FLORISSANT, Mo. — On Wednesday afternoon, when customers pulled into the parking lot of Old Town Donuts in Florissant, the 24-hour bakery was closed.
The St. Louis County Department of Public Health confirmed the popular bakery was closed because of an infestation of cockroaches. The bakery said the roaches came from a recently purchased piece of doughnut equipment.
On the front door of the store on New Florissant Road is a sign that said the establishment was closed by order of the St. Louis County Department of Public Health, warning anyone who removes it could face a $300 fine and possible prosecution.
Pictures began circulating Thursday on Facebook of cockroaches behind the glass on doughnut trays. Staff received a complaint about a roach infestation and at 4 p.m. Wednesday, they closed their doors.
The establishment was due for a routine health department inspection, and the inspection happened in conjunction with the complaint.
In a statement to social media Thursday, the doughnut shop said the "unwanted guests were harboring" inside a piece of refurbished equipment it had recently purchased. The equipment passed an exterior inspection, but the roaches were found inside an interior area, the shop said.
"For over 50 years, Old Town Donuts has made donuts the same way, with the same recipe, and the same equipment," Old Town Doughnuts said. "Unfortunately, the companies that make older donut equipment have gone out of business. In an effort to turn out the same products that our customers have come to know and love we often buy discontinued equipment that is used, repaired, or refurbished."
The bakery was deep cleaned, and it is and working with a pest control operator to eradicate the pests prior to reopening.
"We are eager to get back in the groove and start turning out the award-winning donuts you've all come to know and love," the bakery said.
Old Town Donuts' second location in Cottleville remains open.