Florida Seafood Restaurant Closed After Failing State Inspection

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Seafood lovers in Boynton Beach might have been surprised to find their local Bonefish Grill temporarily closed recently, following a state health inspection. The restaurant, located at 1880 N Congress Avenue, was shut down after inspectors found multiple violations, raising concerns about food safety and cleanliness.

Bonefish Grill, a Florida-based chain known for its focus on fresh, seasonal seafood and personal attention to customers, has been a go-to spot for many locals. The Boynton Beach location has over 1.6k reviews on Google, averaging an impressive 4.4 stars out of 5. Many patrons had previously praised the restaurant for its friendly service and special occasion dining experiences.

The Inspection: What Went Wrong?

On August 19, 2024, a state health inspection took place, uncovering 11 violations at the Boynton Beach Bonefish Grill. While some of these were basic cleanliness issues, others were more serious. Here’s a breakdown of the violations:

• Basic Violations: These included a cutting board that could no longer be adequately cleaned, the exterior of a microwave covered in grime, a dirty wall, and vegetables like red peppers and onions that weren’t washed before preparation.
• Intermediate Violation: Inspectors found that the handwashing sink didn’t have paper towels available, a critical element for ensuring proper hygiene in a food preparation area.
• High-Priority Violations: The most concerning findings were the presence of live roaches and improper storage of cold foods like lobster, scallops, and crab meat, which were being held at temperatures above the recommended 41 degrees, potentially posing a health risk.

Due to these high-priority issues, the restaurant was ordered to temporarily close its doors to address the violations.

What Happened Next?

The closure was short-lived. The Bonefish Grill took immediate action to correct the problems, complying with a callback order just a day later, on August 20th. After additional inspections, the restaurant was cleared and met inspection standards by August 27, 2024, allowing it to reopen.

While this incident might cause concern among regular customers, it seems the restaurant is back on track, having resolved the issues that led to the temporary shutdown. Whether they’ll maintain the high standards they’re known for remains to be seen, but for now, patrons can once again enjoy their seafood favorites with the reassurance that the restaurant has passed its inspection.

As with any dining establishment, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on food safety and cleanliness, and hopefully, Bonefish Grill will use this as a chance to ensure their customers have nothing but positive dining experiences moving forward.