Bay County's Popeyes Chicken in Panama City, FL, was recently closed due to 6 violations; Reopened

Popeyes Chicken RestaurantPhoto byPhillip Pessar, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Popeyes Chicken at 1302 W 15 St in Panama City, Bay County, faced closure on August 9, 2024, after a Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation inspection.

The establishment faced a brief shutdown at the start of the month after state inspectors identified six violations during the evaluation.

Among these, one high-priority infraction was noted, alongside five basic violations that ultimately led to the facility's temporary closure.

Thankfully, a follow-up inspection on the same day showed compliance with the emergency order, with no violations reported. This allowed the restaurant to resume operations.

What Happened During The Inspection?

The initial inspection on August 9 revealed a notable violation involving raw sewage exposure, particularly a drainage issue where chicken juice was found leaking onto the ground outside the establishment.

This was compounded by other less severe but concerning violations, including standing water accumulating under a water heater, the presence of unsavory odors near the chicken walk-in cooler, and gaps around exterior doors.

Additionally, non-food contact surfaces were found contaminated with grease and food debris, indicating lapses in cleanliness and maintenance.

These inspections-initiated actions required the immediate correction of these infractions, reflecting a broader concern for food safety and public health.

While Popeyes Chicken enjoys a respectable 3.9-star rating based on 1,829 reviews, the recent violations spotlight issues that could spoil its reputation.