A popular Homewood restaurant is facing renewed scrutiny after a Reddit post described a disturbing dining experience that quickly gained traction online. The post alleges that a customer found a baby cockroach inside an omelette at Demetri’s BBQ, a longtime local staple in Alabama.
“I cut in to my omelette about three bites in and a small cockroach fell out from the inside on its back,” the user wrote, adding that the discovery immediately ended the meal. According to the post, staff comped the food, but the incident left a lasting impression. “It was a terrible experience,” the user added, warning others about potential health risks.
The claim alone might have remained an isolated complaint, but commenters quickly connected it to a recent health inspection that paints a more complicated picture of conditions inside the restaurant.
Health Inspection Raises Additional Concerns
Public records show Demetri’s BBQ received a score of 80 on a January 8, 2026 inspection, a result that falls short of top marks and includes multiple critical violations. Among the most notable issues cited was the absence of backflow prevention devices on certain faucets, a requirement designed to protect water supplies from contamination.
Inspectors also documented problems with water temperature at handwashing sinks, noting it reached only 85 degrees Fahrenheit, well below the required 100 degrees. Proper handwashing is a cornerstone of food safety, and insufficient water heat can undermine sanitation efforts.
Additional remarks pointed to infrastructure concerns, including dumpsters placed on unstable surfaces like gravel and crumbling asphalt. While not directly tied to food preparation, such conditions can contribute to broader sanitation challenges.
The Alabama Reddit thread reflects a mix of reactions from the local community. Some users expressed shock and frustration, with one writing, “If I find bugs in my food that restaurant is getting put on blast immediately.” Others claimed similar experiences or long-standing concerns. “A cockroach literally crawled across my foot there in July,” another commenter alleged.
There were also voices urging caution, noting that a single post does not confirm a systemic issue. Still, several users pointed to the inspection score as supporting context. “They scored an 80,” one commenter stated plainly, referencing the same report.
The original poster went further, suggesting the insect may have been a German cockroach, a species often associated with indoor infestations. While that claim remains unverified, it added to the thread’s urgency and visibility.
Demetri’s BBQ has not publicly responded to the allegations circulating online. For now, the situation highlights how quickly a single customer experience, when paired with documented inspection issues, can amplify concerns and put a spotlight on restaurant standards in Alabama’s competitive dining scene.
