Peruvian Eatery in NoMa Closed Due to Vermin Infestation, D.C. Health Agency Says

A Peruvian restaurant in NoMa is closed for now after a D.C. food safety and hygiene inspector reported observing a significant pest problem yesterday.

Chicken Rico at 77 H St. NW had a “gross insanitary occurrence or condition that may endanger public health including but not limited to heavy infestation of vermin,” according to a D.C. Department of Health notice.

The agency didn’t immediately provide any further details about the closure. DOH typically releases full reports on restaurant closures a few days after its inspections.

Juan Sanchez, a Chicken Rico manager, told Hill Now he hopes the agency will allow the restaurant to reopen this afternoon. The eatery can start serving customers again if it passes a follow-up inspection.

“It was just fruit flies,” he said.

Image via Chicken Rico