Florida Deli Shut Down for Bugs, Dirty Practices, and Cold Foods Not Kept Cool

Photo byGoogle reviews | Writer's Edit

If you’ve ever craved a classic deli experience in Florida, you might have turned to TooJay's—a chain beloved for its traditional deli fare and delicious baked goods. But if you were thinking of heading to their Villages location at 1129 Canal Street, you might want to wait a bit longer. The spot recently had a major hiccup and was shut down following a state inspection that uncovered 20 violations.

TooJay’s, which has been serving up deli delights since 1981 and now boasts over 20 locations across Florida, received a less-than-stellar report from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The inspection on July 24, 2024, revealed a series of issues—from dirty storage drawers and a grimy microwave to a few dead roaches and cold foods not kept at the right temperature.

Despite generally glowing reviews from diners who raved about the pastrami and potato salad, calling it a taste of home—this location didn’t pass the inspection with flying colors. Violations ranged from basic concerns like unclean dishes and a neglected cutting board to more serious issues such as live roaches and improper food storage.

The restaurant was temporarily closed but managed to reopen after a couple of follow-up inspections. On July 26th, it was cleared to resume service, though seven violations were still noted. Thankfully, none of these were deemed an immediate threat to public health, so TooJay’s is back in business.

If you’re planning a visit to this TooJay's, it might be worth keeping an eye on their cleanliness and overall condition. Here’s hoping they’ll keep everything in top shape so you can enjoy their famous deli offerings without any concerns.