Sbarro has long been the "go-to" place for a quick slice and a Coke at shopping malls and airports, maintaining its business by being the "safer" alternative to a fast snack than, say, a hot dog or a pulled pork sandwich at the food court. Until now.
During a recent inspection on August 14, the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regularion, issued an emergency closure of the Sbarro at Galleria Mall on August 14. Inspection findings showed 13 health code violations including four listed as :"high priority".
Findings included "dead roaches on premises. Two dead roaches under front counter and cash register"; "rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed 30 fresh rodent droppings inside compressor on shelf under food prep area. Observed four fresh rodent droppings behind transformer in the back of kitchen"; and "potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safety) hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit or above. Chicken , ribs and tomato sauce hot held between 90°F and 110°F for less than one hour. Reheated all items to 165°F."
According to the South Florida Business Journal, the mall's central food court area, named Piazza Di Giorgio Café, was also ordered to shut down in conjunction with inspectors' findings.
The restaurant and food court were reinspected the following day. At that time, no violations were found and all were given a "green light" to reopen.
We've reached out to Galleria Mall and will update this post with any comment.
For a complete list of restaurant inspections, visit the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation website.
