ROYAL BUFFET
37915 EILAND BLVD, Zephyrhills FL 33542 · 813-355-3381
Last inspected Feb 9, 2026 · 12 visits since October 2023
■ Ordered shut JAN 23, 2024
The state ordered this kitchen closed. No return visit has cleared it to reopen, so it may not be trading.
JAN 24
DEC 24
MAY 25
OCT 25
JAN 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1 live on floor in hallway going to restrooms 1 live on floor in kitchen just inside door way 13 live on wall and pipe behind wok station on cook line Approximately 90 live cockroaches under wok station on shelf 1 live on cove molding of 2nd steam table on dining area
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
7 cases · $5,500
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2023015526 | Mar 16, 2023 | May 25, 2023 | $800 |
| 3--2022003618 | Nov 30, 2021 | Feb 18, 2022 | $400 |
| 3--2020001245 | Dec 27, 2019 | Feb 12, 2020 | $800 |
| 3--2019016824 | Feb 7, 2019 | Apr 30, 2019 | $400 |
| 3--2017038504 | Jul 31, 2017 | Sep 14, 2017 | $800 |
| 3--2016043961 | Sep 7, 2016 | Sep 29, 2016 | $1,900 |
| 3--2015017861 | Apr 16, 2015 | May 7, 2015 | $400 |
Inspection history
12 visits, newest first
Feb 9, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 1 finding
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener blade soiled.
Jan 29, 2026Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 8 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Dishwasher tested at 0 ppm.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Employee removed chicken on sheet tray from over beef on sheet tray in walk in freezer.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener blade soiled.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Employee replaced towels at hand sink on cook line.
Food stored on floor. Ice cream on floor of walk in freezer and containers of soy sauce on floor of walk in cooler.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Employee removed knives from in between reach in cooler on cook line.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Employee removed tongs from fryer door.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Employee moved fish in bowl in standing water to walk in cooler.
Dec 9, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Oct 9, 2025Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 12 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Employee removed shell eggs from over cucumbers in walk in cooler.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Employee removed sheet pan of chicken from over Krab Rangoons on speed rack in freezer.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener and cutting boards soiled with food debris in prep area.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Employee removed cups from bulk containers of rice, msg and sugar.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee removed purse and jackets on dry storage shelves in storage area.
Food stored on floor. Box of oil on floor on cook line. Boxes of ice cream on floor in walk in freezer.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Employee removed tongs from fryer door.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Employee removed water from container at front counter with serving utensils.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Employee turned water on steady flow on shrimp in standing water in triple sink in prep area.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Bulk containers of rice and sugar in prep area.
May 20, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on splitter added to mop sink faucet, observed hoses attached at both ends of splitter.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Equipment in poor repair. 1. Torn door gasket on center door of three door reach in cooler opposite cookline in kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. 1. Hood filters above cookline in kitchen.
May 19, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 21 violations recorded, 6 high priority.
6 High priority6 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 21 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee rinsing wiping towels in hand sink basin with gloved hands. Employee donned new gloves without handwashing and then handled cleaned utensils at sushi prep counter.
Live, small flying insects found. 1. Approximately 20 live, small flying insects observed flying and resting on food storage containers, paper towels, cleaned utensils, on food prep tables and at cook line in kitchen.
Presence of insects, or other pests. 1. Approximately 25 maggots observed in bucket of liquid with towels in it at the triple sink in kitchen.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. 1. Observed container of raw shrimp stored directly on top of peeled uncooked onions in walk in cooler. 2. Observed container of raw fish stored on shelf above cooked noodles in walk in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking and the time removed from temperature control cannot be determined. No time markings observed at hot buffet, cold buffet, sushi rice, and sushi buffet.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on splitter added to mop sink faucet, observed hoses attached at both ends of splitter.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. 1. Observed container of wiping cloths in hand sink basin at sushi prep area. 2. Observed scouring pad and soiled gloves in hand sink basin at ware wash area. 3. Observed soiled utensils in hand sink basin at cook line in kitchen.
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ observed at least four employees, two line cooks and two prep cooks, working with food or food utensils with no certified manager on site. Certified manager, Qiong Chen, present at establishment at the end of inspection.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink at sushi prep area.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. New food employee working less than one month.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed plastic container with no handles stored in rice storage container with rice
Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Observed soiled cardboard liner in three door reach in cooler opposite fryers in kitchen.
Equipment in poor repair. 1. Torn door gasket on center door of three door reach in cooler opposite cookline in kitchen.
Food stored on floor. Opened and uncovered buckets of sauce on floor at cook-line in kitchen.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Utensil water 82F with in use rice spoons at rice warmers in kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. 1. Hood filters above cookline in kitchen.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed opened personal can of adrenaline stored on shelf next to cooked chicken in reach in cooler opposite fryers in kitchen. Operator discarded.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed frozen chicken thawing on drain board at triple sink in kitchen at room temperature.
Wet wiping cloths used for occasional spills on equipment food- and nonfood-contact surfaces not clean. Observed at triple sink in kitchen.
Dec 20, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Met inspection standards. 1 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
No measuring device available for measuring utensil surface temperature when using hot water as sanitizer in a dishmachine.
Jan 23, 2024■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 20 violations recorded, 4 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
4 High priority3 Intermediate13 Basic
Show 20 findings ▾
Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Dish machine chlorine sanitizer at 0ppm
Establishment operating after issuance of an Emergency Order of Suspension of license. Discussed order of suspension of food license at 3:27 with operator De Lin, Operator is continuing to allow customers to get food from buffet tables and sit and eat, he states if he doesn't allow them to finish eating they won't pay.
Establishment using a sanitizer solution that does not meet the requirements specified in 40 CFR 180. Only use single-service items to serve food to customers until approved sanitizer is available for warewashing. Bleach being used in 3 compartment sinkis not for food contact surfaces or dishes
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1 live on floor in hallway going to restrooms 1 live on floor in kitchen just inside door way 13 live on wall and pipe behind wok station on cook line Approximately 90 live cockroaches under wok station on shelf 1 live on cove molding of 2nd steam table on dining area
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at both hand sinks in kitchen
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. All food in walk in cooler not date marked
Required employee training provided by a third-party employee training program and operator unable to provide original certificate for employees trained. All employee food handlers certification are copies
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Both ice machines in server area
Bathroom door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance. Both restroom doors held open during operation
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Tanks next to soda bibbs
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
Dead roaches on premises. 7 dead on floor next to ice machine 1 dead on shelf in hibachi area 2 dead under ice cream freezer in buffet area 2 dead inside chest freezer door 11 dead under freezer just inside the door way 17 dead under dish machine 2 dead on floor in non working walk in cooler where dry food are kept 3 dead under protein hot table 3 dead in cabinet under second steam table in dining area 3 dead in cabinets under fish tank 3 dead on floor next to fish tank
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Equipment in poor repair. Reach in cooler gaskets on cook line soiled
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Through the entire kitchen
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. In non working walk in cooler
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. All reach in cooler gaskets soiled
Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Back screen doors have gaps all the way around them
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler on cook line
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall under dish machine soiled with black mold like substance
Oct 21, 2023□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb at mop sink
Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards and fryer baskets on cook line soiled
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Walk in cooler doors and buffet line doors
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Exterior of fryers, cook line equipment and reach in cooler doors soiled. Reach in cooler gaskets soiled. Food prep tables soiled
Screen in door torn/in poor repair - vermin present. By back kitchen door
Oct 20, 2023■ Emergency Order Callback Not CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit while the kitchen was already shut. The problems had not been fixed, so the closure stayed in place. 12 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority2 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1 live roach on wire by soda station 4 live roaches on reach in cooler door handles 1 live roach on dish machine 10 live roaches in electrical box cover under water heater. 10 live on shelving bracket mounted to wall by three compartment sink.
Roach excrement and eggs present. Observed water line brackets in server station with excessive roach droppings. Observed 2 eggs under cold buffet line
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb at mop sink
Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards and fryer baskets on cook line soiled
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Walk in cooler doors and buffet line doors
Dead roaches on premises. 4 dead roaches on floor in server station 2 dead roaches under cold buffet. 5 dead roaches behind unused hot holding equipment in dining room 4 dead by right kitchen entrance 1 dead under hand sink on left cook line. 2 dead roaches in make line cooler
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Under cook line equipment
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Exterior of fryers, cook line equipment and reach in cooler doors soiled. Reach in cooler gaskets soiled. Food prep tables soiled
Reach-in coolers have accumulation of soil residues on interior
Screen in door torn/in poor repair - vermin present. By back kitchen door
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Throughout kitchen
Oct 20, 2023■ Emergency Order Callback Not CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit while the kitchen was already shut. The problems had not been fixed, so the closure stayed in place. 12 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority2 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1 live roach on wire by soda station 4 live roaches on reach in cooler door handles 1 live roach on dish machine 10 live roaches in electrical box cover under water heater. 10 live on shelving bracket mounted to wall by three compartment sink.
Roach excrement and eggs present. Observed water line brackets in server station with excessive roach droppings. Observed 2 eggs under cold buffet line
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb at mop sink
Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards and fryer baskets on cook line soiled
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Walk in cooler doors and buffet line doors
Dead roaches on premises. 4 dead roaches on floor in server station 2 dead roaches under cold buffet. 5 dead roaches behind unused hot holding equipment in dining room 4 dead by right kitchen entrance 1 dead under hand sink on left cook line. 2 dead roaches in make line cooler
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Under cook line equipment
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Exterior of fryers, cook line equipment and reach in cooler doors soiled. Reach in cooler gaskets soiled. Food prep tables soiled
Reach-in coolers have accumulation of soil residues on interior
Screen in door torn/in poor repair - vermin present. By back kitchen door
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Throughout kitchen
Oct 19, 2023■ Emergency order recommendedComplaint Investigation
Ordered shut on the spot. 12 violations recorded, 3 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
3 High priority2 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 1 live roach on wire by soda station 4 live roaches on reach in cooler door handles 1 live roach on dish machine 10 live roaches in electrical box cover under water heater. 10 live on shelving bracket mounted to wall by three compartment sink.
Roach excrement and eggs present. Observed water line brackets in server station with excessive roach droppings. Observed 2 eggs under cold buffet line
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb at mop sink
Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards and fryer baskets on cook line soiled
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Walk in cooler doors and buffet line doors
Dead roaches on premises. 4 dead roaches on floor in server station 2 dead roaches under cold buffet. 5 dead roaches behind unused hot holding equipment in dining room 4 dead by right kitchen entrance 1 dead under hand sink on left cook line. 2 dead roaches in make line cooler
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Under cook line equipment
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Exterior of fryers, cook line equipment and reach in cooler doors soiled. Reach in cooler gaskets soiled. Food prep tables soiled
Reach-in coolers have accumulation of soil residues on interior
Screen in door torn/in poor repair - vermin present. By back kitchen door
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Throughout kitchen
This record follows the licence, not the owner. Restaurants change hands and the licence history normally does not, so an older entry may describe people who no longer run the place. Every inspection above links to the state's own report. Something wrong? Tell us.