311 Call Leads to Closing of the Lawrence Grill

Similar to the Quizno's closing of last month, debacle, here's another 311 call about sewage leading to the shutdown of another restaurant.

Northwest Side Restaurant Shut By City Health Department Raw Sewage Backup in Basement

A Northwest Side restaurant was ordered closed today after Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) inspectors discovered a critical violation of the City Health Code.

Lawrence Grill, 4461 W. Lawrence, was shut down after CDPH inspectors discovered a backup of raw sewage in the restaurant’s basement.

The restaurant also was cited for failing to have a certified food manager on premises.

The inspection was triggered by a customer who called 311 to complain of a foul odor in the restaurant. Inspectors also noticed the odor, which was traced to the plumbing problem in the basement.

The restaurant will remain closed until its management has taken corrective action and passed re-inspection.

The enforcement action was the 61st time in 2008 that Health Department inspectors have shut a food establishment for health violations.

Representatives of Lawrence Grill will have to explain themselves at an administrative hearing on May 29 and pay a fine expected to total $750.

Chicagoans who believe that a restaurant or other food establishment is operating in an unsafe manner are encouraged to dial 311 and report it.