Colorado Cafe Owner Defies Court Order and Keeps Serving Customers Amid Health Violations

A small-town Colorado cafe owner is at the center of a heated legal battle after refusing to close his doors despite a court order, failed health inspections, and mounting evidence of food safety risks. The case has sparked a broader debate about government oversight, personal liberty, and public health.

What happened at Middle Park Meat Co.?

John “JD” Schein, owner of Middle Park Meat Co. in Kremmling, Colorado, was ordered by a judge in February to shut down his business after failing health inspections for more than a year. According to the Grand County Department of Public Health, Schein continued serving customers, refused to pay for his state license, skipped meetings with inspectors, and failed inspections when they did occur.

County officials say Schein even rang up sales while health department staff and law enforcement stood by. The cafe remained open the day after its first failed inspection in July 2025, and a third closure order was issued in April 2026 after another failed inspection, the fourth in five attempts.

What does the cafe owner say?

Schein denies the allegations and accuses county and state health officials of conspiring against him. In an email to CBS Colorado, he claimed officials “willfully falsify their official government document reports for use in an abusive court case.” He also vowed to file a defamation lawsuit and said he is standing up to “tyranny.”

“What Grand County Government really hates is that I all but force my customers and community members to think critically enough to start questioning the authority and subsidized programs pushed on the People by the Public Health Departments locally and nationwide,” Schein wrote.

Schein says he asks customers to choose between trusting his team’s reputation or relying on “government inspections and regulatory compliance checklists by local career bureaucrats every 6 to 8 months.”

What are the health concerns?

Grand County Public Health presented a long list of violations to county commissioners, including broken coolers, food stored above required temperatures, cross-contamination risks, insufficient handwashing, and unpasteurized milk and raw eggs from unapproved sellers. The department also noted Schein failed to separate his living areas from food preparation and storage spaces.

Director Abbie Baker told commissioners that inspectors found no intent to fix the issues. “The operator continues to put the health of the public at risk of illness and improperly handled foods prepared at this facility,” she said, recommending immediate physical closure and permanent revocation of the retail food license.

Why is this case drawing attention?

The case has become a flashpoint in the ongoing tension between public health regulation and individual liberty. Schein frames his defiance as a principled stand against government overreach, while county officials describe it as a public safety emergency.

Assistant County Attorney Shira Cohen told commissioners that most violations were simple to fix, like labeling spray bottles and dating food. “This is just intentional disregard for the rule of law,” she said.

The commissioners voted unanimously to authorize a cease-and-desist order. One commissioner lamented the situation, noting the business had a longtime regional reputation for quality meat products.

What happens next?

Both sides are scheduled for a hearing in Grand County court on September 14. Schein says he will continue fighting, calling himself a “free-minded individual” who has “trained [his] whole adult life for this moment.”

For now, the cafe remains open, and the community remains divided over who is right.

Frequently asked questions

Why did the court order the cafe to close?

The court order came after the cafe failed multiple health inspections over more than a year, with violations ranging from broken coolers to improper food storage and cross-contamination risks.

Is the cafe still open?

Yes. Despite the court order and a cease-and-desist authorization from county commissioners, owner John Schein has continued operating the business.

What are the potential consequences for the owner?

Schein could face legal penalties, including fines or further court action, and the county is seeking permanent revocation of his retail food license.