Florida Red Lobster Shut Down After A State Inspection - 14 Violations

Photo byDavid Blaikie from Hampshire, UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Some Floridians are aware that Red Lobster has had some issues in Florida in the last couple of months. I've previously written about approximately twenty Red Lobster locations that have recently shut down in the Sunshine State in part because of Reb Lobster's bankruptcy. And now one location - in Ocala - was temporarily shut down after a state inspection.

About Red Lobster In Florida: Some Floridians know that the first Red Lobster debuted in Lakeland. However, from those humble beginnings, the chain would eventually expand to have more than 700 stores worldwide.

The location in question, at 3393 SW College Road, has earned over 3,200 reviews on Google reviews and earns 4.1 out of 5 stars. Most people were complimentary about their experience. A reviewer named Brianna wrote:

"Just had a great meal for our anniversary dinner. Biscuits and cheese sticks were perfect. The crab Carbonara was so good! Jason, our server, could not have been better. Our only disappointment was that they ran out of the chocolate desserts."

What Happened At Inspection?: According to data from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, an inspection occurred on August 16, 2024. At that time, 14 violations were noted.

Basic violations came from cracked floor tiles, for equipment, and utensils "wet nesting" instead of being dried properly, a kitchen floor being soiled with food debris, and the observation of dead roaches.

Examples of intermediate violations were for no soap being provided at the handwash sink and the interior of the ice machine being soiled with a "mold-like substance."

High-priority violations came because of the observation of live roaches and an egg sack, single-use gloves not being changed as needed, and single-use gloves being stored by oven cleaner and "Raid" bug treatment.

As a result of some of the above violations, the restaurant was temporarily shut down. After a follow-up inspection on August 17th, the restaurant remained closed.

However, on August 19, 2024, 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.