Zombie dish-washing: Lexington restaurant closed briefly by health department
A Lexington restaurant linked to the team behind the “Walking Dead” post-apocalyptic zombie show was closed temporarily in December by the health department for water and dishwashing issues.
The restaurant corrected the problems and has been allowed to reopen after passing re-inspection by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department inspectors.
On Dec. 9, during a regular inspection of Nic & Norman’s at 135 W. Main St., the health department issued an enforcement notice to cease operation.
“Walking Dead” makeup artist Greg Nicotero, show star Norman Reedus, original comic book creator and native Kentuckian Robert Kirkman opened Nic & Norman’s in Lexington in 2022 with menu of burgers, flatbreads, barbecue, salads, soups, appetizers, kids’ menu, full bar.
Why Nic & Norman’s was closed
Restaurants are closed when the health department finds an imminent risk to public health such as insect or rodent infestation, lack of running water or sewage contamination.
In the case of Nic & Norman’s, the restaurant was closed for lack of hot water and for inoperable dishwasher and three-compartment sink, according to the health department.
The restaurant scored 78 on the inspection, which noted that the dishwasher was not working properly because it didn’t have hot water to sanitize the dishes.
The restaurant was forced to use the three-compartment sink to wash, rinse and sanitize wares, but the sink also was inoperable: Waste water was backing up and not draining properly, according to the report.
The inspection also noted that employee beverage/food/cell phone were stored on or above the food prep surface; food was stored uncovered; food was not being kept cold enough for safety; food was not clearly date marked and items were held past date of expiration. All those items were immediately discarded, according to the inspection report.
Nic & Norman’s was allowed to re-open on Dec. 10 after plumbing repairs were made, according to the health department. The restaurant scored 94 on re-inspection.
David Valentine, a spokesman for the restaurant, said that work on the repairs had begun even before the closure.
“The issue with the hot water stemmed from a plumbing problem that affected the entire building, not just Nic & Norman’s. It was related to exterior concrete work that impacted the main water line. Repairs were already underway prior to the inspection, and we worked diligently to resolve the matter as quickly as possible,” Valentine said in a statement.
“Nic & Norman’s has consistently maintained a strong history of favorable health department evaluations, and we are committed to providing a safe and excellent environment for both our employees and guests.”
What happens when a restaurant is closed
When the health department closes a restaurant, a red sign is placed on the door to notify potential customers that food service has been halted. But the health department does not publicize that restaurants have been closed.
Restaurants must correct the issues pass re-inspection before they can re-open.
Establishments that score below 60 on an inspection are also immediately closed.
In 2024, the health department temporarily closed at least eight restaurants for violations.
How Lexington health department inspections work
Restaurants and food service establishments are required to post their most recent scores at the front door; scores in green boxes indicate passage and scores in red indicate failure.
Inspection scores are available online at the Lexington health department’s web site.
The health department inspects every local food service establishment at least every six months; some restaurants are placed on enhanced regulatory enforcement and receive additional inspections. Restaurants are also inspected if the health department receives credible complaints.
In October, the Herald-Leader published an updated list of the 160 restaurants and food service providers that are under enhanced regulatory enforcement, formerly called probation, by the health department.
Any restaurant that scores 80 or below on an inspection is placed on enhanced enforcement.
