Palm Beach County's Dixie Fried Chicken Faces Multiple Health Violations, Temporarily Closed

Dixie Fried ChickenPhoto byRozanna N. and Plug N. / Yelp

The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation has once again cited Dixie Fried Chicken, a popular local eatery located at 133 Dr. M.L.K. Jr Blvd W in Belle Glade, Palm Beach County, for a series of health and safety violations.

Following an inspection on February 7, 2024, prompted by a complaint, the establishment was hit with 12 violations, leading to a temporary closure order to address the cited issues.

A Local Guide named Lynn Lowman said on Google Reviews:

Not good since new owners...

This is not the first time the restaurant has faced such action, with previous closures recorded in June 2021, June 2020, and March 2019.

Over the years, Dixie Fried Chicken has incurred several fines due to health and safety violations, indicating a struggle with regulatory compliance.

Notably, fines have been issued as follows: $800 in October 2023 for one violation, $800 in July 2023 for another violation, and similarly, $800 in May 2023 for a single violation.

Additionally, a $700 fine was levied in November 2022 for two violations.

Despite these setbacks, the restaurant has managed to maintain a 4.1-star rating on Google from 598 reviews, indicating a strong local following and customer satisfaction when operational.

A/c Army, a Local Guide writes on Google reviews:

The only great place to eat in Belle glade without them the city would have nothing 😊😂🤩🙏

Meanwhile, the inspection in February uncovered five high priority violations, including the improper storage of raw animal food with unwashed produce and evidence of both roach and rodent activity within the premises.

Additionally, a toxic substance was found improperly stored, and a vacuum breaker was missing from a hose bibb, posing significant health risks.

Intermediate violations involved expired employee training, further emphasizing the need for improved management and operational standards.

Dixie Fried Chicken was granted an extension following a callback on February 9, 2024, allowing it to reopen pending a follow-up inspection. During this inspection, the restaurant had four violations but were not an immediate threat to the public, according to the inspector's note.

Local patrons have expressed frustration with service times but continue to patronize the establishment, indicating strong community support for Dixie Fried Chicken.

However, recent closures and health department notices have raised concerns among regulars, as noted by Eq S. from San Francisco, CA, who was surprised to find the restaurant closed during a recent visit.

Eq S. from San Francisco, CA writes on Yelp

This list is right on the nose. I've been going there almost monthly pre-covid. Hadn't been in a few months as it's an effort and gas prices were a bit high. Drove by 2 weeks ago and they were closed with a Health Dept sticker on the door. The most recent violations are listed a little further down Under Health Notices. Ugh!

A Local Guide named William Garrett said on Google Reviews:

Took over 1 hour and 15 minutes to get a box of gizzards, a box of tenders, and a box of chicken. Seems to be a lot of people there just don't know what everyone is doing.

Violations at a Glance:

• High Priority Violations:
• • Raw animal food stored improperly.
  • Live roach activity observed.
  • Rodent droppings found in multiple areas.
  • Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored.
  • Missing vacuum breaker at hose bibb.
• Intermediate Violations:
• • Required employee training expired.
• Basic Violations:
• • Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
  • Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime, or dust.