Health Department shuts down Hill District restaurant

The Allegheny County Health Department shut down a Hill District restaurant after an inspector found signs of rats.

Target 11 Consumer Investigator Robin Taylor found out Chase's BBQ was also operating without a permit.

When I learned about the closure at Chase's BBQ, I called the health department and then went to the Hill District to check things out for myself.

The front door was locked and there was a bright orange sticker on the entrance, officially shutting the restaurant down.

According to the inspector's report, he found all kinds of problems, including evidence of rodents, plumbing issues and dirty, deteriorated and dangerous floors.

On top of that, Chase's BBQ was operating without a permit from the health department.

"We found extensive evidence of rodent activity in the establishment. Also, there were a number of plumbing fixtures without water," said Guillermo Cole, a health department spokesman.

The restaurant, at 2315½ Wylie Avenue, is in the same building as the Elks Club. Inspectors plan to take a look at their kitchen as well, since the entire building might be infested with rats.

I talked to Delbert Henderson, the owner of Chase's BBQ. He's leasing space in the building and is not sure whether he'll try to reopen the restaurant. Henderson said he's having trouble getting the landlord to fix some of the problems.