Restaurant Inspections: Live Roaches Found on Food Bar, Front Line

TAMPA BAY, FL — The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation ordered emergency closures at two area eateries last week when conditions inside didn’t meet state guidelines for health and safety.

Roach activity, dirty conditions and improper food storage conditions were among the biggest reasons behind the temporary closings. In its Emergency Closures report for the week ending Aug. 6, the state noted these local restaurants had been ordered shut until they cleaned up their acts:

Tampa

Charley’s Philly Steaks, 8003 Citrus Park Town Center

• Initial inspection date – Aug. 1
• High priority violations – 1
• Intermediate violations – 1
• Basic violations – 6

The state inspector noted such concerns as heavily soiled drain covers, no proof of state-required employee training and dead roaches. About 25 dead critters were found in the back of the kitchen and the front line, the state report noted. Live roaches were also found, including 20 creatures in the back kitchen, seven by the front counter, one on a cutting board and four by the triple sink. The eatery was allowed to reopen on Aug. 2, but the need for another follow-up inspection was noted.

Brandon

Genghis Grill Mongolian Stir Fry, 910 Providence Road

• Initial inspection date – Aug. 5
• High priority violations – 2
• Intermediate violations – 2
• Basic violations – 5

The inspector noted such concerns as water on the floor, employee failure to wash hands and improper food storage. Live roaches were a top concern with seven found at the food bar and one at the grill area, the state report noted. The eatery was closed temporarily on Aug. 5, but was able to reopen later that same day when it met state requirements during a follow-up inspection.

Image via Shutterstock