Florida Chain Restaurant Shut Down for Flies, Rodents, and Bad Smells

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Stoner’s Pizza Joint, a beloved spot on Fort Lauderdale's Las Olas Boulevard, encountered significant hurdles last week during a series of state restaurant inspections. The eatery, located at 1509 E. Las Olas Blvd, initially failed three separate inspections, leading to its temporary closure. However, with prompt action and thorough cleaning, the restaurant was cleared to reopen just in time for the weekend.

Inspection Highlights

The inspections uncovered multiple issues that led to the restaurant’s closure. Key findings included:

• Pest Infestation: Inspectors reported the presence of flies in the kitchen and hallway, with five flies noted during the inspection. Dead flies were also discovered on a sticky trap under the cookline handwash sink. Additionally, rodent droppings were found both in an exterior storage unit and in a hallway, with a total of 15 droppings reported across these areas.
• Sanitation Issues: The kitchen floor and reach-in cooler were noted to have standing water, which can create unsanitary conditions. There was also an unpleasant odor detected in the hallway leading to the storage room, alongside a non-functioning restroom exhaust fan and dust accumulation from the air conditioning vents.
• Cleanliness Deficiencies: The presence of dirty conditions and debris in various parts of the restaurant was highlighted, including standing water and dust.

Following the initial inspection on Wednesday, Stoner’s Pizza Joint took immediate steps to address the issues. By Thursday, efforts were underway to control the fly problem and clean up rodent droppings. Despite these efforts, a follow-up inspection on Friday revealed continued rodent activity. However, by the end of the day, the restaurant had successfully cleaned the affected areas and managed to pass a final inspection.

The swift response from the management team enabled Stoner’s Pizza Joint to resume operations by the weekend. This quick turnaround highlights the restaurant’s commitment to addressing health concerns and maintaining a clean and safe environment for its patrons.

Customer Advisory

As always, it's essential for diners to be aware of the hygiene practices at their favorite restaurants. While Stoner’s Pizza Joint is back in business, it’s a good practice to stay informed about local dining establishments and their health inspection results.

For the latest updates on local dining news and restaurant inspections, keep an eye on community news sources. If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to reach out!