Residents Are Surprised After A Beloved Restaurant Closes Due To Insect-Related Issues
Nobody wants to see their favorite restaurant close to the public, especially if the closing is due to an insect infestation. Insects are all too common within restaurant kitchens, and many people who have worked in restaurants can likely attest to this fact. For restaurant owners, a forced closing following an insect inspection is not what you would consider to be good advertising. Sometimes, the restaurants that are forced to close their doors in order to address an insect pest problem are restaurants that are popular among residents. These types of state-mandated closings can leave long time patrons feeling conflicted about whether or not they want to return to a restaurant that was cited for insect pest issues. For example, one Florida restaurant that has enjoyed eighty years of popularity among residents and tourists alike, has been forced to close after a government inspection found a plethora of disturbing signs of insect activity.
In Tarpon Springs, Florida a restaurant that is named Paul’s Shrimp House has been a staple in the community since the 1940’s. The restaurant is one of the most popular eateries in the city due to its advantageous location near the famous sponge docks. Families spanning several generations have been visiting the restaurant. Two Tarpon Springs residents, Carol Kamin and Tammy Lyman have been frequenting the restaurant since they were children. However, these two women were not aware of the restaurant’s sordid history with insects. Now, Lyman claims that she does not even want to imagine what she could be eating at the restaurant if she were to return once it reopens.
On May 30th a health inspector with the Florida Division of Hotels and Restaurants documented twenty one violations. These violations included more than one hundred and thirty flies located near the ice bin, the kitchen prep sink and under the dishwasher. The inspectors also found more than one thousand insect wings scattered throughout the dining area. The dining area also contained reddish-brown insects that were crawling along the walls. Past inspections noted similar problems, but the latest inspection did show an improvement in conditions. According to the head chef, insects would be dealt with as they appeared, and that was the only way to combat them. In an effort to regain customers, the owner is allowing patrons to inspect the kitchen themselves. The restaurant was recently reopened after the owners satisfied the inspector’s requirements.
Would you be willing to return to this restaurant if you were a long time customer?
