{"id":287467,"date":"2026-05-28T12:29:48","date_gmt":"2026-05-28T12:29:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/287467\/"},"modified":"2026-05-28T12:29:48","modified_gmt":"2026-05-28T12:29:48","slug":"busch-gardens-tampa-bay-issued-emergency-shutdown-notice-effective-immediately","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/287467\/","title":{"rendered":"Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Issued Emergency Shutdown Notice, Effective Immediately"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Credit: Jess Cadorette, Flickr<\/p>\n

Authorities have issued an emergency closure<\/a> recommendation for a restaurant at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay following the discovery of multiple health code violations during an inspection. This is the second dining location at the Central Florida theme park<\/a> to close after failing inspection in less than a year.<\/p>\n

Zagora Cafe Shut Down
\n\"SignCredit: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay<\/p>\n

On May 26, health inspectors issued an emergency closure recommendation for Zagora Cafe, a restaurant at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The United Parks & Resorts (formerly known as SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment)-owned theme park immediately closed the dining location in compliance with the government-issued notice.<\/p>\n

X (formerly known as Twitter) user @SWNeedshelp shared<\/a> a look at the inspection report, which included reports of rodent activity as evidenced by more than 20 droppings found throughout the kitchen and food storage areas:<\/p>\n

Another rough look behind the scenes at Busch Gardens Tampa. Zagora Cafe was hit with an emergency closure recommendation after inspectors reportedly found multiple rodent droppings throughout dry storage and kitchen areas, including on shelving and canned goods.<\/p>\n

Another rough look behind the scenes at Busch Gardens Tampa. Zagora Cafe was hit with an emergency closure recommendation after inspectors reportedly found multiple rodent droppings throughout dry storage and kitchen areas, including on shelving and canned goods. pic.twitter.com\/ZGwiWPcYW3<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 SeaWorld Work Orders (@SWneedshelp) May 27, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

It\u2019s unclear when the restaurant will reopen. Guests are encouraged to visit other dining locations throughout the SeaWorld-owned theme park<\/a> until Zafora Cafe passes a new inspection.<\/p>\n

Previous Health Code Violations at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
\n\"ACredit: Jeremy Thompson, Flickr<\/p>\n

On August 7, 2025, another restaurant at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Dragon Fire Grill, abruptly ceased operations<\/a> in the middle of the day. The inspection report<\/a> later revealed numerous health code violations at the theme park dining location, including roach and other insect activity on the premises, incorrect time\/temperature control for food, and an employee stirring coleslaw by hand with their forearms submerged in the slaw five inches above their gloves.<\/p>\n

Dragon Fire Grill reopened<\/a> just one week later, on August 14, and passed re-inspection.<\/p>\n

Dragon Fire grill at Busch Gardens has reopened after a recent closure!<\/p>\n

Glad to see @BuschGardens work on this fast to have this amazing restaurant open to all guests again!<\/p>\n

Dragon Fire grill at Busch Gardens has reopened after a recent closure!<\/p>\n

Glad to see @BuschGardens<\/a> work on this fast to have this amazing restaurant open to all guests again! pic.twitter.com\/DolbFOgbYF<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Ethan Hershaft (@EthanHershaft) August 14, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Have you ever eaten at Zagora Cafe? Share your experience with Inside the Magic in the comments!<\/p>\n

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