Florida Fast Food Restaurant Closed After Failing State Inspection with Multiple Violations

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Fast food fans in Temple Terrace may have been surprised to find their local Checkers restaurant closed recently following a state inspection. The Checkers location at 8800 56th Street was temporarily shut down after a health inspection revealed multiple violations, raising concerns about cleanliness and food safety.

Checkers, known for its burgers, fries, and milkshakes, is a familiar name in Florida's fast food scene. The chain, which prides itself on serving more than just typical fast food, also offers items like chicken wings, fish sandwiches, and hot dogs. It's not uncommon for Checkers to run deals like "five items for $5," making it a popular stop for quick, budget-friendly meals.

What Did the Inspection Find?

On August 21, 2024, an inspection by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation uncovered 15 violations at the Temple Terrace Checkers. These violations ranged from basic cleanliness issues to more serious food safety concerns. Some of the specific problems noted included:

• Basic Violations: These included unclean bathroom facilities, dead flies found in the restaurant, debris inside an ice machine, and soda bibs being improperly stored on the floor. Inspectors also noted an accumulation of grease, food debris, and a black substance inside the microwave, slow draining water at a handwashing sink, and unwashed tomatoes stored alongside ready-to-eat foods like beef and hot dogs.
• Intermediate Violations: The inspection found that the food manager’s certification had expired, and there were no paper towels available at the handwashing sink—an important element for ensuring proper hygiene.
• High-Priority Violation: The most alarming issue was the presence of dozens of live flies observed in various areas of the restaurant, which contributed to the temporary closure.

What Happened Next?

Following the inspection on August 21, the restaurant was ordered to close due to the number and severity of the violations. A follow-up inspection later that day revealed 14 remaining violations, but the restaurant was still unable to reopen.

However, by August 22, Checkers had addressed many of the issues, bringing the number of violations down to nine. While these violations were still present, none were deemed an immediate threat to public safety, and the restaurant was allowed to reopen after meeting the state’s inspection standards.

While this Checkers location is back in business, it will need to maintain higher standards of cleanliness and food safety to avoid future issues. For fast food lovers in Temple Terrace, the hope is that the restaurant will take the necessary steps to ensure a cleaner, safer dining environment moving forward.

This incident serves as a reminder for all restaurants—especially fast food chains—that maintaining hygiene and adhering to safety regulations is crucial for both customer satisfaction and public health.