
Portage Businesses Rally After Foul Odor Disrupts Weekend
A situation arose over the weekend that has disturbed many local businesses in Portage, Michigan, as the owner of Solasta Spa, Salon, and Wellness has been dealing with odors that have forced her and other businesses nearby to close.
Ashley Whited, the owner of the salon, recently took to Facebook to literally and figuratively clear the air about the situation that took place. Ashley claims that there was a scent around her and other businesses that was emanating from the building, which was once occupied by Maui Poke, that is being described as hot garbage, but claims there’s really no true way to describe the odor.

As she explained, she had to contact the owners of the building at an annoying rate in order to get somebody inside the building to discover what the scent was, and as she described, it was pretty unbearable:
After persistent follow-up, maintenance gained access to Maui Poke, where they were met with a swarm of flies and a stench so severe that a maintenance technician vomited and a passerby gagged. Inside, they discovered that the restaurant’s freezers—off and left full of meat—had exploded, resulting in the overwhelming odor. Maintenance advised the owner to clean the space, but she reportedly left shortly after, and no professional cleaning team arrived.
What's Being Done About The Alleged Maui Poke Smell In Portage?
Ashley explained how her business will be moving forward, while also expressing frustration over the lack of accountability she claims has been displayed:
As of now, after hours of our own cleaning and sanitizing efforts, Solasta will reopen. Still, we have received no apology from the owner of Maui Poke, and I remain deeply disappointed by how Plazacorp handled the situation. Our business, along with Thai Café, was forced to close due to a completely preventable health hazard, and the response from those responsible was delayed, dismissive, and unacceptable.
Although this unfortunate situation has caused damage to local businesses, Ashley is hopeful other businesses will follow her lead in the future:
While this has been incredibly frustrating and costly, I’ve learned the importance of advocating for health, safety, and basic accountability. Had I not spoken up, I fear the conditions could have become far worse.
As of now, the owners of Maui Poke, where the scent allegedly came from, have not been confirmed or acknowledged by the owners on their Facebook page; however, the community has rallied behind Ashley and her efforts.
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