Charleys Phillysteak & Wings in Lakeland, Florida, cited for five violations in Polk County

Charleys Cheesesteaks wings and friesPhoto byYelp

Charleys Phillysteak & Wings, an eatery in Lakeland, Florida, recently encountered challenges during a health inspection. The counter-service chain, known for its Philly-style cheesesteaks and packed fries, underwent a complaint-driven inspection on September 23, 2024, resulting in five violations, including two high-priority issues.

This is What Happened During The Inspections

The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation's visit to the Polk County establishment revealed concerns ranging from food storage to licensing. A key high-priority violation was the restaurant "Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license" that lapsed in February 2024.

The most notable high-priority violation is that the restaurant was found to be operating with an expired license, which expired in February 2024.

Additionally, the inspector noted some food storage issues, with raw eggs incorrectly placed above ready-to-eat ingredients. However, the staff's quick response to correct this issue on the spot demonstrated their commitment to food safety.

While these findings might give some patrons pause, it's worth noting that Charleys Phillysteak & Wings maintains a solid 3.9-star rating from over 400 Google reviews.

Despite these setbacks, Charleys Phillysteak & Wings remains open but requires a follow-up inspection to address the violations. However, the restaurant's management is expected to rectify the issues before the follow-up and ensure compliance with health standards.

Regular patrons continue to praise the eatery. Carla Williams enthusiastically shared, "The employees went above and beyond!!! I wish I could give 10 star rating! The food was amazing!!!"

Rebecca Smith, a frequent visitor and local guide, added, "We eat here at least 3x a week! Not only are the phillys delicious, but the customer service is so refreshing...Thank you Charley’s for making our days better, One chicken Philly at a time! 10/10 highly recommend!!"

High-Priority Violations:

• Operating with an expired license
• Unsuitable storage of raw animal food

Basic Violations:

• Soiled ceiling/vents in dining area
• Employee beverage on food preparation table
• Open trash receptacle cover