mode skirts health laws? allegations raise eyebrows
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We hate to kick a dead horse — and this is one seriously expired equine — but the laundry list of troubles at Mode Restaurant knows no end.
Following the restaurant’s recent closure, several accusations from former employees include bounced checks, an AWOL owner, curious electrical solutions, and most importantly, operating without a health permit.
Interestingly, we never spotted a Health Department rating card in the restaurant’s window. Even more telling, a representative from the LA County Health Department could find no valid permit on file for Mode when we inquired. Have people been eating at an establishment that hasn’t undergone a health inspection?
Reader THE AWFUL TRUTH, a former employee of Mode, says as much:
HERE IS THE SCOOP………….
the real reason for mode not being open is that they were OPERATING WITHOUT A HEALTH PERMIT and sucking power from a generator without a permit and jacking the city.
The owner, Anthony Jones, writes checks without funds in the account and therefore, the employees were basically working for free. He has successfully eluded over 4o employees attempts to collect their wages.
Downtown wanted Mode to succeed, but all that goodwill was squandered on poor management and severe operational issues. Readers reported power outages while dining, no hot water, and basic food items out of stock — some of which we experienced firsthand.
Can Mode — and Tony Jones — survive this latest blow?
The problems faced by Mode may extend beyond what we’re seeing here: Royale on Wilshire, another business owned by Jones, appears to be experiencing similar afflictions. The implications can’t be good for Empire Restaurant, his third venture, currently under construction at 8th and Flower.
-mode closes again - haunted?
-meltdown a la mode
-Eater LA: Not Looking Good For Mode
5 comments
I knew this place had major problems. Bummer. Too soon maybe?
Not too soon. Too much incompetence.
Hi: A friend & I will be attending a dance event at the Cicada restuarant at Olive st. downtown L.A. this Sunday 1/27. The Cicada restuarant is fully booked for dining that evening. We w0ndered about good restuarants not to pricey near our event that would be open early Sunday evening for happy hour or regular tasty meals. We thought about Mode but that is over with… thanks for all the updated reviews on your site.
Sincerely, Susan
I don’t know if Mode is haunted but when I walked by after visiting the flea market there was someone sitting inside eating at a computer. He wasn’t the owner and he just sort of half-heartedly waved at us as we peered inside. Very strange, this place. I had the moules-frites there a few weeks ago and it was actually delicious. I hope it somehow gets back on its feet legitimately. Any news on whether this will affect the opening of the bakery and the denim shop?
Susan: Try Pete’s at 4th and Main for a delicious meal in a lively environment. I’ve never been disappointed.
Narinda: That was probably the owner’s cousin, who was most likely the same guy that “haunted” Mode the other day when I peered inside. He was hastily throwing his shirt on when he saw us. I don’t know what that was about.
As for the bakery and denim shop, I’ll try my best to find out what’s going on. The bakery was in build-out before all this Mode stuff started happening, so it will most likely continue. They have a strong phone/internet order business.
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