MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – From the outside, it looks like any other single-family home on Northwest First Court in Miami Gardens. But neighbors say what’s happening behind the fence has transformed their quiet residential street into something that resembles a busy takeout restaurant.
“There’s no drive-thru window, but the orders are flying out the door,” one neighbor told Local 10 News. “It could be in the early morning, around this time. It could be at night. It’s constant.”
Several concerned neighbors agreed to speak on the condition of anonymity out of fear of retaliation. They describe a steady stream of traffic throughout the day, with cars pulling up, people walking into and around the home, and emerging minutes later with food in to-go containers.
“The parking, the noise, all times of the day,” another neighbor said. “It is a nuisance. It’s a disturbance. This is a residential area. That belongs in a commercial area.”
Local 10 spent several hours at the location and witnessed person after person picking up food. At one point, a man pulled up, walked around the side of the home. When questioned, he denied being a customer, saying, “I’m just a friend.”
However, when asked about the food, he admitted, “Nice food… yeah, for real. We like it.”
Asked what was being served, he replied, “Oxtail, rice and peas, chicken.”
When pressed on whether it was a restaurant, he responded, “No, it’s not a restaurant. It’s just a backyard.” But when asked if the food was free, he acknowledged, “No, not really.”
Behind the home, there appears to be a shed that has been converted into a makeshift kitchen. It contains several propane tanks, a commercial-sized fan, and even cocktail tables. However, this setup is not permitted by Miami Gardens, licensed by the state, has never undergone a food safety inspection, and has not been officially approved for food service.
“The garbage can is right there,” one neighbor said. “Sometimes the smell of bad food comes all around my house.”
There are also serious safety concerns.
“If there is a fire, God forbid, my house is gone,” a neighbor said. “I’m very concerned. It is dangerous right now.”
Local 10 attempted to speak with the homeowner. Reporter Jeff Weinsier walked to the entrance that appeared to be used by the public and introduced himself. “I’m Jeff Weinsier. I’m a television reporter with Local 10 News,” he said. He was immediately told to leave the property.
Property records show the home is owned by Mardellee Gitters. Records also reveal that Gitters was previously the “M” in M&J Delight, a Jamaican restaurant in Opa-locka that is now closed. It is unclear whether the business has simply moved into her backyard.
Neighbors told Local 10 they have complained to the city, but say nothing has been done.
“We have complained to the city several times,” a neighbor said. “Code compliance stopped by and said there is nothing they can really do about it.”
However, Miami Gardens Assistant City Manager Tamara Wadley told Local 10 News that both police and code enforcement have no official records of complaints at the address. That may soon change.
“There is concern,” Wadley said. “Miami Gardens will now be looking into this matter.”
For now, it is business as usual at the home on Northwest First Court.