The original Chipotle in Ocala was forced to temporarily close its location along State Road 200 last week after failing back-to-back health inspections, with the state finding over two dozen roaches between the two visits.
The Chipotle at 2645 SW College Road failed health inspections conducted by agents representing the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on Tuesday, July 22, and Wednesday, July 23.
During the health inspector’s first visit, the report notes that four violations were observed, including two considered “high priority.”
According to the report, roach activity was present as evidenced by the presence of at least 17 roaches. Those roaches were all seen on the “wall behind [the] dish machine.”
The second high-priority violation was for an employee who cleaned a surface at the restaurant and “immediately started wearing gloves and served food to” customers before she washed her hands. The report notes that the inspector addressed the issue with the employee and that she washed her hands shortly thereafter.
The report also notes that the restaurant was cited for a basic violation for storing a bag of rice on the floor. The manager moved that bag off the floor when prompted by the inspector.
On Wednesday, July 23, an inspector returned to the site to conduct a follow-up inspection. During that second visit, the inspector’s report states that at least a dozen roaches were discovered near a sink, “underneath shelves,” and at the front counter of the restaurant.
According to the FDBPR, the restaurant was inspected for a third time on Thursday, July 24, and was permitted to reopen after no violations were recorded.
The Chipotle on College Road/State Road 200 is one of two along Ocala’s most traveled thoroughfare. The chain, which is publicly traded and primarily owned by large investment companies, opened its second location in Ocala along East Silver Springs Boulevard in 2023. It opened its third location in the city at 8440 SW State Road 200 on July 17.