WASHINGTON, D.C. (WUSA9) - Rodents and other health violations at Cosi's Metro Center location exploded into a PR problem beyond sanitation when the regional manager issued a statement calling a WUSA9 inquiry "unwarranted" and asking us not to look under their tables because it created "a great deal of distress."

A part-owner of Cosi intervened as the controvery escalated and issued an apology.

You can see the full Cosi email on Russ Ptacek's Facebook page and add your opinion.  You can also follow him on Twitter.

DC Health inspectors ordered an emergency closure at the Cosi Metro Center store citing rodents, rodent droppings, chicken and other foods at potentially sickening temperatures, improper tracking of employee diseases transmittable through food, and sinks too small to clean Cosi's large utensils, trays, and bowls.

Neighborhood collaborations make the getaway experience one to savor

City scenes and insider information greet guests who visit The Independent Collection’s new in-the-know websites, http://independentcollection.com. The recently relaunched sites are for a select group of hotels located in unique urban neighborhoods along the East Coast, all part of The Independent Collection. The Independent Collection, a growing collection of intimate lifestyle hotels managed by HHM, maps a course of travel for its guests that make the entire experience one to remember.