Florida’s Beloved Seafood Eatery Shuttered After Failing Health Inspection

Photo byGoogle reviews

New England Moorings, a long-established seafood eatery in Cape Coral, Florida, known for its casual and festive atmosphere, was recently forced to temporarily close its doors following a state inspection. The popular restaurant, which opened in 1987, is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering New England-inspired cuisine in the heart of the Sunshine State.

About New England Moorings

Founded by a Boston native who relocated to Florida for its warmer weather, New England Moorings has become a staple in Cape Coral’s dining scene. Located at 1326 SE 16th Place, the restaurant is renowned for its quirky ambiance, quality seafood, and unique dining experience, where customers can help themselves to drinks from behind the bar. The venue has received glowing reviews on Google, maintaining a 4.5 out of 5-star rating.

State Inspection and Violations

On August 19, 2024, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation conducted an inspection at New England Moorings. The inspection report noted 11 violations, ranging from basic facility issues to more serious concerns involving cleanliness and pest control.

Among the basic violations were the men’s restroom being in disrepair, the walk-in cooler not maintaining proper temperatures, and the discovery of a dead roach in the women’s restroom. Intermediate violations included the hot water supply not being maintained during peak periods, a lack of paper towels and soap at the handwashing sink, and a spray bottle containing a toxic substance that was not labeled properly.

However, the most concerning were high-priority violations, which included the presence of "hot shot" spray and cockroach gel bait, as well as the observation of live roaches in the establishment.

Due to the severity of some of these violations, the restaurant was temporarily shut down following the inspection.

Reopening After Follow-up Inspection

A follow-up inspection was conducted on August 20, 2024, during which three violations remained. While none of these were deemed an immediate threat to public safety, the restaurant is still required to undergo another inspection to ensure full compliance. Despite these lingering issues, New England Moorings was allowed to reopen its doors following the second inspection.

New England Moorings’ temporary closure underscores the importance of maintaining health and safety standards, especially in the competitive restaurant industry. Although the restaurant has since reopened, the violations and required follow-ups may cause concern for some patrons. However, loyal customers who appreciate the restaurant’s charm and atmosphere may be eager to return, hopeful that management will address the issues and continue offering a unique and enjoyable dining experience.