A Popular Winter Haven diner was cited for 16 violations in Polk County, Florida

Photo byAna AzevedoonUnsplash

Big Toms Diner in Winter Haven, Florida, was cited for 16 violations during a Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation inspection on September 9, 2024. The Polk County eatery, known for its all-American cuisine with a Southern twist, received a warning and required a follow-up inspection.

The September 9 review uncovered three high-priority, eight intermediate, and five basic violations. This American diner, known for its Southern twist and all-day breakfast, holds a 4.5-star rating from 4,167 Google reviews.

Richared Stesen, a local guide and recent customer said on Google reviews: "Big Tom's is the best!"

A follow-up inspection on September 10 found only two basic violations, bringing the establishment into compliance.

High-priority violations included temperature management issues, and a stop sale for safety food.

Meanwhile, intermediate violations ranged from soiled food-contact surfaces to missing handwash sinks and expired employee training.

Basic violations ranged from unsuitable storage of employee items to dirty walls and equipment in poor repair. The inspector's note revealed that many issues were corrected on-site, including labeling of unhealthy substances and replacing missing hand soap and paper towels.

Upon corrective actions taken during the follow-up inspection, Big Toms Diner successfully reduced the number of violations to two basic infractions, reflecting a swift response to the earlier findings.

This responsiveness is necessary to maintain customer trust and uphold health safety standards.

Michele Sutton, a recent customer and local guide, shared on Google Reviews:

Much better than before we were not going to go back but to our surprise we actually liked it so much more inviting and staff is very knowledgeable we will be back.

This Polk County restaurant is known for its all-day breakfast, specialty pancakes, and large, fresh-baked biscuits.

High Priority Violations:

• Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit
• Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse
• Dented/rusted cans present