Milwaukee Bar Closed After Roach Infestation Found

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The Milwaukee Health Department has temporarily closed The Wicked Hop bar in the city's Third Ward neighborhood after inspectors found a roach infestation throughout the establishment, including live roaches in the kitchen. The bar will remain closed until the pest issue is resolved.

Why it matters

Roach infestations in restaurants and bars pose serious health risks to patrons and can lead to the temporary or permanent closure of a business. The Wicked Hop's closure highlights the importance of proper sanitation and pest control measures in the food service industry.

The details

On February 25, health inspectors conducting a routine check at a separate facility that shares a basement with The Wicked Hop observed dead roaches throughout the basement. Inspectors then went to the bar itself and found live roach activity in the kitchen, prompting them to shut down food sales. During a follow-up inspection on February 26, more live roaches were discovered in the kitchen, leading the health department to keep the establishment closed.

• On February 25, health inspectors found dead roaches in the shared basement.
• On February 25, inspectors observed live roaches in The Wicked Hop's kitchen and shut down food sales.
• On February 26, inspectors found more live roaches in the kitchen during a follow-up inspection.

What’s next

The Wicked Hop will remain closed until the roach infestation is fully addressed and the health department deems the establishment safe to reopen.