Central Florida Restaurants Face Health Violations and Closures

News Summary

Several restaurants in Central Florida are facing health violations and temporary closures, with Tawa Orlando, BBQ Company, and El Molcajete Cocina Mexican reported to have serious issues. Inspections revealed high-priority violations that led to the closures, raising concerns among food lovers. Amid rising operational costs, the restaurant community is seeking ways to survive while maintaining customer trust.

Central Florida Restaurants Face Health Violations and Closures

In the heart of Central Florida, dining experiences are taking an unfortunate turn as several restaurants found themselves in hot water due to health violations. According to the latest reports from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the week of February 23 to March 1 saw closures affecting three eateries in the region, raising concerns among food lovers and restaurant owners alike.

Tawa Orlando Closes its Doors Temporarily

Tawa Orlando, nestled at 7536 Dr. Phillips Blvd., #360, was shut down on February 25 after inspectors uncovered six violations on the premises. Among these issues was a high-priority violation concerning rodent activity, which is certainly not something you want to find while enjoying a meal. However, the very next day, a follow-up inspection found only two violations, both of which were not deemed high priority, allowing the eatery to meet the necessary inspection standards to reopen.

BBQ Company Faces Major Setback

Down in Chuluota, the BBQ Company at 640 S. C.R. 418 encountered a far more pressing situation. On February 27, the restaurant received a staggering 27 violations, with three of them being classified as high-priority due to the presence of flying insects, spiders, and other unsavory critters. A second inspection on the same day revealed 14 violations, resulting in the establishment remaining closed. Another round of inspections on February 28 brought the number down to 11 violations, but thankfully, none were high-priority, allowing the BBQ Company to reopen once the standards were met.

El Molcajete Cocina Mexican Shutdown

Following in the trend of closures, El Molcajete Cocina Mexican, located at 2976 S. Ridgewood Ave. in Edgewater, was also forced to close its doors on February 27 due to a discovery of 19 violations, including five high-priority violations stemming from raw food handling and roach activity. After a second inspection on February 28, the restaurant managed to bring the number of violations down to three, allowing it to meet the necessary emergency compliance orders.

The Bigger Picture in Central Florida

It seems that Orange County leads the pack when it comes to health warnings and complaints with a staggering 28 reported, followed closely by Seminole County with 17, Brevard County with 15, Volusia County with 13, Lake County with nine, and Osceola County with three. This pattern is worrying as the restaurant business in this area faces tremendous pressures from escalating operational costs and construction challenges.

In a broader context, several well-established restaurants have recently closed, sending shockwaves through the community. Longtime favorites like Kappy’s Subs in Maitland, which served delicious subs for 57 years, and Farm and Haus in Winter Park, which delighted diners for a decade, have sadly announced their closures. The reasons are varied, but many attribute the challenges to high operational expenses and the ever-changing dynamics of the restaurant industry.

Rising Costs and Community Engagement

Many restaurants that are still standing are grappling with how to manage the increase in costs. There’s a talk of possibly raising prices to keep up, but restaurant owners face the tough challenge of passing these costs onto customers without driving them away. As for the diners, they might see some changes in their favorite local spots, including enhanced social media engagement and options for curbside pickup.

Despite the ongoing struggles, there is a flicker of hope as inflation appears to be slowing down. For the restaurant industry, this could mean a reprieve from the financial pressures that have plagued many establishments. The fluctuating nature of this business reminds everyone that community engagement and support remain absolutely essential during these tough times.

As we navigate these challenging waters, it’s important to support our local restaurants and appreciate the hard work they put into serving our community.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Orlando Hosts Spectacular St. Patrick’s Day Events
Restaurant Openings and Revivals to Shape Orlando’s Culinary Scene in 2025
Orlando Ranks 12th in 2025 Diversity Rankings
Central Florida Restaurants Face Health Violations
Raising Cane’s Expands with New Locations in Orlando
Orlando Launches Voting for the Foodie Awards
New Multifamily Development Breaks Ground in Orlando
Revitalization Efforts Underway on West Colonial Drive in Orlando
Orlando City SC Reveals New Home Kit for 2025-26 Season
Universal’s Epic Universe to Open in May

Additional Resources

• Orlando Sentinel: 3 Central Florida Restaurants Shut Down Last Week
• Click Orlando: Popular Orlando Area Restaurants That Have Closed
• Orlando Sentinel: 5 Central Florida Restaurants Shut Down Last Week
• Fox 35 Orlando: More Orlando Eateries Closing
• Click Orlando: 15 Central Florida Restaurants That Closed in 2024
• Wikipedia: Restaurant
• Google Search: Restaurant Closures
• Google Scholar: Restaurant Industry Challenges
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
• Google News: Central Florida Restaurants