Buffet City in Winter Haven, Florida, closed temporarily due to 32 violations in Polk County

Buffet City in Winter HavenPhoto byGoogle Reviews/Brandy Baker

Buffet City in Winter Haven, Florida, closed temporarily after health inspectors found 32 violations during a complaint inspection on September 17, 2024. The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation ordered the all-you-can-eat buffet at 810 Cypress Garden Blvd to stop operations until issues were addressed.

The initial inspection at the Polk County, Florida, restaurant revealed eight high-priority, nine intermediate, and 15 basic violations. Follow-up inspections on September 18 showed improvements, but the restaurant remained closed with 15 violations, later reduced to 11. Inspectors scheduled another review.

High-priority violations included live roaches, unsuitable food storage, and inadequate cold-holding temperatures. Inspectors found raw fish stored over sauce in the walk-in cooler and raw pork above carrots.

Intermediate violations involved expired food manager certifications, unmarked oyster tags, and lack of proof of employee training, while basic violations noted included dead roaches, unsuitably stored food, and equipment in poor repair.

Following the inspection, thorough corrective actions were advised, yet the restaurant's compliance remains under review.

Buffet City in Winter Haven typically receives positive reviews, with a 4.2-star rating from 2,963 Google reviews. However, a customer shared their experience during a recent visit.

A local guide and customer named Roberto Albert, said:

Advice for the owner not to mix day-old shrimp, those with shells, with ice and fresh ones. The chicken wings taste was not fresh....Everything else was very delicious I give it

Buffet City remained closed until they can resolve the identified violations. The Department of Business & Professional Regulation will conduct further inspections to ensure compliance before they reopen.

High Priority Violations:

• Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found.
• Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food.
• Dishmachine bleach cleaning tool not at proper minimum strength.
• Self-service salad bar/buffet lacking adequate tools.
• Shell eggs in use or stored with cracks or broken shells.
• Time/temperature management for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Small flying insects observed in kitchen areas.
• Time/temperature management for safety food hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit.

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