Popular Florida Pizzeria Closed After State Inspection – Live Roaches and Serious Sanitation Issues

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A Hungry Howie’s location in Casselberry, Florida, was temporarily shut down following a state inspection that revealed multiple health and safety violations. The closure came after an inspection by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) on September 19, 2024, which uncovered 11 violations at the pizzeria, located at 430 SR 436, Suite 103.

Hungry Howie’s, a pizza chain known for its flavored crusts and longstanding presence in Florida, has over 500 stores across the U.S., with 193 of them in the Sunshine State. Despite its popularity, the Casselberry location has struggled with mixed reviews, scoring 3.7 out of 5 stars on Google.

Violations Uncovered

The DBPR inspection report listed a total of 11 violations, ranging from basic cleanliness issues to more serious health concerns. Among the basic violations were a missing ceiling tile, damage to a wall, and dead roaches observed on the premises. The inspection also noted surfaces that were soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, and slime. Unwashed vegetables were stored alongside ready-to-eat food, which poses a risk of cross-contamination.

Intermediate violations included the use of a basting brush with a “metal band and duct tape” for oil application, as well as a dough rolling machine that was not properly cleaned and remained covered with food debris.

The most concerning violations were categorized as high-priority, including the discovery of live roaches in the restaurant and issues with a spray hose in the three-compartment sink, which is used for cleaning kitchen equipment.

Due to the nature of these violations, the restaurant was temporarily shut down to address the health risks.

Reopening After Follow-Up Inspections

Following the initial closure, two follow-up inspections were conducted on September 20, 2024. The second inspection found that the restaurant had reduced its violations to four, none of which posed an immediate risk to the public. As a result, the location met the required inspection standards and was permitted to reopen.

Despite the reopening, the incident has drawn attention to the restaurant's cleanliness and operational standards, prompting concerns among local customers. While Hungry Howie’s has a strong presence in Florida, with its 50-year legacy and specialty pizza offerings, this closure highlights the importance of maintaining consistent food safety practices.

As the pizzeria resumes operations, it remains to be seen whether this location will be able to regain the trust of its customers and uphold the reputation that has made Hungry Howie’s a beloved brand across the U.S.