Bettys Beach Cafe in Lahaina closes due to roach infestation | News, Sports, Jobs

A cockroach is shown at Betty’s Beach Cafe in Lahaina. — Photo courtesy DOH

Betty’s Beach Cafe in Lahaina was forced to close on Thursday due to a cockroach infestation, according to the state Department of Health.

The department’s Maui Food Safety Branch had received an anonymous complaint regarding roach activity at the front bar, according to a department news release Friday. Routine and complaint inspections were conducted on Tuesday, during which roach activity was observed within the front bar. However, some areas behind the kitchen equipment could not be accessed. Several other critical violations were observed, so a yellow “conditional pass” placard was posted.

During a follow-up inspection on Thursday, an active cockroach infestation along with several active harborage areas were observed, the department said. Both juvenile and adult roach activity was observed within refrigeration units as well as on and around various food contact sources. The department decided to close the restaurant to protect public health and issued a red “closed” placard.

Before Betty’s Beach Cafe can reopen, it must:

• Contact a professional pest control company and discuss an aggressive cockroach treatment and monitoring plan to eradicate the active roach population.

• Seal all cracks and openings in the walls to prevent future pest entryways.

• Clean and remove all grease and food debris throughout the kitchen and bar areas.

A follow-up inspection is scheduled for Monday.

The restaurant is located at 505 Front St. and is operated by J. Group Corp.

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

The Maui News Maui County Department of Finance Director Scott Teruya was placed on administrative leave on last ...

Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, formerly on Front Street in Lahaina Town and destroyed by the fire, announced the ...

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7rq3UoqWer6NjsLC5jqecsKtfobykrctmpZ6vo2R%2FcX6SaGdwZ5KawbXF0maZnpmTnXqkrcWeZKKmXaGuqa3Ip5hmm5ykwKa%2FjJ2snmWkpHqzu8Ccn2ahnpuytMDAraCopl1nfA%3D%3D