After addressing health violations, Calumet Fisheries, a celebrated seafood eatery based in Chicago, reopened on time for the holiday season. A period of closure marked the establishment as it rectified violations flagged by the Chicago Department of Public Health. These steps towards improvement were highlighted by the Chicago Tribune.
As per the order of health inspectors, the establishment at 3259 E. 95th St., shut down operations on October 31 due to a rodent infestation. Further inspections found upwards of 150 rodent droppings in the basement and a storage area. Co-owner Mark Kotlick, expressing gratitude for having put the incident behind, said, "I'm real happy" about the recent inspection success and "just glad it's all over with and hope it never happens again."
Kotlick's response to the health violations included hiring an exterminator as well as repairing and repainting the flooring. Nonetheless, he conveyed his dissatisfaction with the city's decision to close the restaurant, labeling the reasons as "BS" and not a "health problem." Kotlick also told the Chicago Tribune, "I'm not saying that we didn't need to do some stuff, but we certainly didn't need to shut down while we did it. We lost three weeks' worth of sales and quite a bit of money."
As a landmark on Chicago's Southeast Side since 1948, Calumet Fisheries has served up smoked and fried seafood for generations. With no dining room, the small eatery earned the James Beard Foundation's America's Classics Award in 2010. Over the years, those who patronized the restaurant included Vice President Kamala Harris and the late Anthony Bourdain, who featured the eatery on his 2009 show "No Reservations," furthers the Chicago Tribune.
Despite this not being the restaurant's first encounter with a rodent issue according to Fox 32 Chicago, an inspection in February of 2020 saw over 24 rodent droppings scattered across the building along with other problems. Contrarily, no evidence of pests was found during an inspection carried out due to a complaint in October 2022.
The rodents' seasonal influx, seeking shelter from the cold often in the basement, is believed to be the problem by Kotlick. In response, the eatery boosts its preventive measures annually by using traps. Both the staff and customers of Fox 32 Chicago's Calumet Fisheries have lent significant support, helping the business sail through this hitch. Ahead of Thanksgiving, the owner looks forward to offering "the best seafood in the U.S." to the Southeast Side.
Even though Calumet Fisheries recently faced tough challenges, the establishment's resilience and firm support from regulars have allowed a speedy resolution and reopening. As the holiday season kicks in, the famed eatery is fully prepared to serve seafood enthusiasts with its famous dishes, both within and beyond Chicago.
