Florida Chipotle Shut Down After State Inspection

Photo byMiosotisJade, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Floridians who want Tex-Mex food quickly have plenty of options such as Moe's, Tijuana Flats, and Chipotle. Unfortunately, one Florida Chipotle, in Miami Lakes, was recently temporarily shut down after a state inspection.

About Chipotle In Florida: This chain's website says it was founded on the belief that real food is better in multiple ways. To that end, the chain doesn't use any artificial colors, preservatives, or colors. Nor does it use freezers or can openers.

The location in question at 18299 NW 27th Avenue earns 3.3 out of 5 stars on Google reviews. Unfortunately, some reviewers mentioned cleanliness, like Sky who wrote, in part:

"I normally order from the drive-thru, but today I decided to go inside. Let's just say, I won't be ordering food from this location anymore. The inside was nasty. The dining area had not been attended... and (the) drink area was a mess. Garbage running over in the dining area and kitchen area...This establishment needs more employees to run this location."

And Ashley wrote in part:

"By far the worst Chipotle in Miami! Service is terrible. They talk to each other while they’re assembling your order about wanting to go home. I get it it’s a job but with customers present? Not to mention there were over 7 people working and chatting and the dining area was a mess. Drink station (was) a mess..."

What Happened At Inspection?: According to data from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, an inspection occurred on August 28, 2024. At that time, 7 violations were noted.

Examples of basic violations were a box of plastic wrap being soiled with old food debris, clean pans, and lids being on a shelf with flying insects, multiple pans "wet nesting" to dry, and the fans in a walk-in cooler being soiled.

High-priority violations came from dozens of live flying insects located in various areas in the kitchen, (including in the prep area and with clean pans,) and cold foods like lettuce and spinach being held at temperatures over 41 degrees.

A follow-up inspection occurred on August 29th. No violations were noted, the restaurant "met inspection standards" and was therefore free to reopen.

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