Erewhon cafe in Santa Monica reopens after public report finds "vermin infestation"
The Erewhon grocery store in Santa Monica has reopened after having to briefly close after the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health found cockroaches.
According to the county Environmental Health Facility Closure List, the store was ordered to close on April 8 for what is described as "vermin infestation." The store had a "major" violation for no rodents, insects, birds or animals, according to a public report.
In a statement, Erewhon said the store is fully open and the incident was addressed immediately.
"This was an isolated occurrence, and we take it very seriously," a spokesperson for the company said. "Our team responded swiftly to ensure that every safety protocol was adhered to."
The popular and upscale grocery store is known for its celebrity smoothies and expensive items has stores across LA. Viral videos on social media have shown the store selling ice for $30 and strawberries for $20.
