Central Florida’s Restaurant Scene Faces Temporary Shutdowns

News Summary

Central Florida’s restaurant industry is experiencing a significant setback as eight local eateries have temporarily closed due to health violations. Reports from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation indicated numerous infractions, including pest activity and temperature control issues. Noteworthy closures include Saffron Indian Cuisine and China Chef Restaurant, which were allowed to reopen after addressing their violations. It serves as a reminder for diners to stay informed about compliance with health standards.

Central Florida’s Restaurant Scene Faces Temporary Shutdowns

Orlando, FL – Central Florida’s vibrant dining scene has taken a hit, with eight local restaurants recently shutting their doors temporarily due to health violations, as reported by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. If you’re a foodie, or just someone who loves to dine out, it’s important to stay informed about which establishments are currently facing challenges.

Saffron Indian Cuisine

Located at 7724 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando, Saffron Indian Cuisine was ordered to close on March 11 after racking up a staggering 23 violations, five of which were marked as high priority. Issues ranged from roach activity and temperature abuses to improper food storage. Following a second inspection on March 12, the restaurant still had 21 violations, although the roach problem had been resolved. By March 14, after a thorough inspection, Saffron had made significant improvements, garnering just 10 violations with none high priority, allowing the establishment to meet health standards and reopen.

China Chef Restaurant

Over in Winter Park, China Chef Restaurant, situated at 4042 N. Goldenrod Road, was shut down on March 13 with 24 total violations, including three marked as high priority for rodent activity. After a follow-up inspection the next day, the restaurant still had 14 violations, showing it had not fully complied with the emergency order; however, by the second inspection, only 10 violations remained, and none were high priority, allowing for a path to reopening.

Hangry Joe’s

Hangry Joe’s, found at 3688 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach, was shut down on March 11 due to 22 violations, including a concerning number of high-priority issues related to sewage and improper waste disposal. A first inspection showed that the restaurant remained closed with 7 violations. However, by the second inspection on March 12, only 3 violations were noted—none high priority—therefore Hangry Joe’s was on the path to reopening shortly thereafter.

Galaxy Bar & Grill

Galaxy Bar & Grill, located at 6100 N. Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island, faced a brief shutdown on March 11 due to one high-priority violation involving flying insects. The following inspections showed improvements, with just 2 violations the next day and a clean bill of health by March 12, allowing the bar to reopen.

Tropical Rhythm Restaurant & Sport Bar

Tropical Rhythm, at 10401 U.S. Highway 441 Suite 322, Leesburg, was ordered to shut down on March 12 due to 12 violations, including rodent activity. A subsequent inspection on March 13 revealed only two remaining violations, none of which were high priority, resulting in the restaurant meeting inspection standards.

Sally’s Diner

Sally’s Diner, located at 899 State Road 436, Casselberry, faced a shutdown on March 12 after accumulating 18 violations, seven of which were high priority. Some critical concerns included improper glove usage and roach activity. Fortunately, a second inspection the same day found only 2 violations, allowing Sally’s to reopen promptly.

Tijuana Flats

Another establishment affected was Tijuana Flats, located at 3635 Aloma Ave. Suite 1021, Oviedo. Following a March 13 shutdown due to 8 violations, including roach activity, the restaurant did not meet compliance after the first inspection. Ultimately, by March 15, Tijuana Flats reduced the number of violations to three and was granted permission to reopen.

Waffle House 2274

Last but not least, Waffle House 2274 at 3200 S. Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Shores was shut down on March 12 due to 8 violations, including roach activity. It had a similar outcome, with just 4 violations noted on the second inspection, allowing it to meet health standards.

A Closer Look at Health Violations

The violations reported reveal a range of issues from pest problems to temperature control mishaps. The data shows that Orange County had the highest number of complaints and warnings with 37, followed by Volusia with 19, Lake with 11, Brevard with 9, Seminole with 7, and Osceola with just 1.

As diners, keeping an eye on health inspection reports can help ensure your next meal is both tasty and safe. While these closures may seem alarming, it’s a reminder that health standards are in place to protect us all.

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Additional Resources

• Orlando Sentinel: 8 Central Florida Restaurants Shut Down Last Week
• MSN: Inspections Lead to 4 Central Florida Restaurant Shutdowns Last Week
• MSN: Violations Found During Central Florida Restaurant Inspections
• WFTV: Restaurants Closed Down for Most Severe Safety Violations
• Wikipedia: Food Safety
• WFTV: Restaurant Violations – Action 9 Reveals Top Offenders