Popular Winter Haven Buffet, Buffet City, Shut Down After A State Inspection - 32 Violations

Photo byuser:takoradee, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sometimes, when I write articles about Florida buffets, some readers comment that they find buffets unsanitary, although many Floridians counter that they enjoy them. Unfortunately, one of Florida's buffets, Winter Haven's Buffet City, was temporarily shut down after a state inspection.

About Buffet City: I could not find any formal website for this buffet, but I did reviews indicating that it was a large, varied buffet that offers options for seafood, Asian foods, sushi, and hibachi. And I found a Facebook post indicating that lunch is $13 and dinner is $17.

Patrons give the eatery 4.2 out of 5 stars and experiences are mixed. For example, a reviewer named Cheryl wrote, in part:

"This is a nice buffet with (a) clean and elegant atmosphere. The selections are tremendous. (There is a) variety of seafood - and sushi and grill available. All I can say is wow. Senior buffet during the weekdays (is) only $11.99! Too bad I couldn't eat much. I get full fast, but had sushi and all kinds of other dishes."

However, a reviewer named Brigitte wrote, in part:

"...The stuffed mushrooms were raw in the middle… The hibachi chicken had a freezer-burn flavor and the texture was not quite right… All of the traditional Chinese dishes had an off flavor…The egg roll was not cooked in the middle and had some grey stuff in it… I paid the bill and left. Never again!"

What Happened At Inspection?: According to data from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, an inspection occurred on September 17, 2024. At that time, 32 violations were noted.

Some examples of basic violations were the observation of dead roaches (and approximately 60 observed in sticky traps,) equipment and utensils "wet nesting" and not being dried properly, food being stored on the floor, a milk container being used as a scoop, and crab meat being thawed in water.

Various intermediate violations were noted. Some of them were for clam and mussel tags not being marked with the last date served, a food manager certification that was expired, no proof of state-approved employee training, a can opener soiled with debris, and the handwash sink not being available at all times.

High-priority violations came from dishmashine sanitizer being at improper strength, the observation of live flying insects, the observation of live roaches, the salad bar buffet not having sneeze guards, raw pork being stored above carrots, and cold foods like crab salad, melon, and raw fish being held at too high of temperatures.

Because of some of the above violations, the restaurant temporarily shut down. After two follow-up violations on September 18th, the restaurant had eleven violations. Although another follow-up is required, none of the violations are considered an immediate threat to the public, so the restaurant can reopen.

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