SHREVEPORT, La. -- Forget the movie villains on screen -- the real horror at Shreveport's Tinseltown was found behind the concession counter.
Newly released health inspection reports reveal "live rodent sightings" and "droppings throughout the concession prep area," violations so serious that inspectors ordered immediate cleanup and pest control inside the Youree Drive theater.
What inspectors found
The Louisiana Department of Health inspection went beyond minor infractions. In stark language, inspectors wrote:
"Rodent activity present in food prep and storage areas requires immediate cleaning and pest control intervention.""Remove all rodent droppings from surfaces.""Sanitize food preparation equipment and storage bins.""Implement an enhanced pest management program."
Another section of the report warned that "rodents can carry disease organisms that may contaminate both food and surfaces accessible to the public."
The inspection required corrective actions on the spot. Officials say follow-up visits are scheduled to ensure the theater complies with every order.
Corporate silence
Despite repeated requests from KTBS, both local management at Shreveport's Tinseltown and its corporate parent -- Cinemark Holdings, headquartered in Plano, Texas -- have not responded to questions.
That silence has only fueled public concern. Moviegoers spend millions of dollars each year at the Youree Drive complex, one of the busiest theaters in the ArkLaTex. For many families, concessions are part of the tradition. Now, some patrons say they won't be buying snacks until the theater proves it has fixed the problem.
Why it matters
Public health experts stress that pest issues inside food-serving establishments aren't cosmetic -- they can be dangerous. Rodents are known carriers of bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli. If droppings or urine come into contact with food surfaces, the risk of illness rises dramatically.
Enforcement and next steps
The records make clear that the Louisiana Department of Health will continue monitoring the situation. One inspector noted that "failure to correct violations may result in further enforcement actions, including closure."
For now, the theater remains open.