Florida restaurant closures continue to draw attention as Panini Kosher in Dania Beach remains shut down following repeated health inspection failures. According to public records from the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR), this kosher restaurant has not reopened more than a month after being ordered closed due to a significant roach infestation that led to a Hollywood-area shutdown.
Florida Restaurant Closures: Panini Kosher Ordered Shut After Roach Violations
Health inspections play a critical role in maintaining food safety across Florida. The latest data from DBPR highlights Panini Kosher, located at 5978 SW 40th Ave., Dania Beach, as a recent example of restaurant shutdowns due to pest activity. The restaurant, often referred to as the “Hollywood” location, was first ordered to close its kitchen on April 2, 2025, after inspectors documented a roach infestation on the premises. Similar patterns have been observed in other cities, such as Sunrise, Doral, and Westchester, where roaches, flies, and mold have led to shutdowns.
Inspection Findings: Persistent Roach Activity Documented
On May 12, 2025, a follow-up inspection at Panini Kosher revealed that the pest issue was ongoing. The inspector reported finding one live roach crawling under the three-compartment sink and multiple dead roaches throughout the facility. Specific findings included:
- 1 dead roach on the prep table where the tabletop grill is located
- 2 dead roaches inside a reach-in cooler with prepackaged Snapple and bottled drinks in the customer lobby
- 1 dead roach on a prep table by the cook line
- 1 dead roach on a food storage shelf inside another reach-in cooler
- 3 dead roaches in a gray plastic container by the three-compartment sink
- 1 dead roach inside a vertical reach-in cooler in the kitchen
All dead roaches were removed during the inspection, but the original Stop-Use Order remains in effect. A re-inspection is still required before the restaurant can reopen.
Contradictory Closure Explanations Raise Concerns
Despite the state-mandated closure, Panini Kosher posted a sign on its door stating, “Temporarily closed due to a flood.” However, DBPR records confirm that the shutdown was solely due to pest violations. Customers attempting to order from the Dania Beach location have been redirected to the restaurant’s Surfside branch.
Local 10 News visited the Surfside location earlier this month. The manager there maintained that the Dania Beach restaurant was closed for renovations following minor flooding. When questioned about the discrepancy, the manager contacted owner Hershel Brach, who declined to comment. No further response was received as of publication.
DBPR Data and CleanTable Grading
Based on DBPR inspection records, CleanTable assigns restaurant hygiene grades using a 1–100 scale. High-priority violations, such as active pest infestations, significantly lower a restaurant’s score. In cases like Panini Kosher, where repeated pest activity is documented, the app reflects a pattern of concerning inspection results. Users can review both simplified summaries and full official reports in the CleanTable app. For more information on recent shutdowns in other areas, see the full list of May 2025 restaurant closures in Coral Gables, Fort Lauderdale, and Hollywood.
Location Focus: Dania Beach, Broward County
This incident highlights ongoing food safety challenges in Dania Beach and the broader Broward County area. Restaurant closures due to pest activity remain a key concern for local health authorities and diners alike.
Frequently Asked Questions: May 2025 Florida Restaurant Shutdowns
- Why was Panini Kosher in Dania Beach ordered closed?
According to DBPR inspection records, Panini Kosher was ordered to shut down on April 2, 2025, due to a documented roach infestation throughout the facility. - What specific violations were found during the most recent inspection?
The May 12, 2025, inspection found one live roach under the three-compartment sink and multiple dead roaches in various locations, including prep tables, coolers, and storage containers. - Has Panini Kosher reopened since the shutdown?
No, as of the latest inspection on May 12, 2025, the Stop-Use Order remains in effect, and the restaurant is still closed pending re-inspection. - Did the restaurant provide an explanation for the closure?
Panini Kosher posted a sign stating it was “Temporarily closed due to a flood,” but inspection records confirm the closure was due to pest violations, not water damage. - What actions were taken during the follow-up inspection?
All dead roaches were removed during the May 12 visit, but continued pest activity means the restaurant cannot reopen until a clean inspection is documented. - Where is Panini Kosher located?
The restaurant is at 5978 SW 40th Ave., Dania Beach, just north of Stirling Road in Broward County.
Want to see real-time hygiene scores and inspection histories for restaurants in your area? Download CleanTable before your next meal out.
