In Florida, 24-hour dining is a go-to solution for locals and visitors alike. Popular options include Three Coins Diner, White Castle, Denny’s, and, of course, Waffle House. Known for being a reliable refuge even during severe storms, Waffle House is often one of the few places open when others are closed. However, the Waffle House in Fort Pierce recently faced a temporary closure following a state inspection.
A Staple in Florida’s Dining Scene
Waffle House has been serving customers since the 1950s when two entrepreneurs in Georgia envisioned a 24/7 eatery where neighbors could gather. That vision has since grown into a chain of over 2,000 locations nationwide, including approximately 190 in Florida.
The Fort Pierce location at 5872 Okeechobee Road is particularly popular, boasting over 1,600 reviews on Google with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars. While most reviews highlight positive experiences, some, like a review from a customer named Albert, noted issues with cleanliness.
Inspection Findings
On November 21, 2024, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation conducted a routine inspection of the Fort Pierce Waffle House, identifying three violations:
- Basic Violation: A leak in the three-compartment sink.
- High-Priority Violation: The dish sink’s spray hose was lower than the flood rim of the sink, posing a contamination risk.
- High-Priority Violation: Sewage and wastewater were backing up through floor drains, with water leaking onto the floor near the cook line.
Due to these issues, the restaurant was temporarily shut down.
Reopening After Follow-Up
A follow-up inspection conducted later the same day found that only one violation remained, but it was not deemed an immediate public health risk. As a result, the restaurant was allowed to reopen after meeting inspection standards.
This isn’t the first time the Fort Pierce Waffle House has faced temporary closure. A similar incident occurred in August 2021, highlighting the importance of ongoing vigilance in food safety practices.
A Reminder About Inspections
It’s worth noting that health inspections represent a single moment in time and may not reflect the daily operations of a restaurant. While this incident highlights areas for improvement, Waffle House continues to be a trusted choice for late-night and storm-season dining across Florida.
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