FL Fast Food Joint Known For Its Burgers & Milkshakes, Checkers, Shut Down After State Inspection

Photo byGaming4JC, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Although many people know that fast food doesn't always have the healthiest food options, Newsbreak articles I write about this option generate quite a bit of interest. So although some Floridians know that fast food isn't exactly fine dining, that doesn't mean it isn't tasty. Unfortunately, one fast food location in Florida, a Port St. Lucie Checkers, was recently temporarily shut down after a state inspection.

About Checkers: The company's website says that it was built on the belief that fast food could be better. Although there is a clear focus on burgers and fries, Checkers also serves chicken tenders and wings, and milkshakes.

The location at 10461 South Federal Highway gets mixed reviews, earning 3 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor. While some complimented the flavor of the food, one person mentioned the cleanliness. A reviewer named Lorraine wrote in part:

"...The tables and seats were revoltingly dirty. They (appeared that they) have not even been wiped for months/years!!! What a laugh I got seeing their cleanliness guarantee online. Ridiculous. Checkers needs to buy about 10 bottles of bleach and Lysol cleaner and give the tables and seats and area around the seating a thorough cleaning. And going forward, have the staff clean the seating several times, every day..."

What Happened At Inspection?: According to data from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, an inspection occurred on July 24, 2024. At that time, 8 violations were noted.

Basic violations came because employees had stored a beverage and sweater next to clean equipment, for a hole in the wall in the women's restroom, for buns being stored on the floor, and because no Hotel and Restaurant license was displayed.

An intermediate violation came because there was no proof of required state-approved employee training for some employees.

A high-priority violation was awarded because sewage/wastewater was backing up through the floor drains. Additionally, since the mop sink was clogged and also filled with wastewater, employees could not clean the floor.

As a result of some of the above violations, the restaurant was temporarily shut down. At a follow-up inspection on July 24, 2024, only 2 violations remained and the restaurant "met inspection standards" and was free to reopen.

This is not the first closure for this Checkers location in Port St. Lucie. It also closed in February of 2023.

Please note that an inspection is one moment in time and not necessarily indicative of how a restaurant conducts itself every day.