Recent inspection data from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) reveals that three South Florida restaurants were temporarily shut down last week due to significant hygiene violations. Using CleanTable’s independent scoring system, which translates official DBPR findings into clear scores and grades, these closures highlight ongoing public health concerns in Broward County and the surrounding area.
South Florida Restaurant Closures: Key Findings from DBPR Inspections
According to public records from the Florida DBPR, Express Caribbean Restaurant in North Lauderdale, Corporate Chef (Catering) in Hollywood, and a McDonald’s in Sunrise were each ordered closed after inspectors documented multiple critical violations. CleanTable’s data-driven approach assigns grades based on the severity and frequency of these findings, providing users with a simplified overview of recent inspection histories.
Express Caribbean Restaurant: Third Shutdown for Rodent Activity
Express Caribbean Restaurant at 1401 S. State Road 7, North Lauderdale, was ordered shut on June 4, 2025, following the discovery of extensive rodent activity. This marks the third closure for rodent-related issues at this location in less than a year, with previous shutdowns recorded on August 8, 2024, and July 16, 2024.
- Inspectors found rodent droppings in multiple areas, including:
- 8 droppings on a storage shelf under a bag of jasmine rice
- 2 droppings on the floor in a storage room off the kitchen
- Approximately 10 droppings in a mop sink next to the three-compartment sink
- 10 droppings on cook line shelves
- 4 droppings next to freezer chests in a back storage room
- 6 droppings in front of a glass beverage cooler at the front counter
- Household-use pesticide was found in the kitchen, contrary to food safety guidelines.
- A stop sale was issued on pickles stored overnight in a broken cooler at 65°F.
- Improper thawing and food handling practices were documented, including cooked pork left at room temperature and the use of containers without handles for dispensing dry goods.
- No soap was available at the hand wash sink in the employee bathroom.
CleanTable assigned a low grade to Express Caribbean Restaurant based on the repeated and high-priority nature of these violations, as reflected in the official DBPR inspection records.
Corporate Chef (Catering): Fly Infestation and Unsafe Food Temperatures
Corporate Chef (Catering) at 6634 Stirling Road, Hollywood, was also ordered shut on June 4, 2025, after inspectors observed a significant fly infestation and unsafe food handling practices.
- More than 30 live flies were seen landing on food containers, prep tables, and even on the inspector’s tablet.
- Flies were observed on packaged turkey snacks, juice containers, and a box of baby carrots.
- A stop sale was issued for shell eggs left unrefrigerated at 72°F, exceeding safe temperature limits.
- Improper cooling of turkey was documented, with temperatures failing to drop to safe levels within the required time frame.
These findings resulted in a temporary closure and a CleanTable score reflecting the high-priority violations documented in public records.
McDonald’s Sunrise: Flies, Overflowing Dumpster, and Bathroom Cleanliness
The McDonald’s at 10910 West Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise, was ordered shut on June 2, 2025, after an inspection prompted by a complaint uncovered several sanitation issues.
- Approximately 10 flies were found stuck on a fly trap, with additional live flies observed throughout the kitchen, dining area, and bathrooms.
- Flies were seen on food containers, dining area ceiling lights, and employee break room tables.
- The dumpster was overflowing and could not be closed completely, contributing to pest risks.
- The men’s bathroom urinal was described as covered with multiple small brown debris.
CleanTable’s grading system reflects these findings, which included both high-priority and basic violations, as documented in the DBPR inspection report.
Inspection Outcomes and Reopenings
All three establishments were permitted to reopen after completing required cleaning measures and passing follow-up inspections. These cases underscore the importance of regular public health oversight and transparent reporting for consumers in Broward County and across South Florida.
Notable Trends: Miami-Dade and Florida Keys
According to DBPR data, no Miami-Dade County or Florida Keys restaurants were ordered shut last week, a trend that continues despite the large number of food service establishments in those areas. CleanTable continues to monitor inspection data and provide users with up-to-date scores and summaries based on official records.
Frequently Asked Questions: South Florida Restaurant Closures (June 2025)
- Why was Express Caribbean Restaurant in North Lauderdale shut down three times in less than a year?
According to DBPR inspection reports, Express Caribbean Restaurant was ordered closed on three separate occasions due to repeated findings of rodent droppings in food storage and preparation areas. Each closure was linked to documented evidence of rodent activity. - What specific violations led to the closure of Corporate Chef (Catering) in Hollywood?
Inspectors found over 30 live flies on food containers, prep tables, and other surfaces. Additional violations included shell eggs left out at unsafe temperatures and turkey that was not cooled properly, resulting in stop sales for both items. - What were the main sanitation issues at the McDonald’s in Sunrise?
The McDonald’s location was closed after inspectors observed live flies in multiple areas, an overflowing dumpster, and a men’s bathroom urinal covered with debris. These findings were documented in the official DBPR inspection report. - How quickly did these restaurants reopen after being shut down?
All three establishments were allowed to reopen after completing mandated cleaning and passing re-inspections, as confirmed by DBPR records. - Were there any unusual or striking violations noted in these inspections?
Yes. At Express Caribbean Restaurant, rodent droppings were found in a mop sink and on cook line shelves. At Corporate Chef (Catering), flies were observed landing on the inspector’s tablet, and at McDonald’s, flies were found on ceiling lights and food containers.
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