In Florida, Outback Steakhouse is a staple for those seeking a familiar, hearty meal with an Australian-inspired twist. Unfortunately, the Outback Steakhouse located at 16547 Fish Hawk Boulevard in Lithia recently encountered issues during a routine state inspection, leading to a temporary shutdown.
Outback Steakhouse: A Florida Favorite with Challenges
Outback Steakhouse, owned by the Florida-based Bloomin’ Brands, is well-loved for its steaks, seafood, and signature Bloomin’ Onion. Despite its popularity, Outback has seen some closures this year, including locations in Jupiter, North Miami Beach, Orlando, and Sarasota. Still, the chain has around 95 active locations in Florida, including the Lithia site, which holds a respectable 4.2-star rating from over 2,000 reviewers. While most customers praise the restaurant’s service and food quality, occasional complaints about cleanliness have surfaced.
Details of the Inspection and Closure
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation conducted the inspection on October 21, 2024, reporting four health violations. Inspectors noted basic issues like dead roaches and rusted shelving in a cooler, while an intermediate violation was cited for improper use of the handwashing sink. A more serious “high-priority” violation was documented when live roaches were observed, prompting the temporary closure of the restaurant.