Rodent droppings in a dry-storage room were enough to get the Steak N' Shake on West Sunrise Boulevard in Sunrise shut down on May 18, after state inspectors said the mess posed a potential risk to diners. The fast-food closure was one of several complaint-driven enforcement actions in South Florida that temporarily sidelined a handful of restaurants last week. Luv'n Oven Ale House, Mi Lindo Ecuador and Miami Cafe all landed on the same list, and state records show most were cleared to reopen after cleanup efforts and follow-up visits.
Where the records come from
Restaurant inspections in Florida are handled by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants within the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, which posts its findings online and has the authority to immediately shut down any foodservice operation that presents a public-health risk. The agency maintains a searchable Food & Lodging Inspections portal that lets the public look up inspection results and see whether a business has passed re-inspection. DBPR also takes consumer complaints that can trigger those complaint-based visits.
What inspectors found at Steak N' Shake
During the May 18 visit, inspectors documented "rodent droppings found" around a CO2 tank in the dry-storage area and counted about eight droppings before ordering the restaurant closed, according to Local 10. The inspection report listed three violations tied to pest activity and sanitation problems that required immediate corrective action. Because the visit was launched in response to a complaint, the department required a follow-up inspection before allowing the location to reopen.
Other restaurants ordered shut this week
Luv'n Oven Ale House in Sunrise was ordered closed on May 19 after inspectors reported finding live roaches and a buildup of black, mold-like residue inside an ice machine. Mi Lindo Ecuador in Miami was shut on May 27 after inspectors logged 37 violations, including live and dead roaches and soiled equipment. Miami Cafe on Washington Avenue in Miami Beach was closed on May 18 because of a sewage backup, and a Denny's in Coral Gables was ordered shut after a complaint-based inspection turned up multiple sanitation issues. Local 10 published excerpts from the inspection reports this week.
How closures and reopenings work
Florida's restaurant oversight is split between agencies. DBPR handles licensing and day-to-day enforcement and can close an establishment that presents an imminent health hazard. The Florida Department of Health steps in on outbreak investigations and broader public-health follow-up. When a restaurant is shut, operators usually must correct violations, then pass a re-inspection before they are allowed to reopen. Repeat or especially serious violations can also lead to administrative penalties. For more detail on agency roles and reporting, see guidance from the Florida Department of Health.
What diners can do
If you spot vermin, sewage problems or other obvious sanitation issues at a restaurant, note the time and place and contact DBPR's customer center at (850) 487-1395 so inspectors can be notified. Diners can also look up recent inspection reports and file complaints online through DBPR. Holding onto a receipt or snapping a quick photo can help investigators confirm and resolve complaints more quickly.
