WEST ROGERS PARK — Rub's Backcountry Smokehouse plans to reopen Wednesday after the city shut it down for several health-code violations, including rat droppings, the owner said.
"We addressed the issues that the inspectors had and we plan to reopen," Jared Leonard said Tuesday. "The inspectors said we were very thorough with the follow-up and were very pleased."
Leonard said he would be cooking barbecue all day Tuesday and reopen at 11 a.m. Wednesday.
Chicago Department of Public Health spokesman Brian Richardson said Tuesday that Leonard had been "cleared to reopen" his restaurant.
On Thursday, the barbecue joint was shut down by the city after inspectors found rat droppings in the restaurant's basement and in other areas.
The official inspection report notes nine health code violations, including 10 rat droppings found under a compartment sink, 20 droppings in "dry food storage areas" and 17 droppings "under soda machine table" on the first floor.
According to the report, 200 dropping were found under the stairs in the basement and the inspector instructed Leonard to clean the droppings and seal openings under and around doors.
Leonard was also ticketed for not having a "certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served."
The report also notes an improperly stored ice scoop and a dirty mop room, among other "minor" violations.
According to city records, Rub's has never failed a health inspection before.
Leonard had said the rat droppings were found in areas away from where food was prepared or stored and said customers need not worry about unsafe food.
Rub's is known for serving southern-style, smoked ribs, pulled pork and brisket at 6954 N. Western Ave., while offering barbecue how-to classes next door. Leonard has competed in national competitions.
