Boston's 'Salt Bae' restaurant fails Covid-19 safety regulations and must close, city says
The restaurant, Nusr-Et Boston, is part of a chain of steakhouses headed by Turkish celebrity chef Nusret Gökçe. "
"Salt Bae," as he is better known, became famous on social media for the dramatic flair he added when butchering and salting his meat.
Violations listed on the city's website included patrons and employees not wearing masks, along with blocked fire exits. Multiple complaints on the city's 311 website also described cramped quarters, with many customers and employees going maskless. Video Gökçe posted to Instagram last week showed people closely lined up outside the restaurant, most in masks but some without, as crowds cheered the chef.
The city responded to the violations by ordering the restaurant to immediately cease operations, and indefinitely suspended its alcohol beverages license.
An emergency hearing has been scheduled for Sept. 29, a city spokesperson told CNN. The restaurant chain did not immediately respond to CNN's requests for comment.
