to cut the restaurant’s weekly revenue by an estimated $15,000–$20,000, according to estimates from the restaurant’s own accountant, Kevin Lin. Lin noted that the eatery relies heavily on weekday lunch service and weekend events, both of which are now suspended. The potential ripple effect on the local supply chain—particularly for the farm‑based suppliers who send produce to The Hearth—has also been noted by a representative from the Pennsylvania Farmers Market Coalition.

The Department’s Broader Enforcement Strategy

The Pittsburgh Department of Health’s enforcement actions are part of a broader initiative aimed at raising the food‑service standard across the city. A press release from the department highlighted that, over the past year, the department has issued over 200 corrective action orders and closed 12 establishments for repeated violations. The department also launched a “Healthy Pittsburgh” public‑education campaign, offering free workshops for small‑business owners on proper food‑handling, pest‑control, and temperature monitoring.

The department’s lead food safety officer, Dr. Linda Chen, explained that the department’s “mission is to ensure that every Pittsburghian has safe, high‑quality food.” Chen further added that the Hearth’s shutdown, while unfortunate, demonstrates the department’s commitment to enforcing standards without bias.

What Comes Next for The Hearth?

The eatery’s owners have outlined a step‑by‑step plan to bring The Hearth back into compliance:

1. Immediate Kitchen Cleanup – Hiring a professional cleaning crew to remove mold and pests.
2. Re‑equipping the Facility – Installing new refrigerators, temperature loggers, and hand‑washing stations.
3. Training Staff – Conducting mandatory food‑safety training for all kitchen and front‑of‑house employees.
4. Sub‑mittal of Documentation – Providing the department with temperature logs, pest‑control records, and a detailed action plan.

The Department’s next inspection is scheduled for March 20. If the Hearth passes, it will be allowed to reopen. Failure to do so may lead to extended closure or other legal action.

The incident serves as a stark reminder that the standards of public‑health enforcement in Pittsburgh are tightening. For the city’s residents, it underscores the importance of vigilant oversight in ensuring that the food they eat daily is safe and hygienic. For the local food‑service community, it is a call to double‑check compliance and invest in ongoing training and facilities that meet, or even exceed, health‑code requirements.