Florida is home to numerous steakhouse businesses, ranging from Longhorn Steakhouse to Texas Roadhouse. However, one of the most well-known names in the mix is Outback Steakhouse, an Australian-themed company that has been serving steaks, seafood, and its famed Bloomin’ Onion for decades. While most restaurants have a good reputation, the Outback Steakhouse in Lake Worth recently faced scrutiny after a state inspection identified nine breaches.
Outback Steakhouse, owned by Florida-based Bloomin’ Brands, has become a household name since its inception in 1988. With about 95 sites around the state, it’s apparent that Floridians enjoy their steaks. However, not every Outback has thrived; numerous sites in Florida have lately closed, including those in North Miami Beach, Jupiter, and Sarasota.
The Lake Worth facility, at 6266 Lantana Road, stays busy. With over 5,200 Google reviews and a 4.6-star rating, this business has received high appreciation for its food and service.
One reviewer, Journey Seeker, said this:
“We came from arranging a funeral and ended up having something on a sad day. We were greeted with smiles. Sat quickly. The food was delicious and hot, and the customer service was fantastic!!! The servers, Zach and Cole, were really pleasant. The most amazing, however, were Melissa and JD. She checked in on us and ensured that we were happy. Thank you, staff. Be blessed, we shall be back!”
What Went Wrong During the Inspection?
On December 16, 2024, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation conducted an inspection of the renowned Lake Worth Outback. The investigation identified nine infractions, which included a combination of basic and high-priority issues:
Basic Violation:
An employee was producing smoothies in the eating area without using a handwashing sink, prompting a warning.
High-Priority Violations (Warnings Issued):
A dishwasher handled dirty dishes before stacking clean ones without washing their hands.
Raw chicken was housed above cheese sticks, while raw steak was stored above cooked eggs, posing a cross-contamination danger.
Food temperature infractions include the storage of raw chicken and chimichurri sauce over the authorized 41°F threshold.
These high-priority issues are concerning because they affect food safety measures that are critical to ensuring a clean and safe dining experience.
What’s Next for the Restaurant?
The violations resulted in a warning and the need for a follow-up inspection. Fortunately, the restaurant passed its follow-up inspection on December 17, 2024, and met state regulations.
It’s important to note that inspections only provide a glimpse of a restaurant’s activities. While these breaches are concerning, they do not necessarily represent the restaurant’s normal operations.
Should Diners Be Concerned?
If you’re a fan of Outback Steakhouse, this news may concern you—but it’s not uncommon for restaurants to suffer inspection issues from time to time. What counts is how fast and successfully the concerns are resolved, and this location appears to have addressed them rapidly.
Customers continue to give the Lake Worth Outback high marks, and the restaurant’s prompt compliance demonstrates a dedication to upholding standards.
Even beloved enterprises like Outback Steakhouse can experience setbacks, and the Lake Worth location’s recent inspection serves as a reminder of the significance of food safety. While the infractions were serious, the restaurant’s quick response and subsequent results are encouraging.
So, if you’re hungry a steak or a Bloomin’ Onion, this Outback establishment is still up for business—and it appears that they’ve worked hard to keep things running smoothly. Good appetite, Florida!