Flying insects, plumbing repairs: Lexington health department shuts down pizza restaurant

Janet Patton
·1 min read

A family favorite Lexington restaurant has been closed temporarily by the health department.

Puccini’s Pizza Pasta in Chevy Chase Place was shut down on Thursday, according to a notice posted on the restaurant’s door.

Puccini’s is a popular pizza and pasta restaurant that often participates in school and local fundraising dining nights.

“They were closed due to an ongoing issue with flying insects,” according to Luke Mathis, Environmental Health and Preparedness team leader for the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department.

A sign on the door of Puccini’s Pizza Pasta in Chevy Chase Place shows the notice from the health department that the restaurant was ordered closed on May 4. Another sign shows a March 15, 2023, inspection score of 96.
A sign on the door of Puccini’s Pizza Pasta in Chevy Chase Place shows the notice from the health department that the restaurant was ordered closed on May 4. Another sign shows a March 15, 2023, inspection score of 96.

“The establishment has been working with a pest control company for treatment, and we hope to re-inspect and reopen them soon,” Mathis said in a statement.

The restaurant also posted a sign that said: “Dear Loyal Patrons, Puccini’s is currently closed for plumbing repairs. We greatly appreciate your business and apologize for any inconvenience.”

Puccini’s Pizza Pasta in Chevy Chase Place was closed on May 5 after the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department ordered it closed on May 4. It is expected to reopen.
Puccini’s Pizza Pasta in Chevy Chase Place was closed on May 5 after the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department ordered it closed on May 4. It is expected to reopen.

Owner Jay Harris said the restaurant was closed in April to replace a grease trap that was thought to be the source of the gnats or fruit flies and then the health department approved reopening. But the problem came back, he said.

“It’s embarrassing, it’s frustrating. I’ve been in it for 40 years and I’ve never encountered anything like this,” Harris said. “Generally you can get on top of it and it’s fine but that wasn’t happening. ... We’re going to stay closed until it’s fixed.”

The restaurant posted its March 15, 2023, inspection score of 96 on door. According to that notice, violations at the time were related to utensils, equipment and vending; proper use of utensils; and the physical facilities.

The health department does not post full inspection reports at restaurants or on its website.

Signs on the door at Puccini’s Pizza Pasta in Chevy Chase Place on May 5, 2023, include a health department closure notice, an inspection score and a note from management saying the restaurant is closed for plumbing repairs.
Signs on the door at Puccini’s Pizza Pasta in Chevy Chase Place on May 5, 2023, include a health department closure notice, an inspection score and a note from management saying the restaurant is closed for plumbing repairs.
A sign on the door at Puccini’s Pizza Pasta in Chevy Chase Place on May 5, 2023, said the restaurant was closed for plumbing repairs.
A sign on the door at Puccini’s Pizza Pasta in Chevy Chase Place on May 5, 2023, said the restaurant was closed for plumbing repairs.