Fried chicken chain temporarily closed by health officials after standing sewage found inside

Would you like a side of ketchup, BBQ, or…sewage?

According to health official reports, Pickaway County Public Health (PCPH) issued an involuntary closure order to Huey Magoo’s, the chicken-centric chain located at 23601 U.S. Route 23 South in Circleville in late August.

The eatery has since been cleared by PCPH, and has since reopened its door for business. The closure lasted several days.

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An emergency inspection was prompted after an initial complaint. Then, a consultation followed, where an Ohio Department of Agriculture food safety specialist found wastewater backing up into the kitchen near the sink.

When health officials arrived, according to the report, they found standing wastewater in parts of the kitchen, active sewage backflow onto the floor and a strong sewage odor. Inspectors also noted that food was being served to customers while the issue was present, creating a potential contamination risk.

The inspection resulted in two critical violations: failing to properly maintain the restaurant’s plumbing system and failing to prevent wastewater from backing up onto the floor.

According to the health department’s report, restaurant management was told to shut down immediately. When the owner reportedly refused to close voluntarily, the Health Commissioner issued the involuntary closure order.

Health officials warned that continuing to operate under the order could lead to further legal action.

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