Library Restaurant Closed Until Mid-Week

A popular restaurant in downtown Houghton is currently closed for remodeling after passing a health inspection.

The Library Restaurant and Brew Pub says they have voluntarily closed for improvements following an inspection by the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department.

The inspection was in response to reports of a possible flu and foodborne illness outbreak when two customers reported flu-like symptoms after eating lunch together at the restaurant last week.

After a thorough health check and facility inspection, the Health Department determined that the Library Restaurant was not responsible for the illnesses.

During the inspection, a few electrical issues were discovered in the kitchen and behind the bar.

Those issues are being corrected during the closure.

The restaurant expects to reopen mid-week.

Here is the press release from the Library Restaurant:

REMODELING UPGRADES FOLLOW PASSED INSPECTION

March 10, 2017. Houghton, MI – The Library Restaurant & Brew Pub wants to assure its customers and community that the restaurant has been cleared by Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD) against reports of flu and a foodborne outbreak. However, Library Restaurant voluntarily closed for improvements following this inspection for potential electrical issues and planned remodeling.

Two of Library’s customers, reported to WUPHD flu-like symptoms after eating lunch together last week. The complaints are what sparked the investigation. After a thorough health check and facility inspection, which Library management was eager to conduct, it was determined that Library Restaurant was not responsible for the illnesses.

To protect consumers, local restaurants are required to have routine inspections every six months. So, while WUPHD was on-site investigating the illness complaints, they took the opportunity to do a routine building inspection. In that process they uncovered a few electrical issues in the kitchen and behind the bar. The restaurant voluntarily closed for construction upgrades and to correct these issues.

Restaurant management is appreciative of the health department’s inspection and support. “Safety is a top priority at Library Restaurant which is proven with a successful 50 year track record.” Says owner Jim Cortright. “So, we took these allegations to heart, cooperated and partnered with the health department through the entire process”.

“The timing was perfect.” says Jim. Library management was already planning a few fix-up remodeling projects to keep the staff busy with work during our slowest time of year. “The needed electrical repairs behind the bar would have been disruptive to our guests and staff if we would have remained open during the construction. So, this allowed us to tie both the construction and remodeling projects together with minimal impact on sales”.

Jim, management and staff wishes to apologize for the inconvenience and appreciates everyone’s patience. Construction crews and staff are aiming to reopen the restaurant mid-next week. An announcement will be made and guests will experience many visible changes.