Popeyes in Detroit closed: DoorDash driver video reveals cockroaches on order

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• What the footage showed
• Company reaction and next steps
• How pest problems typically start

A video shared online this week by a DoorDash driver showing cockroaches inside a Detroit Popeyes prompted the restaurant to close temporarily — a swift response that underscores immediate concerns about food safety and customer confidence. The closure leaves questions about when the location will reopen and what steps will be taken to prevent a repeat.

What the footage showed

The clip, posted on social media by a delivery worker, appears to show insects moving across the counter and near an order. In the recording the driver expresses shock at the scene and says employees were present while the insects were visible.

Local television stations that reviewed the video described the infestation as significant enough to prompt complaints from customers and onlookers. The store is on Detroit’s east side, near the intersection of Warren and Conner, according to public mapping sources.

Company reaction and next steps

Popeyes told reporters the outlet is closed while the franchisee takes corrective action. A company spokesperson said the location is operated by an independent franchisee and will remain shut until it meets the chain’s service and cleanliness standards.

That statement signals the brand expects a formal cleanup and verification process before reopening. The closure also likely triggers local health-inspection involvement; health departments typically inspect following credible reports of pests or sanitation issues.

How pest problems typically start

Entomologists and pest-control specialists say the species often implicated in food-service problems — commonly known as German cockroaches — are hardy and reproduce rapidly. Experts note these pests often enter commercial kitchens as “hitchhikers” on deliveries, personal items or employee clothing, then establish themselves where food and moisture are available.

Mark VanderWerp of Rose Pest Solutions told a local station that infestations can begin off-site and be introduced unintentionally, but that once established they require professional treatment and thorough sanitation to eliminate.

• Immediate impact: The restaurant is closed and customers should avoid the location until officials clear it.
• Likely actions: Deep cleaning, professional pest treatment, and an inspection by local health authorities.
• Who’s responsible: The franchisee manages daily operations; the brand monitors standards and can require remediation.
• What customers can do: Check recent inspection results for nearby locations and report similar issues to local health departments.

Officials and the company have not released a timeline for reopening. As investigations continue, the episode serves as a reminder of how quickly sanitary concerns can affect a single outlet and ripple into broader trust issues for national chains.

Reporting for this article drew on video posted by a delivery driver and statements provided to local and national outlets by the restaurant chain and pest-control experts. Local health authorities typically release findings after inspections are completed.