Constantine's Pizzeria in South Daytona, Florida, closed due to 18 violations in Volusia County

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Constantine's Pizzeria in South Daytona was ordered to close after a Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation inspection on October 1, 2024. The Italian eatery at 2032 S Ridgewood Ave in Volusia County received 18 violations, including four high-priority infractions during a routine-based inspection.

A subsequent follow-up inspection on October 2, 2024, found 12 violations remaining, resulting in the need for at least one further inspection to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

State records revealed that the initial inspection had four high-priority, eight intermediate, and six basic violations.

High-priority violations highlight essential issues that directly affect food safety and general health, while intermediate and basic violations relate to overall sanitary conditions and operational procedures.

Among the high-priority violations were rodent activity, with droppings found in various areas of the restaurant. Inspectors noted approximately 20 droppings in a box atop unused fryers. Other issues included time/temperature management problems for safety food and an employee handling food without washing hands.

Intermediate infractions involved the absence of proper cleaning tool for warewashing, lack of reasonable employee training documentation, and inadequate supplies at handwash sinks.

Basic violations included broken walls, dirtied surfaces, and missing handwashing signs.

Constantine's Pizzeria, known for classic Italian dishes and vegetarian options, typically enjoys a 4.5-star rating from 540 Google reviews.

Marcia Berkeley, a recent customer, shared in a review on Google:

This is my second time getting food from here....I love the food the pizza is amazing! I ordered the spaghetti this time. I’m too excited to try this!

High-Priority Violations:

• Employee handling food without washing hands after returning from the lobby
• Rodent activity evidenced by droppings in various areas
• Stop Sale issued due to time/temperature control safety food being held at unsafe temperatures
• Cold-holding food items above safe temperatures

Share Your Thoughts:

1. What steps will Constantine's take to address these violations?
2. How will this impact their reputation among regular customers?