Detroit’s iconic coney island rivalry has taken an ugly turn, as Grace Keros, owner of the beloved American Coney Island, has spoken out against the repeated health violations next door at Lafayette Coney Island. The latest blow? Lafayette’s second closure in just 18 months due to a rat infestation. For Keros, this is more than a neighboring business’s failure to uphold basic cleanliness—it’s a threat to her reputation and livelihood.

Lafayette Coney Island’s struggles with cleanliness have been well-documented. In both instances of closure, health inspectors cited rodent activity and unsanitary conditions. These repeated violations have left many Detroiters questioning whether the business takes the city’s health regulations seriously.

For Keros, who has meticulously maintained her own establishment’s cleanliness and integrity, the situation has hit too close to home—literally. Located side by side, American Coney Island has had to deal with unfounded assumptions that it might share the same problems as Lafayette. But nothing could be further from the truth.

Grace Keros Speaks Out
In a recent radio interview, Keros expressed her frustration:

“I’ve worked tirelessly to keep American Coney Island a safe, clean, and enjoyable place for our customers. But these repeated issues at Lafayette are damaging our reputation through no fault of our own. Enough is enough—the city needs to do more to hold them accountable.”

Keros went on to highlight the stark differences between the two establishments. American Coney Island is brightly lit, clean, and welcoming, while Lafayette’s dimly lit, smaller space often leaves much to be desired in terms of curb appeal. For Keros, the juxtaposition is clear: one business prioritizes its customers, while the other appears to ignore basic standards.

Keros has made it clear that she expects the city to step up enforcement. She pointed out that while Lafayette continues to operate after these repeated infractions, it creates a ripple effect that hurts surrounding businesses. She’s not just advocating for her own interests but for the health and safety of Detroit’s residents and visitors.

This issue also underscores a broader concern about how the city enforces health codes. If businesses can repeatedly violate regulations without significant consequences, it creates an uneven playing field for responsible owners like Keros. As one of Detroit’s most respected restaurateurs, she’s calling for a higher standard, not just for Lafayette, but for the city as a whole.

As the story unfolds, Detroiters will be watching to see if the city will step in to ensure that all businesses, especially beloved institutions like Lafayette Coney Island, meet the standards their customers deserve. Until then, Grace Keros’ commitment to excellence at American Coney Island continues to stand as an example of how a business should be run.