Employees Claim Adachi in Birmingham Is the Site of a Large COVID-19 Outbreak | Eater Detroit

"A Japanese-influenced restaurant and sushi bar in Birmingham has been linked to a staff COVID-19 outbreak after multiple current and former employees told an alt-weekly that at least six front-of-house workers tested positive and two others were symptomatic. Management confirmed six positive tests, said the restaurant closed for sanitizing after an employee informed them on August 10, and reported that owners paid for staff testing and conducted an internal investigation that concluded required CDC, state, and county guidance had been followed. Former employees allege the restaurant engaged in unsafe practices beyond mandated protocols — including instances when management allegedly downplayed safety concerns, a crowded rush indoors during a rainstorm when extra tables were brought in, and an owner moving between tables without a mask — and two ex-staffers say they faced retaliation after raising issues; those workers have filed complaints with MOSHA and the NLRB and are represented by counsel. The county health division conducted at least one surprise inspection and later said the restaurant has been cooperating and working to ensure employee and customer safety. Management disputes some former employees’ accounts, provided documentation about one worker’s departure, and says lessons were learned and new measures were implemented following incidents of crowding." - Brenna Houck