Four Alachua County restaurants stumble during health inspections — here’s what went wrong.
Did you know Florida restaurant owners don’t have to publicly post their inspection results? That’s exactly why we dig into them every week, giving you an honest look at who passed, who failed, and who’s trying to fix things behind the scenes. But here’s where it gets controversial — some restaurants that flunked inspections still serve food before follow-up checks happen. Would you eat there?
To check any restaurant’s inspection record by name or county, visit the official Alachua County restaurant inspection database. There, you’ll also find the full list including minor infractions and facilities that weren’t penalized but still had violations.
What This Week’s Inspections Revealed
Here’s a snapshot of Alachua County’s restaurant inspection results for the week of September 29 – October 5, 2025. Keep in mind that these results may not reflect the current situation at each place — follow-up inspections or management corrections may have occurred since.
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) emphasizes that an inspection report captures a single moment in time. On any given day, conditions might be better — or worse — than what inspectors found during their visit.
For complete information, including previous inspection histories and warnings, visit the Alachua County restaurant inspection portal.
Restaurants Earning Perfect Scores
A handful of local eateries impressed inspectors, earning spotless reports with no violations during their latest checkups:
- Caribbean Queen, 507 NW Fifth Ave., Gainesville
- Hass Kitchen, 1220 W. University Ave., Gainesville
- Wendy’s, 1600 SW Archer Road, Gainesville
Perfect performance isn’t easy in the food industry, especially under strict state health codes. These three establishments met every requirement without a single issue.
Restaurants with Serious Violations
Now, let’s talk about the other side — four restaurants that had significant infractions requiring reinspection. None posed an immediate public threat, but each faced issues serious enough to demand follow-up visits.
Bangkok Square
8181 NW 38th Lane, Unit 100, Gainesville
Routine Inspection: September 30
13 violations — 7 high-priority
Key findings included unsafe sanitizer levels in the dish machine, improper food-handling hygiene, food stored in non–food-grade containers, and several temperature control problems. Inspectors also noted raw meats stored above seafood and improperly dated cooked foods. These repeat violations even led to administrative complaints — a sign the restaurant has had similar issues before.
Mochiry
3822 Newberry Road, Suite D, Gainesville
Routine Inspections: September 29 and 30
22 violations initially, 4 high-priority; Follow-up found 5 total, 1 high-priority (time extended)
Infractions included storing raw eggs above ready-to-eat items, improper refrigeration exceeding safe temperatures (48°F for multiple items), and chemicals kept near food and drink supplies. Though some problems were corrected on-site, temperature control issues persisted the next day.
Mom’s OG
1017 W. University Ave., Gainesville
Complaint Inspection: September 29
3 violations — 1 high-priority
Inspectors documented small flying insects under the bar’s main ice bin and inside the men’s restroom — a repeat sanitation issue that earned a warning.
Subway Medical Plaza
2000 SW Archer Road, Gainesville
Routine Inspection: October 2
7 violations — 3 high-priority
Problems included low sanitizer strength at the dish sink, unsafe food temperatures at the front line (with eggs reaching 63°F), and improperly stored cleaning products near beverages. Some errors were corrected on-site, but others drew administrative action due to repeat history.
Who Oversees Restaurant Inspections in Florida?
In Florida, restaurant inspections fall under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The Department of Health steps in only when there’s an outbreak of foodborne illness that needs investigation.
How to Report Unsanitary Conditions
If something feels “off” at a restaurant — pests, improper food handling, unclean surfaces — you can report it directly to the DBPR. Call 850-487-1395 or file a report online through the DBPR complaint portal. Inspectors are usually dispatched quickly to investigate serious claims.
For those curious about other local inspection outcomes, the full searchable database has every restaurant’s record in Alachua County.
Understanding Inspection Terms
Ever wonder what those official-sounding terms mean?
- Basic Violations: These are lapses that don’t directly threaten health but go against best practices — things like cluttered storage or minor procedural mistakes.
- Warning: Issued when an establishment must fix a listed issue within a certain time frame. Repeated or severe noncompliance may lead to stricter action.
- Administrative Complaint: This is a legal enforcement action by the state. It follows repeated or serious violations that weren’t addressed after warnings. Even if issues are later fixed, penalties may still apply.
- Emergency Order: The most severe action — this shuts a restaurant down immediately if there’s an immediate threat to health or safety. Afterward, a 24-hour reinspection occurs to determine if reopening is possible.
Food safety isn’t something to take lightly — but here’s the question that divides many locals: Should inspection results be required to be posted for customers to see at the door? Some argue that transparency would encourage better hygiene. Others say it unfairly stigmatizes businesses that improve quickly after citations. What do you think — public posting or private records only? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
