Florida restaurant closures made headlines this week after state inspectors documented sewage, wastewater, and pest violations at several locations. Based on public records from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), two restaurants in Miami-Dade County and Broward County were ordered shut, while a third required a follow-up inspection. These actions highlight ongoing challenges with sanitation and pest control in the region’s food service industry, as seen in recent statewide closure reports involving rodent and roach violations.
Florida Restaurant Closures: This Week’s Shutdowns and Violations
The main keyword, Florida restaurant closures, is at the center of this week’s inspection activity. According to DBPR data, the following restaurants faced state-ordered closures or follow-up inspections due to health and safety concerns:
- Benihana, 3261 SW 160th Avenue, Miramar (Broward County)
- Fritanga Monimbo Kendall, 7173 SW 117th Avenue, Kendale Lakes (Miami-Dade County)
- Chicken Kitchen, 1565 Sunset Drive, South Miami (Miami-Dade County)
Benihana in Miramar: Sewage and Wastewater Issues
On October 11, 2024, inspectors responded to a complaint at Benihana in Miramar. The inspection resulted in a state-ordered closure after only two violations were found, but both were considered severe.
Sewage Backups Documented by Inspectors
DBPR records show sewage and wastewater were backing up through floor drains in multiple areas:
- Bar area
- Sushi station
- Four drains in the kitchen
- Two drains in the dishwasher area
- Outside the back entrance door near the grease trap
Inspectors noted the issue could not be isolated. One employee was observed stepping on sewage, and another was peeling raw shrimp at the time of inspection.
Standing Water in Dining and Kitchen Areas
Standing water was found in several locations inside the restaurant:
- Dining room area, below customer tables and seats
- Bar area
- Front counter facing the sushi station
- Kitchen area
These conditions led to the immediate closure of Benihana until the issues could be resolved and a re-inspection was completed.
Fritanga Monimbo Kendall: Roach and Fly Activity
On October 8, 2024, Fritanga Monimbo Kendall in the Kendale Lakes area was ordered shut after inspectors found 21 violations, including active roach and fly infestations. This is part of a trend of South Florida restaurant closures caused by rodent and fly violations that have led to multiple shutdowns in recent months.
Roach Activity and Insect Issues
According to public inspection records, live roaches were observed in several areas:
- One roach crawling up the wall near the stove in the kitchen
- One roach on a mixer on a preparation table in the kitchen
- One roach crawling up the wall in the bathroom near the kitchen
Small flying insects were also present in the kitchen, food preparation, storage, and bar areas. Inspectors documented approximately seven flies in the kitchen and one fly landing on a pastry shelf at the front counter.
Additional Violations at Fritanga Monimbo Kendall
- Insect control device (fly zapper) stored above cooking oil in the back of the kitchen
- Raw shell eggs stored above cheese inside a reach-in cooler
- Plastic container used as a scoop in the rice bucket
- Four ceiling tiles with water damage above the steam table in the dining area
- Gap underneath the exterior door at the back of the kitchen
- Food stored under a dripping water line in a reach-in cooler
After the initial closure, a follow-up inspection on October 9 found two live roaches above the three-compartment sink, five dead roaches on the mop sink, and two dead roaches under the sink. The operator provided a pest control receipt dated October 8.
Chicken Kitchen in South Miami: Insect Activity Prompts Follow-Up
On October 11, 2024, Chicken Kitchen in South Miami underwent an inspection following a complaint. Six violations were found, and a follow-up inspection was required.
Small Flying Insects Throughout the Establishment
Inspectors observed live small flying insects in multiple areas:
- Approximately five insects at the front counter, flying and landing on storage cabinets
- Six insects flying and landing on boxes of condiment cups and aluminum pans in the prep area
- Five insects landing on walls in the hallway beverage closet
- Seven insects throughout the lobby and beverage area, landing on walls, mirrors, and tables
Walls above the point-of-sale system were soiled with food debris and about 15 dead flying insects. Inspectors also noted two containers of household fly bug spray under the point-of-sale system.
Other Notable Violations at Chicken Kitchen
- Nonfood-contact surfaces, such as hood filters, soiled with grease buildup
- Sweet plantains at the front display steam table held at 122°F, below the required 135°F for hot holding (operator reheated the food during inspection)
Chicken Kitchen was not ordered shut but must address these issues in a follow-up inspection.
How CleanTable Scores Reflect Inspection Findings
CleanTable, an independent app, uses DBPR inspection data to assign hygiene grades to restaurants across Florida. Each location receives a score from 1 to 100, with letter grades from A+ to D. High-priority violations, such as sewage backups or pest activity, result in greater point deductions. Users can see both summarized and full official inspection reports in the app. For example, the latest hygiene scores reveal seven closures and over 115 rodent droppings found in recent inspections.
Frequently Asked Questions: Florida Restaurant Closures This Week
- Why was Benihana in Miramar ordered closed?
Benihana was closed after inspectors found sewage and wastewater backing up through floor drains in multiple areas, including the bar, sushi station, kitchen, and dishwasher area. Standing water was also observed in the dining room and kitchen. - What types of violations led to the closure of Fritanga Monimbo Kendall?
Fritanga Monimbo Kendall was ordered shut after live roaches were found in the kitchen and bathroom, along with small flying insects in food preparation and storage areas. Additional violations included improper food storage, ceiling damage, and a gap under the exterior door. - What did the follow-up inspection at Fritanga Monimbo Kendall reveal?
The follow-up inspection found two live roaches above the three-compartment sink, five dead roaches on the mop sink, and two dead roaches under the sink. The operator presented a pest control receipt from the previous day. - Was Chicken Kitchen in South Miami shut down?
Chicken Kitchen was not ordered closed but was required to undergo a follow-up inspection after inspectors found live small flying insects throughout the establishment, soiled surfaces, and improper food holding temperatures. - How quickly did the closed restaurants reopen?
According to DBPR records, all locations ordered shut were allowed to reopen after completing the required cleanup and passing a re-inspection. - Were any unusual or striking violations documented this week?
Yes, at Benihana, inspectors observed an employee stepping on sewage, and at Fritanga Monimbo Kendall, a fly zapper was stored above cooking oil in the kitchen.
Want to know what’s happening behind the kitchen door? Search any Florida restaurant and get the latest hygiene scores before you dine. Download CleanTable .
