Florida restaurant hygiene scores are in the spotlight this week after inspectors ordered temporary closures at several eateries across South Florida. Based on public records from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), recent inspections uncovered a range of violations at locations from sushi bars to national burger chains. CleanTable, an independent app that simplifies these hygiene scores, highlights these findings to help diners make informed choices.
Florida Restaurant Hygiene Scores: Key Closures and Violations
Between May 12 and May 16, 2025, four restaurants in Broward County, Miami-Dade County, and Monroe County were temporarily shut down following DBPR inspections. CleanTable assigned grades based on the severity and frequency of violations documented in these public records.
Suri Sushi Thai in Weston: Repeat Violations and Insect Issues
Suri Sushi Thai, located at 141 Weston Road, Weston, was ordered closed on May 13 after inspectors found nine violations. The inspection, prompted by a complaint, revealed several repeat issues:
- Small flying insects observed at the sushi bar (approximately 6 insects, repeat violation)
- Improper food storage: Raw chicken stored above ice cream in a freezer, and raw chicken stored above raw beef (repeat violation)
- Time/temperature control: Shrimp held at 52°F, sushi rice without time marking, and tempura shrimp at 75°F (all above safe limits, repeat violations)
- Improper cooling methods: Boiled eggs not cooling at the required rate
- Hand wash sink misuse: Utensils stored in handwashing sink
CleanTable assigned a C grade based on the pattern of high-priority and repeat violations. Users can review both simplified summaries and the full official inspection report through the app.
Wendy’s in Key West: Restroom Facilities Removed During Renovation
On May 12, inspectors shut down the Wendy’s at 3336 N. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West due to the absence of restroom facilities. The inspection, also based on a complaint, found:
- All bathroom toilets and faucets removed for ongoing renovations (repeat violation)
- No restroom access for staff or patrons during business hours
- Plumbing system completely removed
Without a functioning restroom, the location could not legally operate until repairs were completed. CleanTable assigned a D grade for this Wendy’s based on the severity of the facility violations shown in DBPR inspection data.
Sunshine Bistros in Lauderhill: Roach Activity and Cooling Problems
Sunshine Bistros at 1619 N. State Road 7, Lauderhill was ordered closed on May 14 after inspectors documented 11 violations, including:
- Live roaches found under prep tables and by the mop sink (approximately 3 live roaches)
- Dead roaches in the kitchen and hallway (approximately 5 dead roaches total)
- Improper food cooling methods: Cooked chicken sauce and pikliz not cooling fast enough to meet safety standards
- Soiled kitchen equipment: Microwave with food debris, hood filters with grease buildup
These findings led CleanTable to assign a C grade, reflecting the presence of pests and food safety risks as documented by DBPR.
Tu Concinita Catering in Hialeah: Roaches Found During Food Prep
On May 16, Tu Concinita Catering at 2430 W. 8th Avenue, Hialeah was shut down after inspectors found:
- Two live roaches inside a cabinet beneath a hand sink in the preparation area
- Food was being prepared for delivery at the time of inspection
CleanTable assigned a C grade, noting the presence of pests during active food preparation as a high-priority concern in the public records.
How CleanTable Calculates Florida Restaurant Hygiene Scores
CleanTable uses DBPR inspection data to assign each restaurant a score from 1 to 100, along with a letter grade:
- A+: 90–100
- A: 80–89
- B: 70–79
- C: 60–69
- D: Below 60
Violation types are weighted, with high-priority issues carrying the largest point deductions. Repeat violations and lack of corrective action can further impact a restaurant’s hygiene score. Users can access both simplified AI-generated summaries and the original DBPR inspection text through the app.
All Four Locations Allowed to Reopen After Cleanup
According to DBPR records, each of the four restaurants was permitted to reopen after completing a required cleanup and passing a follow-up inspection. CleanTable updates scores weekly to reflect the most recent inspection outcomes for each location.
FAQ: Recent Florida Restaurant Inspections and Closures
- Why was Suri Sushi Thai in Weston ordered closed?
Inspectors found nine violations, including improper food storage, lack of time-temperature controls, and small flying insects at the sushi bar. Several violations were repeat issues, according to DBPR records. - What led to the shutdown of Wendy’s in Key West?
The Wendy’s location was closed after inspectors found that all restroom facilities had been removed for renovations, leaving staff and patrons without access to bathrooms or plumbing. - What types of violations were found at Sunshine Bistros in Lauderhill?
Sunshine Bistros was cited for live and dead roaches under prep tables, improper cooling of food items, and soiled kitchen equipment, including a microwave and hood filters. - What did inspectors find at Tu Concinita Catering in Hialeah?
Two live roaches were found inside a cabinet beneath a hand sink in the preparation area while food was being prepared for delivery. - How quickly did these restaurants reopen after being closed?
All four locations were allowed to reopen after addressing the violations and passing a follow-up inspection, as documented in the official DBPR records. - Were there any unusual or repeat violations highlighted in these inspections?
Suri Sushi Thai had several repeat violations, including improper food storage and lack of time markings on sushi rice. Wendy’s was cited for a repeat violation related to restroom facilities.
Want to know what’s happening behind the kitchen door? Search any Florida restaurant and Download CleanTable from the App Store and Play Store before you dine.
