Health code infractions found at Pat's Steaks, Di Bruno Bros.
SOUTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Health code infractions were discovered at two Philadelphia institutions.
Both Pat's King of Steaks and Di Bruno Bros. on 8th and Chestnut were visited unannounced by health inspectors.
On January 14th, health department inspectors found 11 infractions at Pat's, an 85-year-old international tourist attraction.
Six of the infractions are considered serious including a dirty knife, mouse droppings and the buildup of biofilm in an ice machine.
Action News spoke with Tom Francano, a 40-year Pat's employee.
"I actually think some things that you forget and you don't remember, it's like, it's good in a way, because you learn more," Francano said.
Pat's co-owner says they were minor problems that were corrected immediately with the inspectors there.
Ann Marie Miller of King Prussia, a lifelong Pat's customer, says not to worry.
"My dad introduced me to Pat's, ever since I was a kid, so it's not really going to deter me. I've been eating here my whole life. I've worked in restaurants my whole life. Infractions happen," Miller said.
A week earlier, the city health inspectors went to Di Bruno Bros at 8th and Chestnut.
Di Bruno's is an upscale eatery with multiple locations in the city and suburbs.
The official report says 16 infractions were found.
Eight of them were deemed serious including evidence of rodents, at least one worker not properly washing his hands, and some food items kept at unsafe temperatures.
"It's pretty upsetting. It's pretty shocking. I had no idea. It always seems like a very clean, well-kept place," Kathy Black of Center City said.
Di Bruno Bros management issued the following statement:
All issues have been swiftly addressed and we are highly confident in our operation and commitment to best practices.
The city's health departments performs 10,000 of these inspections ever year.
