LARGO, Fla. -- Denny's operates over 1,600 restaurants in the United States and over 80 restaurants in Florida.
But one bay area location had to stop serving customers due to raw sewage in the kitchen.
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Denny's Restaurant at 940 Missouri Avenue in Largo had to temporarily close their doors from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 3, after inspectors found raw sewage coming through the floor drains with an "objectionable odor" in the back kitchen area.
According to the inspection report, that sewage/wastewater was backing up through the floor drains near the dry goods storage area every time the hand wash sink and dish machine were turned on.
The state discovered 30 other violations on May 3 and several were considered "high priority violations" that could make you sick.
Inspectors documented liquid eggs at 46 degrees Fahrenheit, turkey at 59 degrees, ground beef at 46 degrees, mashed potatoes at 46 degrees, cut lettuce at 52 degrees and cut tomatoes at 42 to 44 degrees.
All cold food should be held at 41 degrees and below.
The state saw raw chicken strips stored over French fries and raw fish stored over ready to eat foods. Both are cross contamination issues.
The inspection also mentioned walls soiled with accumulated black debris, ceiling tiles missing, the ice machine rusty, the walk-in cooler door falling off its hinges, the floor soiled with accumulation of debris, and live, small flying insects in the kitchen and storage room.
Denny's released the following statement regarding the sewage incident:
The restaurant closed for approximately 4 hours and fixed the majority of the issues immediately, including the drainage problem. We take these matters seriously as the health and safety of our guests is of the utmost importance.
