Younger Floridians may only know of drive-ins from vintage movies. But older ones may remember actual drive-in restaurants like MoonLight Drive-in. For all ages, Florida does have a chain that still offers the feel of a vintage drive-in - Sonic. Unfortunately, one location of the same, in Jacksonville, was recently temporarily shut down after a state inspection.
About Sonic And Florida: This franchise looks vintage because it actually is - it started as a beer stand named Top Hat in the Longhorn State in the 1950s. Upon expansion, the name was changed to Sonic to match the company's new slogan “Service at the Speed of Sound.”
Sonic is arguably a place you want to go when you have a craving for comfort foods shakes, burgers, and tots. There are currently 98 Sonic locations in the state of Florida.
Yelpers give the location in question at 1500 Fruit Cove Road 1.9 out of 5 stars. Many complain about wait times and incorrect orders, but one reviewer, named Landon, mentioned cleanliness, and writing, in part:
"Every time I come here and get a sweet tea, it tastes terrible. Sweet tea is my favorite drink, but here the sweet tea tastes like they haven't washed their machine in at least seven months. My cheese sticks were cold and tasted horrible, and one of the workers...made my burger without gloves. Disgusting would be an understatement Plus, every time I come here - which I don't really anymore - there are new workers...This place honestly needs to be closed for good..."
What Happened At Inspection?: According to data from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, an inspection occurred on July 30, 2024. At that time, 14 violations were noted.
Examples of basic violations were the "accumulation of (a) black/green mold-like substance" on the interior of an ice bin, floor areas covered with standing water, and unwashed fruits and vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food.
Intermediate violations came for a "mold-like substance or slime" on multiple soda head nozzles and water at the incorrect temperature at the handwash sink.
Examples of high-priority violations were the observation of live flying insects, the observation of "over 100 larvae" inside grout lines, raw chicken tenders being stored over mozzarella sticks, and sweet cream being held at higher than 41 degrees.
As a result of some of the above violations, the restaurant was temporarily shut down.
It took three follow-up inspections - on July 31st, August 1st, and August 2nd until the restaurant had no violations, "met inspection standards," and was free to reopen.
Please note that an inspection is one moment in time and not necessarily how a restaurant conducts itself every day.
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