06/25/2025
Unexpected Freezer Failure Led to Odor โ Weโre Deeply Sorry and Doing Everything We Can
To our neighbors and community,
Two weeks ago, we ordered two boxes of food and vendor samples for a planned food tasting. At some point late last week โ we assume Friday based on when the first concerns were raised โ our freezer unexpectedly failed. We discovered the issue early Saturday morning and took immediate action. We came back twice that day, working alongside PlazaCorp staff and professional cleaners to fully clean and sanitize everything.
On Monday, we were told some neighboring businesses were still worried about odors. Out of respect, we returned again to clean even more thoroughly โ though by then, there were no visible signs of spoilage, flies, or smells. Both the health department and the property manager visited Soladas and Thai Cafรฉ and did not report any issues.
What truly hurt was seeing public complaints online instead of receiving a direct message or phone call โ especially since the owner of Thai Cafรฉ has my contact information. Had anyone reached out Saturday night, we wouldโve returned immediately to address any further concerns. Instead, we woke up Monday feeling blindsided and heartbroken, like the world had turned against us.
Please believe us when we say: this was never intentional. Equipment failure can happen in any restaurant โ unfortunately, it happened to us at the worst possible time, and we werenโt there to catch it right away.
On Tuesday morning, June 24, the health department completed a full walkthrough of our space. We passed inspection and received our renewed food license. Everything was confirmed to be clean, safe, and fully up to code.
We truly apologize to any neighboring businesses affected. This was beyond our control, but weโve done everything we can โ and more โ to make it right. We care deeply about our neighbors, about doing the right thing, and about running a clean, honest, and respectful business.
To those who have offered support, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Weโre doing our best in a difficult situation, and your kindness means everything.
With sincerity,
The MAUI POKE Team
๐7083 S Westnedge Ave, Portage
๐ 269-350-5605