Swiss Chalet being gutted for spring re-opening

A St. John's restaurant that closed before Christmas because of a rodent infestation plans to re-open in the spring.

The news comes as government inspection records obtained by CBC News showthat pest troubles at the restaurant date back further than initially thought.

Problems with mice in the Swiss Chalet restaurant on Kenmount Road began in the fall of 2010, the records indicate.

A pest control company attempted to get rid of the rodents that fall and winter. This past summer, a new exterminator was hired.

Last month, the operators voluntarily shut down because of a mice infestation.

At that time,Swiss Chalet said in a statement"this case has been caused by recent weather conditions combined with construction in the area that is disrupting local habitats."

The restaurant on is now on the way to being gutted.

"We have decided to make a substantial investment to fix the building structure at our Kenmount Road location to ensure it meets our standards, not just for the winter ahead, but for the long term,"Swiss Chalet said in a statement issued through a Toronto-based PR agency.

That work which the company is calling "a full reconstruction of the restaurant"includes repairing the building structure, and rebuilding the kitchen and dining room.

Swiss Chalet stressed in an e-mailed statement that the health and safety of its guests and employees is "always a top priority."

"St. Johns is important to Swiss Chalet, and we plan to serve the community here for many years to come," the spokesperson said.

There were no issues of concern identified at Swiss Chalet's other St. John's location, according to documents reviewed by CBC News.