Conrad's closed temporarily due to 'imminent health hazard'

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A Campustown restaurant recently had to close due to a lack of hot water but should reopen once it receives another health inspection.

Michael Rane with Conrad’s Grill at 301 E. Green St. in Champaign said that the business' water heater broke recently, which impaired employees' ability to wash their hands and clean dishes "at appropriate temperatures."

"We had one vendor out a few times who couldn't get it fixed," he told The News-Gazette. "We've since switched vendors and got it fixed. We are currently awaiting public health to recertify us. Given that the summer months are extraordinarily slow, we are taking our time to get it right in time for the students to arrive when we expect to get busy again. The sign on the window, of course, doesn't help things as it is quite alarmist."

A red placard, dated July 18, states that the eatery is closed due to an “imminent health hazard.”

The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District classifies an imminent health hazard as "any violation, combination of violations, condition or combination of conditions making it probable that food or drink served to the public by the establishment or its continued operation can injure the health of the consumer or the public."

Sarah Michaels, director of environmental health for CUPHD, said that the closure of Conrad's Grill is not permanent.

“We are waiting for that issue to be resolved so that they can request a reinspection,” she said.