BROWARD, Fla. – A kosher restaurant with a sign claiming a flood shutdown is actually closed for a much different reason — roaches. And it’s not the only local business raising concerns over cleanliness this week.
Panini Kosher, a restaurant listed as being in Hollywood, posted a sign on its front door reading, “Temporarily closed due to a flood.” But a state food safety inspection paints a very different picture.
According to inspectors, Panini Kosher — actually located in Dania Beach at 5978 SW 40th Ave., just north of Stirling Road — was ordered to stop using its entire kitchen and prep area due to a roach infestation. Live roaches were found crawling on prep tables, in the dining room, under bread storage shelves, and near cooked rice, soup, bread crumbs, and tortillas.
Despite the inspection results, the restaurant’s message directed customers to continue placing orders at its Surfside location, which remains open.
When Local 10 Investigator Jeff Weinsier confronted the manager at the Surfside location, he insisted the Hollywood (Dania Beach) restaurant was undergoing renovations after minor flooding.
When pressed, the manager appeared confused and eventually phoned the owner, Hershel Brach — who declined to speak with us. A business card was left, but no response was received.
Meanwhile, at a Family Dollar in Fort Lauderdale, another Dirty Dining issue emerged — this time involving rodents. An inspection at the store located at 951 West Sunrise Blvd. revealed numerous rodent droppings on shelves stocked with pet food, prompting a stop-use order for the entire aisle.
When Local 10 returned to the store, droppings were still visible throughout, and pet food remained available for purchase — despite the state order.
Weinsier confronted the store manager, Mirna Cherizier, who acknowledged the presence of an exterminator but claimed staff was short-handed. When pressed about the rodent droppings, she told Weinsier, “OK, but I have nothing to say with you,” and walked away.
Both businesses must be re-inspected and cleared before they can fully reopen or resume operations in affected areas.