Popular FL Chicken Wing Joint, Lemon Peppers, Shut Down After State Inspection - 18 Violations

Photo byHarsha K R from Bangalore, India, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

I think even Floridians would admit that, unlike New York, Florida isn't known for its chicken wings. However, that doesn't mean that you can't get great wings in Florida. There are chains like Beef O'Brady's and Buffalo Wild Wings, but there are also independent restaurants like Lemon Peppers. Unfortunately, the latter, in Miami, was temporarily shut down after a state inspection with eighteen violations.

About Lemon Peppers: According to its website, this company started with the mission of crafting the best chicken chicken wings South Florida has ever tasted. The eatery is probably best known for its "world-famous secret lemon pepper seasoning."

The eatery, located at 2701 NW 54th Street, has been reviewed over 2,100 times and receives 4 out of 5 stars on Google reviews. Many compliment the food and the prices. A reviewer named Jeff wrote:

"I (have) been going here for multiple years now and the food is always great. I've always stuck to chicken tenders or boneless wings and they have never failed me. I recently found out they have a mango habanero flavor and I loved it. It was the perfect mix between sweet but also spicy. The fries are very good as well. Overall a great place to stop by or order from even late at night."

What Happened At Inspection?: According to data from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, an inspection occurred on October 14, 2024. At that time, 18 violations were noted.

Examples of basic violations were a ceiling vent soiled with a black substance, food stores on crates, broken floor tiles, "objectionable odors" in the walk-in cooler, and bins of flour not properly labeled.

Noted intermediate violations were no proof of state-approved employee training, no paper towels at the handwash sink, and the handwash sink not being accessible at all times.

High-priority violations came due to the observation of live roaches, the observation of a cook mishandling chicken, and banana pudding not being held at cold enough temperatures.

As a result of some of the above, the restaurant was temporarily shut down.

At a follow-up inspection on October 15, 2024, nine violations remained, but none were considered an immediate threat to the public, so the restaurant was able to reopen - with another follow-up required.

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