For those of you in Tampa who love a quick Tex-Mex fix, you might want to note that one of your local Taco Bell locations has recently faced a bit of trouble. The Taco Bell on East Fowler Avenue was temporarily shut down following a state inspection that uncovered several violations.
Taco Bell, known for its affordable and speedy Mexican-inspired dishes like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, has been a staple since it started in California in the 1960s. It’s quite popular, serving over 42 million customers each week across its 7,400 locations globally. However, this particular Tampa location has had its share of mixed reviews, with some customers noting inconsistencies in food quality and order accuracy.
The state inspection on June 18, 2024, brought to light a few serious issues. Inspectors noted objectionable odors in the bathrooms and surrounding areas, including the parking lot and dumpster area. More critically, they found that the restaurant did not have at least one bathroom available for public use. The most alarming violation involved wastewater draining onto the parking lot, which posed a health and safety hazard, as vehicles and even a customer were observed coming into contact with the contaminated water.