Cronut bakery in New York shut down for mouse infestation

NEW YORK, April 4 (UPI) -- The Department of Health closed Dominique Ansel Bakery, the famous creators of the Cronut, in New York's SoHo neighborhood for a "severe mouse infestation."

The move was made after health officials investigated a video from a customer to the bakery, showing a mouse scurrying across the floor of the bakery as employees kneaded dough and prepared orders behind the counter.

“The establishment was closed by the Department because of a severe mouse infestation that requires professional pest control services,” said a spokesperson from the New York City Health Department.

According to Dominique Ansel patron Cody Pickrodt, the mouse "ran all over the place in plain view for a good 20 seconds" before he started shooting the video. Pickrodt said that the employees seemed to be cognizant of the mouse but continued to work. Local publication Gothamist posted the video of the mouse Thursday night.

"As a small one-shop bakery, we often feel like we're being looked at under a tremendous microscope. The news was dramatically sensationalized. A lot of time people don't see the larger ramifications of their actions and how a tiny video of a mouse running across the screen for 3 seconds can cause harm and damages to an honest, small business that people's livelihood depends on," read an official statement from the bakery.

Cronuts are a croissant-doughnut pastry invented and trademarked by Dominique Ansel, and when baked for the first time last year, the Cronuts created a sensation. Limited production led to long lines outside the bakery, and even a black market with people selling the $5 Cronuts for up to $100 each.

[NBC New York] [Gothamist]