Popeyes Location Closed Following Serious Issues Found During Inspection in Florida

Photo byGoogle review

For Floridians with a craving for fried chicken, Popeyes is often a top choice, thanks to its distinctive Cajun and Creole flavors. However, a recent state inspection led to the temporary closure of a Popeyes location in Panama City, raising concerns about the restaurant's cleanliness and safety standards.

Inspection Findings Lead to Temporary Closure

On August 9, 2024, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation conducted a routine inspection of the Panama City Popeyes. The inspection revealed six violations, ranging from basic to high-priority concerns.

Among the basic violations were issues such as missing molding in the prep area near the walk-in cooler, a gap in a bathroom door that opens to the outside, standing water on the floor, and a make table that was soiled with "grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust." Additionally, inspectors noted "objectionable odors" behind chicken stored in the walk-in cooler.

The most serious violation involved raw sewage being present on the ground, with inspectors reporting that "chicken juice from thawing chicken drains out of [the] walk-in cooler to drain outside - pipe broken, liquid on [the] ground." The manager took immediate action by removing the chicken from the drain table inside the walk-in cooler to prevent further contamination.

Due to these violations, the restaurant was temporarily shut down to address the issues.

Reopening After Compliance

Despite the severity of the violations, the Popeyes location was able to address all concerns promptly. A follow-up inspection on the same day, August 9, 2024, found that the restaurant had rectified all issues, resulting in zero violations. The establishment "met inspection standards" and was allowed to reopen to the public.

What’s Next for the Panama City Popeyes?

As the restaurant resumes operations, it will need to maintain strict adherence to health and safety standards to avoid future closures. While the food quality has been praised by many, the recent inspection highlights the importance of consistent cleanliness and operational standards.

Customers can once again enjoy their favorite Popeyes meals, but it remains to be seen if the location can improve its service and avoid further scrutiny. In the competitive fast-food landscape, maintaining high standards is crucial not only for customer satisfaction but also for long-term success.