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In a previous version of the publication on CiberCuba, the presence of cockroaches was incorrectly attributed to Soriano Brothers Cuban Cuisine & Marketplace, a claim that is not properly supported by the available official documentation. We deeply regret this inaccuracy, and we have taken steps to correct the affected content and strengthen our internal editorial verification protocols to prevent the recurrence of similar errors in the future.
A Cuban restaurant in South Florida was forced to close immediately after state inspectors found live insects flying over preparation tables, clean equipment, and the area where food is handled.
The affected establishment is Soriano Brothers Cuban Cuisine & Marketplace, located at 18005 S. Dixie Highway, in Palmetto Bay, a usual spot for Cubans in the area. According to a report from Local 10, the establishment was shut down on January 20 following an inspection that found 26 health violations deemed serious enough to warrant immediate closure.
According to the report cited by the local channel, inspectors observed around 35 live flying insects moving through the front counter area and landing directly on the preparation table. In the kitchen, other insects were seen resting on equipment that had already been cleaned, indicating a widespread pest control issue.
The inspection also revealed surfaces in direct contact with food in unsanitary conditions. In particular, the blade of a can opener showed food residue and a substance resembling mold on the preparation table, an infraction that was also classified as recurring. Additionally, there were failures in the temperature control of sensitive products, as mozzarella cheese and pork were stored above safe levels, increasing the risk of contamination according to state health regulations.
The inspectors also documented an accumulation of dirt on kitchen equipment handles, refrigerator seals covered in debris, and clean utensils stored while still damp, a practice that promotes the proliferation of bacteria. In the dishwashing area, stagnant water was found on the floor, another indication of unsanitary conditions that had already been noted in previous inspections.
The behavior of the staff was also a cause for concern. According to Local 10, an employee was seen touching their hair while preparing food without washing their hands afterwards, and another was working without a beard guard, a violation that was only corrected during the inspection itself.
After completing a thorough cleaning and a follow-up inspection, the restaurant was able to reopen, along with other establishments closed that same week in South Florida. However, the case has raised concerns within the Cuban community, for whom these businesses are not just restaurants, but spaces filled with identity, nostalgia, and family support.
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