KAILUA-KONA — Genki Sushi at Kona Commons reopened at 4 p.m. Friday, more than a month after state health officials shuttered the eatery after confirming complaints of cockroaches being seen inside the restaurant.
The Hawaii Department of Health shortly before noon Friday gave Genki Sushi approval to serve guests at the restaurant that’s been closed since May 22 under a red “CLOSED” placard. A green “PASS” placard was posted after the inspection was completed and no live vermin were found on Friday.
The reopening follows an “extensive month-long cleaning effort” that was focused on sanitation, increased pest control treatment and employee training, the company said in a press release.
“Our top priority is to serve safe, high-quality food and to provide a clean and welcoming environment for our customers,” said Mary Hansen, vice president and chief administrative officer for Genki Sushi USA, said in the release.
“After an inspection by the Department of Health in late May, we took immediate steps to thoroughly treat, clean and sanitize the entire restaurant to comply with all food safety requirements and ensure that it meets our own equally high standards for all Genki Sushi restaurants in our state.”
During the closure, Genki also made improvements to the restaurant including painting the dining room as well as replacing and upgrading furniture and equipment.
“The recent condition of the Kailua-Kona restaurant did not reflect the high standards of cleanliness and food safety that our customers expect and deserve,” said Hansen.
“We appreciate the guidance provided by the Department of Health, and we will continue to focus on maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and food safety at all of our restaurants. We also wish to thank our Kona customers for their patience during the month-long closure and welcome them back to our renewed Kona Commons store.”
Source: Hawaii Tribune Herald
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