Popular but Troubled Chain Shuts Down in Florida After State Inspection – Second Closure

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A Subway restaurant in Wauchula, Florida, was recently shut down following a state inspection, marking its second closure in just over two months. The closure came after an inspection by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) on August 28, 2024, revealed multiple violations, including evidence of rodent activity.

Violations Lead to Temporary Closure

The August 28 inspection identified five violations at the Wauchula Subway, some of which were serious enough to warrant the temporary closure of the restaurant. Among the basic violations were structural issues, such as a missing ceiling tile and a hole in the ceiling. Inspectors also noted a soiled floor with accumulated debris, which could pose sanitary concerns.

However, the most concerning findings were high-priority violations involving rodent activity. Inspectors discovered rodent droppings and chewed cardboard used as nesting materials, prompting immediate action. The presence of pests and unsanitary conditions led to the restaurant being temporarily shut down.

A follow-up inspection the next day, on August 29, found that the restaurant had corrected its issues, with no violations observed. As a result, the Subway location was allowed to reopen after meeting inspection standards.

A History of Health Concerns

This isn't the first time the Wauchula Subway has faced a temporary closure. On June 27, 2024, the restaurant was also shut down due to health violations, including evidence of rodent droppings. The repeat nature of these violations has raised questions about the management and upkeep of this particular location.

While an inspection is just a snapshot of a restaurant’s operations at a given moment, it highlights concerns about the establishment’s ability to maintain basic cleanliness and food safety standards.

Moving Forward

For Floridians with strong opinions on their favorite sub shops—whether it's local mom-and-pop delis, Publix, or larger chains like Jersey Mike's—this latest incident may steer some customers away from the Wauchula Subway. As the location works to regain public trust, it will need to demonstrate a commitment to improving both its service and cleanliness.

With Subway’s corporate leadership aiming to revitalize the brand, incidents like this underscore the importance of consistent quality control, particularly in competitive markets like Florida.

For now, Wauchula residents will have to decide whether they’ll give this Subway location another chance or take their business elsewhere.