LAURIE WEIR
PERTH — The Rocky River Café has reopened after being ordered closed last month when the health unit linked the restaurant to a salmonella outbreak.
The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit issued a closure order under Section 13 of Ontario’s Health Protection and Promotion Act on July 28, 2025. The action followed an investigation that identified the café as the common source of a salmonella outbreak reported on July 15.
Under Section 13(1) of the HPPA, a medical officer of health may order the immediate closure of premises if they believe a health hazard exists and that closing is necessary to prevent or decrease the hazard.
In a July 29 post on the café’s Facebook page, the restaurant owners said they “fully acknowledge[s] the seriousness of the concerns raised” and were “committed to taking the necessary steps to address them properly and responsibly.”
Owners Keith Saba and Brian Karl indicated that “every square inch of this restaurant has been cleaned from top to bottom” and they thanked customers for their understanding and continued support.
The closure order was rescinded on Aug. 6, after the health unit confirmed the restaurant had taken corrective action and was safe to reopen. On Aug. 8, the café posted that it is open from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Community reaction
The announcement of the closure sparked an outpouring of support on social media from customers, fellow business owners and former staff.
Kacee Kudrinko, a Westport business owner, wrote: “Despite following every best practice sometimes things can be outside your control. In all my years in the food industry this is my worst nightmare … I know you and your staff are great operators and we look forward to visiting your restaurant again soon.”
Many commenters shared recent positive dining experiences, complimenting the food, service and atmosphere, and pledged to return. Some offered to help with cleaning, while others praised the café’s transparency and commitment to safety.
Former kitchen staff vouched for the restaurant’s cleanliness and maintenance. Longtime patrons, including those with dietary sensitivities, said they had always felt safe dining there. Several noted that salmonella can originate from many sources, not just restaurant preparation, and that closures can happen even in well-run establishments.
Dozens of messages ended with the same promise: they would be back.
The health unit has not publicly disclosed the number of people affected in the outbreak. Symptoms of salmonella infection can include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting, with illness typically lasting four to seven days.
The Rocky River Café, located at 8 Wilson St. E., is now operating under normal hours. It has been running in Perth since 2016.
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