Amid the bustling streets of downtown Detroit, two coney island eateries are at the heart of a contentious dispute. Grace Keros, owner of American Coney Island, vehemently denies any resemblance to their neighbor Lafayette Coney Island, which was recently shut down due to a rat infestation. Speaking to Deadline Detroit, Keros expressed her frustration, asserting "I'm pissed, I've had it with people assuming whether it's Facebook posts, Twitter posts, even some media posts, about me, American Coney Island, being associated with Lafayette Coney Island." She continued to distance her business from the negative press, stating explicitly, "We are not one of the same...Do not associate me, do not connect me." Keros emphasized that American maintains a strict cleaning regimen, dispelling the notion that their shared wall implies shared problems.

Meanwhile, Lafayette Coney Island has sought to defend its reputation and operational practices. In a statement to CBS News Detroit, the establishment highlighted the regular inspections by their pest control team, with a recent report on Jan. 22 finding "no evidence of any infestation." They juxtaposed this proactive stance against the city's broader rat problem and called on municipal support to aid businesses. Lafayette criticized the reaction from American Coney Island, remarking in a social media post, "It's easy for American Coney Island to blame us. But who can really say the rats aren't coming from them to our side?" indicating a less confrontational approach to inter-business relations within the community.

The Detroit Health Department, however, offered a less forgiving perspective. Detroit Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair Razo told FOX 2 Detroit that Lafayette's issue was severe, stating, "There was an abundance of rat pellets... It was way too many to be open." This incident marks the second time in two years that Lafayette has had to close its doors due to a rodent problem. Razo's remarks corroborate the health department's decision to have Lafayette temporarily shut down while they address the infestations.

As the controversy unfolds, city inspectors are slated to review Lafayette's corrective actions, which include sealing basement holes and formulating a prevention plan. The closure has incited a broader conversation about infrastructure maintenance and the challenges posed to business owners in historical buildings. Keros's assertive stance, as she told Deadline Detroit, is rooted in protecting her establishment's reputation and supporting her staff: "This is my reputation, this is my livelihood, my staff's livelihood and we actually care about our customers." As the situation develops, Detroit's dining community watches on, with the hopes that resolutions can be made without further harm to the city's culinary scene or the long-standing legacies of either coney island.