Back Bay Sweetgreen Closed Due To 'Critical Violations'
BOSTON (CBS) - Sweetgreen's public relations was in full bloom outside their 659 Boylston Street location.
"We had refrigeration issues," said an employee to a possible customer as he handed out a free salad coupon.
Refrigeration issues are just part of the problem. The city temporarily shut down the location for an ongoing list of food safety issues.
The city said most recently a woman became sick after eating there.
Commissioner William Christopher heads Boston's Inspectional Services and said they had no choice but to take action.
"In this case, it's gotten so repetitive and so egregious we said no you got to stop now," said Christopher.
In two inspections in June and once this month, continuing issues were found in these areas: employees not washing hands, gloves not changed between tasks, food not kept at the proper temperatures, and surfaces not sanitized.
"Some of them were critical violations that concern public welfare and we've tried to work with them," said Christopher.
He said they also received 30 complaints from customers over the past few months.
Sweetgreen released a statement saying in part:
"We have implemented a new structure and new role within our restaurant operations, the first of which is being deployed today at Back Bay. The team member in this new role... will focus specifically on food safety and best-in class culinary practices."
Once the city decides the restaurant has fixed the problems and is up to code, it can then reopen.
