MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – You'd think conditions would be perfect at China Buffet in northwest Miami-Dade County after 110 violations were found and the place was ordered shut in January.
But Local 10 News has learned that's not the case at the restaurant at 11379 Bird Rd.
Records show 110 violations were discovered Jan. 19 and China Buffet was ordered shut. Then on Feb. 4 the restaurant was ordered to be shut again after 74 violations were found.
By Feb. 22, another 86 violations were discovered; many of them repeat violations that time the restaurant wasn’t shut down, but a follow up inspection was required.
The restaurant’s violations range from, insects in the kitchen to an objectionable odor in the establishment.
Records show cooking equipment was coated with grease and food debris, and food was out of temperature range.
The owner, who identified himself as "Kevin," told Local 10 News investigative reporter Jeff Weinsier that "everything was fine" but refused to allow him back into the restaurant Tuesday.
Local 10 News asked the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, which inspects restaurants in Florida, why a place like this is allowed to remain open.
"The establishment's food service license was suspended during the Jan. 19, 2016, and Feb. 4, 2016, emergency closures," DBPR press secretary Travis Keels said. "Once an emergency closure or suspension of license has been cleared to vacate by the director of the Division of Hotels and Restaurants, an establishment has come into compliance with any violations deemed an immediate threat to public health and safety and is permitted to open and operate."
In the past, the DBPR has said it helps restaurant owners come into compliance rather than shut them down permanently, but the DBPR is reviewing the incidents and could impose fines.
Keels said since Jan. 1, 2014, there have been 117 final orders for suspension and one final order for revocation of a license for public food service.
Click here to view China Buffet's inspections and violations.