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Inner Harbor restaurant closed for rodent infestation

Inner Harbor Baltimore
Posted at 11:21 AM, Jun 02, 2023
and last updated 2023-06-12 11:07:31-04

BALTIMORE — An Inner Harbor restaurant has been closed by the health department for a rodent infestation.

Blackwall Hitch, which opened on Pratt Street in 2019, was shut down Thursday, according to a city health department tweet.

Derek Fink, Owner of Blackwall Hitch, said in a statement:

 "Immediately upon learning of this isolated incident, our team worked swiftly and diligently with the City, building management, and multiple pest control experts to determine the cause of the incident and put in place comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our guests. It appears the mice may have found their way in through door sweeps—which we have since replaced—after trash was left unattended for several days following a high foot traffic concert along the inner harbor. We have increased our regular pest control inspections to twice a week, from our routine weekly inspection—which was already well beyond industry standard. I sincerely apologize for any concern this may have caused our patrons and guests. After hearing from the City and other experts that we do exceed health and safety standards, we can guarantee Blackwall Hitch will continue to strengthen its longstanding reputation as a refined dining experience in Charm City's iconic Inner Harbor."

On the same day, Ovenbird Bakery, on South Exeter Street in Little Italy, was also closed for a rodent infestation.

Ovenbird Bakery posted about the situation on Facebook.

Both businesses must pass reinspection to be allowed to reopen.