MILWAUKEE — The Sendik's location on Downer Avenue has reopened after being forced to close due to "escalating pest activity observed during recent inspections.”
The owners of Sendik’s Downer location, John & Anne Nehring, shared the update in a statement to TMJ4 on Wednesday, saying they have “worked closely with the Health Department and local partners to quickly and thoroughly resolve the issue identified this week.”
Watch: Sendik's on Downer is open once again:
The owners also emphasized that maintaining their “long-standing A rating” is a top priority and that they are grateful for the opportunity to move forward.
News of the closure came after the Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) reported that during a routine inspection on April 15, rodent droppings were found in a basement storage area away from food. A re-inspection on April 29 revealed expanded rodent activity in the dry food storage area. At that time, the MHD issued an "Intent to Cease" order and informed the business that any further spread, particularly into food or customer areas, could lead to closure.
A follow-up inspection on Monday found fresh mouse and rat droppings throughout the basement storage and first-floor areas, including the kitchen and retail space. Following MHD policy, an immediate Closure Order was issued.
The policy required the closure to last at least overnight to allow for proper sanitation and monitoring of any new activity. According to the MHD, Sendik's was "advised to clean and sanitize all affected areas and work with a licensed pest control provider."
The MHD stated it would conduct a re-inspection once Sendik's notifies them that they are ready.
In a release Wednesday, MHD said it has cleared Sendik’s on Downer to reopen following a thorough inspection conducted earlier that day.
MHD stated that during Wednesday's reinspection, all pest-related violations were addressed, affected areas were cleaned and sanitized, and no new pest activity was observed. They also issued a follow-up Intent to Cease Order, which allows their team to continue monitoring the facility in the coming days to ensure compliance.
The statement concluded with MHD noting that the owners have been cooperative throughout the process and are now operating in compliance with public health standards.
Read the full statement from the owners below:
“To Our Loyal Sendik’s on Downer Patrons, We’re happy to share that Sendik’s on Downer is open again. We’ve worked closely with the Health Department and local partners to quickly and thoroughly resolve the issue identified this week. Maintaining our long-standing “A” rating was a top priority, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to move forward. Our historic building presents unique challenges, especially during ongoing city water and sewer work. However, the quality and safety of our food was never in question. We’ve proudly served this community for 12 years, and our dedicated team remains committed to offering the best products, service, and experience in Milwaukee. Thank you for your patience, trust, and continued support. With gratitude,”
Editor's Note: In the original posting of this story, TMJ4 inadvertently used an image of a Balistreri-owned Sendik's location, which is in no way affiliated with the Nehring Sendik's store on Downer that closed. The error has since been corrected. We apologize for that mistake.
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