Florida Restaurant Temporarily Closed After State Inspection – Second Shutdown in Two Years

Photo byGoogle review

Floridians who remember the heyday of Ruby Tuesday might recall when the restaurant chain had a strong presence throughout the state. Once a go-to spot for comfort food and its famous salad bar, Ruby Tuesday locations have dwindled over the years. Today, only around 32 locations remain across Florida, making it a bit of a challenge for fans to get their fix. Unfortunately, the Ruby Tuesday in Inverness, located at 2235 E Gulf To Lake Highway, recently faced a temporary closure following a state inspection, marking the second such shutdown in just over a year.

A Legacy of Comfort Food and Salad Bars

Ruby Tuesday, founded in 1972 near the University of Tennessee, has long been known for its blend of hearty comfort foods like ribs and burgers, alongside healthier options, most notably its expansive 55-ingredient salad bar. The Inverness location, which has garnered over 2,200 reviews on Google with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars, is popular among locals for its friendly service and satisfying meals.

What Led to the Closure?

The temporary closure of the Inverness Ruby Tuesday occurred after a routine inspection by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on August 15, 2024. During the inspection, nine violations were noted, ranging from basic to high-priority concerns.

Among the basic violations, inspectors found that employees were not using proper beard guards or hair nets. Additionally, there was an "accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris" inside a microwave, and standing water was observed in a walk-in cooler.

More serious, high-priority violations included the presence of live flying insects and cold foods—such as tomatoes, macaroni, butter, coleslaw, poultry, and steak—being stored at unsafe temperatures. These issues posed potential health risks, leading to the temporary closure of the restaurant.

Following the shutdown, a follow-up inspection was conducted on the same day, August 15, 2024. While one violation remained, the restaurant met the required inspection standards and was allowed to reopen.

A Recurring Issue

This recent closure is not an isolated incident for the Inverness Ruby Tuesday. The location faced a similar shutdown in July 2023, raising concerns about the consistency of the restaurant's compliance with health and safety standards. Repeated closures can impact a restaurant's reputation, potentially leading to a decline in customer trust and patronage.

What’s Next for Ruby Tuesday in Inverness?

As the Inverness Ruby Tuesday reopens its doors, it will need to maintain strict adherence to health and safety regulations to avoid future closures. Regular inspections and proactive management of potential issues will be key to ensuring that the restaurant remains a reliable dining option for the community.

For now, the focus will likely be on restoring customer confidence and providing the level of service and food quality that has earned the restaurant positive reviews in the past. With the proper measures in place, Ruby Tuesday in Inverness can continue to serve its loyal customers and uphold its legacy as a staple of American dining.