Restaurant Report visits Great Wall, Horizons and Peppers Mexican Grill & Cantina

Reported by: Tera Barz
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Updated: 7/19/2012 11:43 pm
Jacksonville, Fla. - Great Wall Chinese restaurant is located in a shopping center off Blanding Boulevard in the middle of Middleburg. During our visit here in March we found roaches all over the restaurant days after it was temporarily closed down. The restaurant had more than 100 live and dead roaches in the kitchen.

On our visit this time... the owner, Henry Chen told us he is frustrated because the roaches are hiding and he can't find them. Chen says, "I'm angry." Chen believes the bugs hide during the day in the walls outside, in the dumpster and in the open garbage and then they invade his kitchen.

The inspector issued an emergency order and closed Great Wall temporarily for 75 dead roaches on the floor throughout the restaurant, live roaches and live flies. You can see that full report by clicking here.

We looked under his kitchen equipment and found piles of heavy grease old food and dirt.

We asked, "Do you think that's why the roaches are coming in? Chen replied, "I think so, yes."
 
So why doesn't he clean it? Chen says it's not easy to clean up the mess. He then left the kitchen and told us to do the same. After being closed down temporarily two times in four months for roaches - Chen says he plans on closing his restaurant - for good.

Here are the other restaurants at the top of the list this week for critical violations.

Horizons on First Coast Highway in Fernandina Beach was also temporarily closed down for 24 critical violations including 30 live roaches that were killed on a shelf by the ice machine. You can see that emergency order here.

At Peppers Mexican Grill & Cantina on Centre Street in Fernandina Beach there were 25 critical violations including live flies in the kitchen. You can see that report by clicking here.

The following restaurant had zero health violations and get our clean plate award of the week!

BIG DAWGS FAMILY SPORTS RESTAUANT ON BLANDING BOULEVARD

CHOICE PICKS ON DIXIE CLIPPER ROAD

THE TRAVELODGE INN AND SUITES ON AIRPORT ROAD

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whosaysnocan - 7/20/2012 5:55 AM
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It appears the owner of the Great Wall has tried to take care of the roaches on his own. It is difficult to keep a kitchen clean when the major cooking is frying. Those "German" roaches are difficult to get under control. They need to bring in professional exterminator. Once the professional gets it under control, monthly checks will keep it clean.
About
Tera Barz
Action News's Tera Barz investigates the restaurants in your area that have the most violations, and restaurants that are violation free!
Watch the Restaurant Report Thursday nights on Action News at 10pm on FOX30 and Action News at 11pm on CBS47.
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