Wheeler's Cafe in Arcadia, Florida, recently closed with 14 violations in Desoto County; Reopens

Western Omelet with grits and toastPhoto byYelp / Molly H

Wheeler's Cafe, a family restaurant at 13 S Monroe Ave in Arcadia, Florida, was temporarily closed on September 30, 2024, following a routine inspection by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation. However, the Desoto County restaurant was able to address these issues and reopen a few days later.

The eatery was cited for 14 violations, including seven high-priority infractions, as well as rodent and roach issues.

Fortunately, a follow-up inspection on October 2, 2024, allowed the establishment to reopen, with only three basic violations remaining.

Currently, the cafe retains a respectable rating of 4.3 stars based on 612 Google reviews.

During the initial inspection, the breakdown of the violations included seven high-priority, one intermediate, and six basic violations.

High-priority violations included unsuitable employee handwashing practices, wrongly placed unhealthy substances in food preparation areas, evidence of rodent activity, and temperature management issues for both cold and hot-held foods.

Meanwhile, intermediate and basic violations ranged from missing employee health agreements to damaged walls and floors. The inspector observed dead roaches, ice buildup in freezers, and unshielded lights in food preparation areas.

The inspector's note revealed that management at Wheeler's Cafe in Arcadia took immediate action to address several violations on-site.

A follow-up inspection conducted on October 2 found only three basic violations remaining, allowing the restaurant to reopen.

Questions for readers:

1. How do these inspection results affect your perception of Wheeler's Cafe?
2. What factors do you consider most important when choosing a family restaurant?
3. How often do you check health inspection reports for local eateries?

High Priority Violations:

• Employee handled ready-to-eat food without washing hands after breaking uncooked eggs
• Unhealthy substances present in the food prep area
• Household substances present in the establishment
• Rodent activity present
• Rodent bait not properly contained
• Time/temperature management for safety food cold held at unsuitable temperature