Florida restaurant closures surged this week as health inspectors documented rodent droppings, roach activity, and unsanitary conditions across several Broward County establishments. According to public records from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), six restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Deerfield Beach, and Pinecrest were ordered shut following inspection failures involving pests, food safety risks, and hygiene violations. For a comprehensive overview of recent Florida restaurant closures and violation trends, review our detailed September list.
Florida Restaurant Closures: This Week’s Shutdowns in Broward County
The latest DBPR inspection data reveals a pattern of high-priority health violations leading to temporary closures. All affected restaurants were allowed to reopen after required cleanups and follow-up inspections. No Miami-Dade County eating establishments were ordered to shut down during this period, marking the second consecutive week without closures there. For more on recent Miami-Dade shutdowns due to rodents, roaches, and mold, see our report on Miami-Dade restaurant closures this week.
Wilton Wings – 1428 NE 4th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale
Inspection Date: January 14, 2025
Violations Found: 24
Closure Reason: Rodent and roach activity, food safety issues
- Rodent materials and rub marks found near restrooms and in dry storage areas.
- Sugar packets with gnaw marks issued a stop sale due to compromised condition.
- Live and dead roaches discovered in multiple kitchen and storage locations.
- Presence of small flying insects in food prep and dining areas.
- Temperature control failures: beans, raw fish, and cooked ribs held above 51°F; sliced turkey and roast beef at 55°F.
- Employee hygiene lapses observed, including handling food without washing hands.
- Additional issues: soiled floors, grease accumulation, exterior door gaps, unapproved renovations, and expired operating license.
Jalisco – 700 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale
Inspection Date: January 13, 2025
Violations Found: 9
Closure Reason: Rodent droppings, gnawed food packaging, roach presence
- Rodent droppings found on bulk containers and inside tortilla packaging; gnaw marks observed on food bags.
- Stop sale issued for corn tortillas with evidence of rodent damage.
- Dead roaches discovered in dining area cabinets, kitchen, employee restroom, and storage cove.
- Standing water, objectionable odors, and soiled food-contact surfaces noted.
- Soiled cardboard used on floors, not replaced as required.
China Ichiban Buffet – 800 South Federal Highway, Deerfield Beach
Inspection Date: January 13, 2025
Violations Found: 12
Closure Reason: Rodent droppings, labeling and storage violations
- Approximately 24 rodent droppings found in dry storage, sushi prep, and ware washing areas.
- Stop sale issued for raw shellfish lacking proper labeling or tags.
- Improper storage of raw animal food over unwashed produce.
- Floor tiles in disrepair; recurring maintenance issues.
Aki E Restaurant Bar – 1840 Harrison Street, Hollywood
Inspection Date: January 13, 2025
Violations Found: 12
Closure Reason: Extensive roach activity, sanitation failures
- Multiple live and dead roaches found throughout prep and storage areas, including inside equipment and on kitchen surfaces.
- Significant buildup of roach droppings in unused freezer.
- No soap provided at hand wash sinks; lack of employee training documentation.
- Improper storage of prescription medication above food service items.
Follow-up Inspection (Jan 14): 9 live roaches still observed.
Boston Johnny’s – 2120-2122 North Dixie Highway, Hollywood
Inspection Date: January 16, 2025
Violations Found: 7
Closure Reason: Roach activity in kitchen and storage areas
- Live roaches found inside kitchen equipment, coolers, and can openers.
- Dead roaches observed on kitchen floors, equipment, and bar area.
- Employee training documentation missing; oven interior heavily soiled.
Crafty Crab – 8705 SW 136th Street, Pinecrest
Inspection Date: January 17, 2025
Violations Found: 27
Closure Reason: Flying insects, food safety, and storage violations
- 16+ live flies observed in dry storage, dish, and server areas.
- Improper thawing of clam chowder at room temperature.
- Raw shell eggs stored above raw calamari; repeat violation.
- Sour cream held at 67°F; operator moved item to cooler.
- Soiled ceiling vents, broken equipment gaskets, food stored on floors.
- Hand wash sink used for non-handwashing purposes; expired employee training.
Follow-up inspection required.
Inspection Failures: Key Trends and Notable Violations
Reviewing this week’s Florida restaurant closures, inspectors cited persistent pest activity, improper food storage, and repeated sanitation lapses. Rodent droppings and gnaw marks led to stop sales at multiple locations, while live and dead roaches were documented in kitchens, storage rooms, and even inside food equipment. Temperature control issues and missing employee training records were also common themes in the inspection reports. For additional details on recent shutdowns across South Florida, including rodent, roach, and mold violations, view our coverage of South Florida restaurant closures this week.
Frequently Asked Questions: Florida Restaurant Closures This Week
- Why was Wilton Wings in Fort Lauderdale shut down?
Wilton Wings was ordered closed after inspectors found rodent materials, rub marks, gnawed sugar packets, live and dead roaches, and improper food temperatures. Additional violations included employee hygiene lapses and expired licensing. - What specific rodent and roach violations were found at Jalisco?
Jalisco had rodent droppings on bulk containers and inside tortilla packaging, gnaw marks on food bags, and dead roaches in dining, kitchen, and restroom areas. A stop sale was issued for corn tortillas with rodent damage. - How many rodent droppings were found at China Ichiban Buffet?
Inspectors documented approximately 24 rodent droppings in dry storage, sushi prep, and ware washing areas at China Ichiban Buffet. - Did Aki E Restaurant Bar have repeat pest issues after closure?
Yes. During a follow-up inspection the day after closure, inspectors observed 9 live roaches still present at Aki E Restaurant Bar. - What were the main violations at Crafty Crab in Pinecrest?
Crafty Crab was cited for more than 16 live flies in food and storage areas, improper thawing of clam chowder, temperature control failures, raw eggs stored above seafood, soiled ceiling vents, and food stored on floors. - How quickly were these restaurants allowed to reopen?
All restaurants ordered closed were permitted to reopen after completing required cleaning and passing follow-up inspections, as documented in DBPR records.
Want to see restaurant hygiene scores before you dine out? Search any Florida restaurant and get the latest inspection summaries with CleanTable. Download CleanTable .
