Three South Florida Restaurants Earn Prestigious Clean Plate Recognition for Perfect Food Safety Scores

By Ronald Rodriguez Last updated Sep 12, 2025

South Florida – Three South Florida eateries have distinguished themselves by earning the coveted Clean Plate award after achieving perfect scores during unannounced state food safety inspections. The honor highlights the exceptional dedication of these restaurants to maintaining spotless kitchens and impeccable food safety standards.

The recognition is rarely earned, with very few establishments managing zero violations. This year, New Lighthouse Caffee in Dania Beach, Wings Chinese in Davie, and Arby’s in North Miami Beach each passed their inspections without a single infraction, marking a moment of pride for staff and community alike.

Emotional Triumph at New Lighthouse Caffee

At New Lighthouse Caffee, co-owner Lise Dellolio was overwhelmed when informed of their flawless inspection score. “My heart is beating out of my chest right now. I want to cry,” she shared. Nestled inside the clubhouse of The Estates of Fort Lauderdale, this small café with only seven tables showcases what dedication can accomplish.

The café’s spotless record, including two prior perfect inspections, now proudly includes the Clean Plate award displayed on the dining room wall. Lise and her husband Carlo Dellolio, both with over 40 years of experience in the restaurant industry, emphasize that maintaining such cleanliness requires relentless effort and commitment.

Carlo, originally from Italy, adapted to preparing a breakfast-focused menu despite never having cooked breakfast foods prior to opening the café.

“It is overwhelming. It is a lot of work, but it is our duty,” Lise said. Carlo added, “I am here seven days a week. Monday and Tuesday are cleaning days.”

Family Dedication Keeps Wings Chinese Spotless

In Davie, Wings Chinese located near Broward College Central Campus also achieved a perfect inspection. Longtime employee Sam expressed surprise when a television crew arrived to announce the honor.

Serving both American Chinese and Peruvian-style Chifa dishes for over two decades, Wings Chinese remains a family-run restaurant. Ownership has remained within the family through several generations, highlighting a continuity of commitment to quality and cleanliness.

Sam underscored the effort required to maintain such standards, stating, “It is pretty hard. We have to clean every night. We want to do the best we can.” The kitchen was shown to be remarkably organized and pristine.

“Everyone who works here is family,” Sam said. “The first owner was my uncle… I have worked for the current owner for 15 years.”

Arby’s Demonstrates National Chain Can Match Independents in Cleanliness

In North Miami Beach, the Arby’s located at 1486 NE 163rd Street earned its Clean Plate award after 46 years in the same location. Shift manager Sandy Bonnett expressed pride in the achievement.

She shared how treating the establishment as her own home fuels the team’s commitment to cleanliness, both inside and out, ensuring customers feel confident and comfortable dining there.

“I knew we passed, but I did not know it was perfect,” Bonnett said with a smile. “We make sure everything is clean inside and outside. When customers come in, they see a clean place and they feel good about eating here.”

The Power of Commitment to Food Safety

These three restaurants — a family-run café, a long-standing Chinese restaurant, and a nationally-known fast-food chain — demonstrate that excellence in food safety is attainable regardless of size or type of establishment. Their stories prove that with hard work, attention to detail, and pride in one’s work, spotless inspections can become a reality.

New Lighthouse Caffee achieved zero violations and displays multiple perfect inspection awards.
Wings Chinese has maintained flawless hygiene for over two decades under family ownership.
Arby’s in North Miami Beach proudly earned a perfect score after 46 years of operation.
All three establishments earned the Clean Plate award from a routine, unannounced state health inspection.

For detailed information on the Clean Plate award and the inspections, visit the original coverage at Local 10’s report.

What Do These Recognitions Mean for Diners?

Food safety is a crucial factor for restaurant patrons, and these Clean Plate awards highlight the dedication behind the scenes that ensure every meal is safe. Diners can confidently choose these restaurants knowing rigorous standards are met.

Moreover, these honors set a benchmark for food service establishments throughout South Florida, encouraging others to uphold similar standards.

Share Your Thoughts!

What do you think about this recognition? Have you ever dined at New Lighthouse Caffee, Wings Chinese, or Arby’s in North Miami Beach? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!