Live Roaches, Violations Force Applebee's To Close Temporarily

The Applebee's Neighborhood Bar and Grill in Temple Terrace is a place many residents frequent due to its convenient location on Fowler Avenue. But, the popular restaraunt was shut down by the state at the end of March.

A state inspector found 19 violations March 28 during a visit to the restaurant. Six of those violations were considered "high priorty" violations and were enough to force an emergency closure of the restaurant.

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation is the agency that oversees restaurant inspections. They define a high priority violation as "those which could contribute directly to a foodborne illness or injury."

The high priority violations at this Applebees were:

• Dead roaches on premises. 1 in ice bin of drink station in service area, 5 dead behind reach-in cooler on service area line, 2 dead behind dish washing area hand-washing sink
• Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 30 plus live roaches behind reach-in cooler, table and drink area in service area 5 live under dish washing area hand-washing sink , 5 live under dish-washing machine 
• Cooked tomatoes hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Sauce at 105° reheated to 165°
• Potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safety) food reheated for hot holding not reaching 165 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds within 2 hours. Tomato sauce 105° in steam table for hot holding
• Dish machine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dish machine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitation until dish machine is repaired and sanitizing properly.
• Wiping cloth sanitizing solution bucket stored near/on/above food preparation surface or food

These violations were corrected and the restaurant was inspected again on the same day. Applebee's passed the second inspection and was allowed to reopen.

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A report by WTSP included this statement from Applebee's corporate offiice in Tampa:

"Applebee's and Neighborhood Restaurant Partners have the highest regard for the health and welfare of our guests. We have and always will take immediate and effective measures to ensure compliance with the health department. The restaurant was closed while we thoroughly addressed this situation, and the health department cleared the restaurant to open the same day."

You can check for inspections on your favorite restaurants by going to the the department's online services website.