QQ Sushi to reopen next week after replacing entire kitchen staff, passing health inspection

Feb. 12, 2020 Updated Wed., Feb. 12, 2020 at 9:22 p.m.

By Jared Brown jaredb@spokesman.com (509) 459-5135

QQ Sushi announced Wednesday it will reopen next week after replacing its entire kitchen and managerial staff in the wake of viral social media videos appearing to show staff preparing food on floors, improperly storing meat and allowing dirty items to touch food, in addition to other potential health violations.

The Spokane Regional Health District inspected the north Spokane restaurant Tuesday and gave approval for it to remain open, according to a statement. The health district received numerous complaints, mostly stemming from people who had viewed the videos of food preparation on social media.

Owner Bao Zhang said he decided to temporarily close the restaurant on Sunday in order to meet with his staff and conduct his own investigation. He already had fired two people by the time health district inspectors arrived Tuesday.

“I was deeply disturbed by what I saw on those videos,” Zhang said in a statement. “That does not accurately portray me and how I run my business … Our customers are like family to me, so I hope people know I’m taking this seriously and want to get back to serving the community with delicious food as I have for the past five years.”

Elijah Osborn told The Spokesman-Review he posted the videos to social media after he was asked to help out the restaurant with dishwashing in exchange for free sushi and beer. He said he became concerned with food prep techniques and captured videos of the behaviors.

Zhang apologized “for the distress this has caused our customers and the Spokane community.”

“I usually go to great lengths to ensure that we are serving the best quality food, made with the best ingredients in a safe environment,” Zhang said in a statement. “What we all witnessed is not acceptable and we are doing everything we can to make sure this never happens again.”

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