Philly restaurant reveals reasons for Health Department shutdown decision.

Last week, the Health Department inspector conducted an assessment of Cafe Michelangelo, a well-known Italian restaurant in Northeast Philadelphia, resulting in a “cease operations” order affixed to its entrance. The restaurant, owned by Giuliano Verrecchia, faced a shutdown of a minimum of 48 hours due to 16 documented health code violations.

In a bid for transparency and customer trust, Verrecchia chose to publicly address the inspection findings. He acknowledged the troubling history of health violations that had plagued his establishment this year and opted to disclose the details of each violation on social media. This approach marks a notable departure from the more common response of restaurant owners facing shutdowns, who typically adopt a defensive stance in the wake of negative publicity.

On December 4, a day after receiving the cease operations order, Cafe Michelangelo shared a post on its Facebook page. The report detailed the health violations, alongside Verrecchia’s commentary providing context and clarification. Among the issues mentioned were peeling paint in the women’s restroom—a situation he rectified post-inspection—and ice accumulation in the first-floor walk-in cooler, which was also addressed promptly. Overall, the response from the public was overwhelmingly supportive, with many regular customers echoing sentiments of understanding and reassurance regarding the nature of the violations, which some food-service industry members classified as minor.

The restaurant managed to pass a follow-up inspection on December 5 and promptly reopened, but the repercussions of the initial shutdown lingered. Business dipped by about 25% on reopening day, and although Sunday brought a slight uptick, overall sales remained slow. Verrecchia attributed the lack of foot traffic partly to inclement weather conditions, expressing concern over the future of his restaurant amidst evolving customer behaviors post-pandemic.

Cafe Michelangelo has a long-standing presence in the community, having opened in 1992 by brothers Michael and Angelo DiSandro. Over the years, it has become a Northeast Philadelphia staple, known for its family-friendly environment and Italian cuisine. However, mounting pressures from post-pandemic realities have significantly affected operations, intensifying competition and increasing costs.

In the face of these challenges, Verrecchia has initiated changes within the restaurant. He has heightened operational oversight, conducting mock inspections and building a culture of accountability among the team. The aim is not only to rectify previous health violations but also to restore the restaurant’s reputation within the community. Verrecchia stands by his decision to confront the health inspection findings publicly, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring that Cafe Michelangelo meets and exceeds health standards moving forward. Full disclosure and strategic improvements may be key as he navigates the road to recovery for his establishment.