It was a Clean Plate first as Local 10 News Investigator Jeff Weinsier presented a second Clean Plate Award to a deserving restaurant owner.
We highlight three establishments that achieved zero violations on their food safety inspections, a rare and commendable accomplishment.
Papi’s New York Pizza: A Historic Milestone
At Papi’s New York Pizza in Fort Lauderdale, cleanliness isn’t just a standard; it’s a way of life. Owner Papi, born in Italy and raised in Astoria, Queens, has taken his father’s lessons of “clean, clean, clean” to heart. For over 30 years, Papi has served up slices in the Peachtree Plaza Shopping Center at Powerline and McNab Roads.
This month, Papi’s flawless food safety record earned him his second Clean Plate Award—a first in Local 10 News history. State records show zero violations not only this month but also in January 2024, as well as October and July of 2023.
“My dad used to say, ‘When something breaks, fix it, because tomorrow, two things will break,’” Papi recalled. “I’ve never forgotten that.”
When asked about his success, Papi credits his wife, Maria, who he says is the true driving force behind their sparkling kitchen.
“She is responsible for everything,” he said with pride. The recognition has boosted business significantly, proving that hard work and dedication pay off.
Zona Fresca: Fresh Food, Flawless Cleanliness
Next, we visit Zona Fresca at 1635 North Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Known for its fresh, Baja-inspired Mexican cuisine, this family-owned restaurant has been a local favorite for 28 years. Maria Romero, the manager, was surprised and delighted to receive the Clean Plate Award.
“Zero violations on your last inspection, the one before that, and the one before that,” Weinsier said as he handed over the award. Maria attributed their spotless record to internal spot inspections and a dedicated team. “I try to teach my employees what we need to do so I don’t have to be on top of it every day,” she explained.
Zona Fresca’s culture of accountability and teamwork has made achieving such an outstanding record possible, earning them well-deserved recognition.
IHOP Hialeah/Miami Lakes: A Recipe for Success
Our final stop is the International House of Pancakes (IHOP) at 7450 NW 186 Street in the Hialeah/Miami Lakes area. An assistant manager accepted the Clean Plate Award on behalf of the team, while manager Alberto joined the conversation by phone.
This IHOP location achieved zero violations on their most recent inspection and maintained a record free of high-priority violations over the past three inspections. “We wanted to say thank you to you and your staff for keeping the place clean because many places don’t do that,” Weinsier said. Alberto responded with gratitude, saying, “We do it right.”
Congratulations to Papi’s New York Pizza, Zona Fresca, and IHOP Hialeah/Miami Lakes for going above and beyond to keep their kitchens spotless and their customers safe.