PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – When approached by Local 10 News, three South Florida restaurant managers and owners tried to minimize the problems state inspectors found in their kitchens.
At Latin Café in Miami Beach, a manager told Local 10 News that two roaches had come in from a case of oranges.
"So they only found two in the whole restaurant?" Local 10 News investigative reporter Jeff Weinsier said.
"Yes," the manager said.
The restaurant is located at 441 W. 41st St. in Miami Beach. An inspector showed up last week based on a complaint.
In total, 29 violations were found, including 50-plus dead roaches throughout the kitchen area. There were also live roaches found near a food prep area.
"No," the manager said. "I think this is the other location."
"This report is not right?" Weinsier said.
"No," the manager said.
At China Steak House, 8565 Coral Way, roaches were also found by an inspector.
"The main issue was because there was a leak, like a gas leak or something," an employee said.
"Really, that was the main issue?" Weinsier said. "I can tell you the main issue was roaches crawling around."
There were 40 violations found at the location.
The inspector noted dead roaches in the restaurant. In addition, roaches were found on top of a sink with clean pots and pans, next to a dish machine and in gaps on the walls.
At Pizza Stop, 8275 Pine Island Road in Tamarac, an inspector ordered the kitchen shut after 16 violations were found.
Live roaches were found by a pizza station, according to the inspection.
"Had the inspector not come and brought it to your attention, you wouldn't have noticed it?" Weinsier said.
"Yeah, we were working on it with Orkin," the employee said.
All the places ordered shut were allowed to re-open following an ordered cleanup and re-inspection.