Boston, Massachusetts — A Starbucks inside Boston’s busy South Station will remain closed after city health inspectors uncovered additional rodent problems during a follow-up inspection, extending the temporary shutdown that began after a disturbing video of rats inside the store went viral.
The latest inspection by the Boston Inspectional Services Department found new evidence of a rodent infestation, delaying the reopening of one of the city’s busiest commuter coffee locations.
Follow-Up Inspection Finds More Rodent Activity
Health inspectors returned to the South Station Starbucks on Tuesday to determine whether the business had addressed the issues that led to its temporary closure last week.
According to the Inspectional Services Department, inspectors found three deceased mice on a glue trap during the visit.
As a result, officials said the store’s food permit will remain temporarily suspended until the business completes the required corrective measures and inspectors verify that the location complies with public health regulations.
The inspection report instructed the operator to continue working with pest control professionals before reopening can be considered.
Viral Rat Video Triggered the Initial Shutdown
The Starbucks was first ordered to close after a video circulated online showing rats crawling around the cash register and eating a biscotti from a display case.
The footage quickly gained attention on social media and prompted an immediate health inspection.
During that initial inspection, city officials also reported finding rodent droppings and fruit flies, raising concerns about food safety at the location.
Despite the recent violations, Boston’s public inspection database showed no previous health code violations for the South Station Starbucks before the incident.
Starbucks Says Store Will Not Reopen Until Standards Are Met
Starbucks said it has been working closely with the third-party operator responsible for managing the South Station location following the inspection findings.
In a statement, the company emphasized that customer safety remains its top priority.
“We will not reopen until we are confident that the store meets our high standards of cleanliness and safety,” a Starbucks spokesperson said. “We look forward to welcoming our customers back soon.”
The company did not provide a timeline for when the location might reopen, saying that will depend on successfully completing all required corrective actions.
Customers React to the Closure
For many commuters who regularly stop at the South Station Starbucks, the reports have raised concerns about food safety.
One customer, who said she visits the coffee shop almost every weekday on her way to work, admitted the viral video changed her mind about purchasing food there anytime soon.
“I come here every morning on my way to work during the week,” commuter Clothilde Donarumo told WBZ-TV. “It was pretty disturbing, I’m definitely concerned.”
The store will remain closed until Boston health officials confirm that all pest control measures have been completed and the business meets the city’s health and sanitation requirements.
Would you return to a restaurant or coffee shop after it reopened following a health inspection? Share your thoughts and experiences respectfully in the comments below.
