Mokaska owner, employee discuss Facebook allegations

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- A longtime staple in Downtown St. Joseph is undergoing changes

The Montee family, who runs Mokaska, informed employees of changes being made to the store, including the L-shaped counter at the front of the store being moved and a new pastry case.

The changes were met with strong resistance and requests from workers, according to the Montee family.

Employees expressed interest in having greater say in changes made to the store. Almost two weeks ago, former Mokaska employees shared through Facebook posts, they had been dismissed due to unsafe work conditions, such as crumbling walls, growing mold and dead gnats.

These concerns were noticed by the St. Joseph Health Department, which detailed what they investigate when allegations such as these are made.

"Sometimes we're aware that a previous employee is the one reporting or complaining," Assistant Health Director Kendra Bundy said. "Honestly, for us, if it's something within our jurisdiction, we'll definitely come out and take a look. It can be a matter of educating the vendor, or sometimes it's just a check-in and having a conversation to look around. We're going to take it seriously regardless of why we receive a complaint." 

Public Health Records are submitted to News-Press NOW every month. The most recent record, including Mokaska, was from July of 2025, citing a noncritical violation that the "restroom door must be self-closing."

According to owner Susan Montee, some of the instances posted on Facebook, like a hole in the front wiring, needed to be addressed. However, she also stressed that the company's first priority is safety.

Montee referenced a 10-year history of cooperating with the health department and city zoning, while also adding that the social media situation was disappointing.

"It all really had been addressed and treated before this person put all those posts out there," Montee said. "I understand when people are upset about the change in circumstances. I understand lashing. I think it's a shame." 

In reaching out to a Mokaska employee, they explained the motivation for making the posts came from multiple disagreements with a former worker and an owner.

"They had been butting heads for a while. Small arguments, big arguments, sometimes in front of customers," Events Coordinator Zoie Reynolds said. "Camille would bring up things that she felt were unsafe, like a saw being on a table where we have open seating. Andy didn't feel like that is something to urgently take care of or was a danger for customers or ourselves. A lot of factors leading up to the staff meeting that resulted in the Facebook posts to the whole city." 

Montee said Mokaska is currently closed, with renovations and changes being made. They are expected to open again in November.

Employees, like Reynolds, wanted to make sure safety concerns were addressed. Not just for workers alike, but customers who come to Mokaska.