Live roaches, flying objects in the kitchen and soiled shelves- Buffet closed again in Florida

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Florida’s buffet lovers are in for a shocker as the popular Royal Sushi Buffet & Hibachi in Port Richey has been temporarily shut down following a state inspection. This isn’t the first time the eatery has faced such trouble, but the recent closure has sparked quite a buzz among its loyal patrons and food enthusiasts alike.

Royal Sushi Buffet & Hibachi, a favorite spot for sushi, Chinese dishes, and Hibachi options, is known for its all-you-can-eat deals—$12.49 for lunch and $16.99 to $17.99 for dinner, depending on the day. With over 2k Google reviews, the restaurant has earned a respectable 3.9 out of 5 stars. The reviews are a mixed bag, with some praising the tasty food and great service, while others criticize the quality and freshness of the offerings.

However, the latest state inspection on July 15, 2024, revealed some serious concerns. According to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the inspection uncovered eight violations:

• Basic Violations: A dead roach and soiled shelves in the walk-in cooler.
• Intermediate Violations: Oysters without proper tagging and an inaccessible handwash sink.
• High-Priority Violations: Over 25 live roaches, flying objects in the kitchen, no time mark on sushi rice, and a dish machine sanitizer not at the correct strength.

After a follow-up inspection on the same day, three violations still remained, though none were deemed an immediate threat to public health. This allowed the restaurant to reopen its doors, albeit with lingering issues to address.

This isn’t the first time Royal Sushi Buffet & Hibachi has faced such scrutiny. The restaurant had previous closures in November 2023 and May 2024, raising questions about ongoing maintenance and food safety practices.

For now, fans of the buffet will have to wait and see how the restaurant addresses these issues. Hopefully, Royal Sushi Buffet & Hibachi will make the necessary improvements and return to being the go-to spot for an indulgent buffet experience.