Florida restaurant closures in Broward County made headlines this week after state health inspectors ordered shutdowns due to significant sanitation violations, including roach and rodent activity. According to official Florida inspection data pulled from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, two high-profile businesses—Panini Kosher in Dania Beach and a Family Dollar in Fort Lauderdale—were cited for pest-related issues that led to immediate stop-use orders. For a comprehensive overview of recent shutdowns across the state, see the full September list of Florida restaurant closures due to rodent and roach violations.
Florida Restaurant Closures: Roach Infestation Shuts Down Panini Kosher
Panini Kosher, listed as a Hollywood restaurant but located at 5978 SW 40th Ave., Dania Beach, was ordered closed this week after a state inspection uncovered a widespread roach infestation. The main keyword, Florida restaurant closures, is central to this incident, as the shutdown was mandated by public health officials based on DBPR data.
The inspection report documented live roaches in several critical areas:
- On prep tables in the kitchen
- Inside the dining room
- Under bread storage shelves
- Near cooked rice, soup, bread crumbs, and tortillas
Despite the findings, a sign posted on the restaurant’s front door read, “Temporarily closed due to a flood.” However, the official inspection records show the closure was directly related to pest activity, not flooding.
Management Response and Location Details
When questioned by local reporters, management at Panini Kosher’s Surfside location stated the Dania Beach restaurant was closed for renovations following minor flooding. Upon further questioning, the manager contacted the owner, Hershel Brach, who declined to comment. No further response was received by press time.
Panini Kosher’s Surfside location remains open and was not affected by the inspection findings at the Dania Beach establishment. For more on recent Miami-Dade County shutdowns caused by rodents, roaches, mold, and other hazards, check out this week’s Miami-Dade restaurant closure report.
Rodent Violations at Family Dollar in Fort Lauderdale
Another significant Florida restaurant closure event this week involved a Family Dollar store at 951 West Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Inspectors found numerous rodent droppings on shelves stocked with pet food, prompting a stop-use order for the entire aisle containing these products.
During a follow-up visit, reporters observed that rodent droppings were still present and pet food was still available for purchase, despite the state’s stop-use order. Store manager Mirna Cherizier acknowledged the presence of an exterminator but cited staffing shortages as a challenge in addressing the issue.
When pressed about the ongoing rodent activity, the manager declined to provide further comment.
Inspection Requirements and Reopening Procedures
Both Panini Kosher and the Family Dollar store must undergo re-inspection and receive clearance from state officials before they can fully reopen or resume operations in the affected areas. According to DBPR guidelines, businesses with pest-related violations must demonstrate that all issues have been resolved and that conditions meet state sanitation standards. For a detailed look at recent closures in Broward County, including the latest on rodent and roach violations, visit the full list of Broward County restaurant closures this week.
How CleanTable Grades Reflect This Week’s Inspection Failures
CleanTable, an independent app using public DBPR data, assigns hygiene scores based on the severity and frequency of violations. For incidents like those at Panini Kosher and Family Dollar, CleanTable would apply significant point deductions for high-priority violations such as roach and rodent activity.
Scores are calculated on a 1–100 scale, with letter grades assigned as follows:
- A+ = 90–100
- A = 80–89
- B = 70–79
- C = 60–69
- D = below 60
High-priority violations, such as those documented this week, result in a three-point deduction per incident. Users can review simplified summaries and full official reports through the app to make informed dining decisions.
Florida Restaurant Closures: Frequently Asked Questions
- Why was Panini Kosher in Dania Beach shut down this week?
According to public records from the Florida DBPR, Panini Kosher was ordered closed after inspectors found live roaches in multiple areas, including prep tables, the dining room, and food storage locations. - What specific violations led to the Family Dollar closure in Fort Lauderdale?
Inspectors documented numerous rodent droppings on shelves containing pet food, resulting in a stop-use order for the entire affected aisle. - Did Panini Kosher’s Surfside location receive any violations?
No. The Surfside location was not cited or affected by the inspection findings at the Dania Beach restaurant. - Were the businesses allowed to reopen immediately after the inspection?
No. Both Panini Kosher and Family Dollar must pass a follow-up inspection and be cleared by state officials before resuming full operations in the affected areas. - Were there any unusual or notable violations in these closures?
Yes. At Panini Kosher, live roaches were found not only in the kitchen but also in the dining room and near ready-to-eat foods, which is considered a high-priority violation. At Family Dollar, rodent droppings were observed on shelves with pet food even after the initial inspection and stop-use order. - How did management at Panini Kosher respond to the closure?
Management posted a sign stating the closure was due to flooding, but inspection records show it was related to a roach infestation. The owner declined to comment further.
Want to know what’s happening behind the kitchen door? Search any Florida restaurant before you dine—Download CleanTable from App Store and Play Store.
