Victory Brewing Company on Ben Franklin Parkway ordered to close after mice, roaches found

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Victory Brewing Company on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway was ordered to close temporarily after a city inspection found mice, roaches, flies and other sanitation problems throughout the restaurant.

The popular brewery was ordered to close for 48 hours because of what inspectors described as "imminent health hazards."

"I was a little surprised. I come here all the time," said Erin Murphy of Yardley.

According to the inspection report, officials found live mice on glue traps, roaches beneath a soda machine and flies near food-preparation sinks. Mouse droppings also were reportedly found near an oven, food containers and bar areas.

"In the city, violations pop up a lot of different places, and hopefully they can get their act together and clean up and reopen," said Geoff Lewandowski of Wilmington.

Lewandowski said he had not previously experienced problems at the brewery.

"I've never had any issues with the food or drinks here. It always tastes good to me," he said.

Inspectors also cited workers putting on gloves without first washing their hands, a lack of hot water at some sinks, dirty food-contact surfaces and dishwashers that were not properly sanitizing.

"That's very concerning. That's disgusting, actually. I don't know if I will ever come back to this establishment and give them my business again," said Ashley Greene of West Philadelphia.

Victory Brewing Company posted an update on Instagram saying it plans to reopen the following day. In a comment, the company said, "we have always been in compliance with the health department since opening" and have "maintained a regular pest control service with a professional provider."

"That's a bit too fast. You get sick from all of this. That's not nothing to play with," Greene said.

Murphy said the violations would not necessarily prevent her from returning.

"It seems like a bunch of little things that added up, so I'm pretty sure I'll be back," she said.

Multiple employees were seen inside the brewery while it was closed. The company said pest-control workers were also on site. The brewery may reopen as planned only if all cited issues are resolved.