Often, when I research Florida’s restaurants after an inspection shut-down, some only have one closure in their histories and then have zero violations at a follow-up inspection. Some, however, unfortunately, have ongoing issues and, as a result, have closures in quick succession. Such is the case with Jacksonville’s Sam’s St. John’s Seafood, which was temporarily shut down after a state inspection.
About Sam’s St. John’s Seafood: Founder Sam Bajalia began this seafood chain in 1983 as Sam’s St. Johns Seafood Restaurant in Jacksonville. Eventually, he would expand the chain to include Crystal River Seafood.
The location in question, at 7949 Normandy Boulevard, earns 4.2 out of 5 stars on Google reviews. I’m always on the lookout for reviews that mention cleanliness and I found one, but it mentioned that the restaurant was clean. It came from Michael who wrote:
“It seems like fast food seafood. However, they have a large menu to choose from. My friend had oysters and fries. I had fried clams and buffalo shrimp. Nice portions and the food was good. The place was clean and I would go back.”