PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – Sam Lee manages POC Buffet & Grill in Weston, and last week inspectors showed up unannounced to the location, based on a complaint.
What they found were 33 violations including rodent droppings were found this kitchen.
Local 10 News reporter Jeff Weinsier asked Lee if someone wasn’t doing their job properly.
"We do it, but we just try to pass," Lee said.
"Not good enough," Weinsier said. "You are serving the public food."
"I understand that," Lee said. "We try to do the best we can to clean up, you know."
Rodent droppings were found next to a food prep table, in front and under the cook line, during the inspection. In addition, droppings were found directly top of soda cans, food on a buffet line was out of temperature, there were hand washing issues and an objectionable odor in dish-washing area.
"Are you retraining your staff?" Weinsier asked.
"Yeah, I am," Lee said.
He then apologizes to his customers.
"I’m sorry," Lee said. "I will do my best to keep the restaurant nice and clean."
Over in Homestead at a Panda Express 23 violations were found at the location, where U.S. 1 meets the Turnpike Extension.
Live roaches were found crawling on a cooler by the cook line and beef, shrimp and chicken were all out of temperature.
In a statement to Local 10 News a corporate spokesman said that "the health and safety of our guests is always our top priority. We are working to resolve this issue."
In Southwest Miami-Dade, near Monkey Jungle, a Little Caesars was also ordered shut last week.
An inspector saw roaches were in the kitchen, and when an inspector went back the next day to re-inspect the roach issue not only still existed, but it got worse.
Little Caesars didn’t reach back to Local 10 News for its request for a comment.
All the places mentioned were allowed to re-open following an ordered cleanup and re-inspection.