A Shocking Revelation

In a shocking revelation, a barista from Fellini Cucina, a fashionable New York restaurant, has brought to light a series of alarming food safety violations that could put the health of patrons at risk. Corey Kiser, who previously worked at the affiliated Fellini Coffee, took to TikTok to air his grievances, posting videos that have since gone viral with over 4.4 million views.

Corey's Disturbing Observations

“I might lose my job for this, but I need to speak out,” Corey stated, sharing his disturbing observations about the restaurant's practices. He described a disconcerting scene where food preparation was occurring on top of garbage cans, with ice stored under similarly unsanitary conditions. “This charming restaurant is more focused on looking good on Instagram than on food safety,” he added, expressing his concern that diners could soon become ill.

Unsafe Freezer Temperatures

Corey also noted that the restaurant’s walk-in freezer was being maintained at unsafe temperatures. “For a full week, the walk-in freezer was at 45 degrees. I returned after a couple of days off to find it at an even warmer 54 degrees for three consecutive days,” he confessed, emphasizing that commercial freezers should ideally be kept between 0 and -10 degrees Fahrenheit. The implications of these temperatures are grave, especially as perishable items like dairy and raw chicken were allegedly being stored improperly. “Serving dairy and cheese stored above 50 degrees is unacceptable!” Corey exclaimed.

The Fallout

Following the virality of his videos, Corey revealed that he was fired from his job. He recounted a follow-up conversation with his former manager, where he was told he could leave without finishing his shift if he didn't delete the video. “I was told that my actions were hurting their brand,” Corey stated in dismay.

Investigations and Violations

In a further investigation by the New York Post, it was disclosed that other locations of Fellini Cucina had also faced serious health code violations, including insufficient dishwashing procedures, improper food storage, a malfunctioning sewage system, and even evidence of pests in one location. The New York City Department of Health has confirmed that they are currently investigating multiple complaints regarding this restaurant chain.

Support from Co-Workers

In a twist of events, it appears that Corey's co-workers have rallied behind him, with several deciding to resign due to the unsafe working conditions after witnessing his courageous stand. “That place was bound to cause health issues,” Corey reflected.

Attempts to Minimize Fallout

Moreover, Corey has reported that his ex-manager is now attempting to minimize the fallout from the incident. “He’s been texting me, trying to pretend he never fired me, likely worried I might pursue legal action,” Corey claimed.

Public Reaction

On social media, Corey’s followers have voiced a mix of support and outrage. While many laud his bravery in speaking up, some former employees shared the same sentiments about their negative experiences while working at Fellini. “I worked there and it was disgusting,” one former worker commented.

The Ongoing Situation

As the fallout from Corey’s revelations continues, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has not yet assigned a cleanliness grade to the Manhattan location of Fellini Cucina, leaving many diners to wonder whether this trendy spot is worth the risk to their health. This unfolding saga underscores the importance of food safety in the restaurant industry, particularly as health concerns continue to rise among consumers. Will Corey consider legal action, or will this be the end of his fight for justice? Only time will tell.