AVE MARIA RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE
1410 FL 436, Casselberry FL 32707 · 321-231-8358
Last inspected Apr 24, 2026 · 10 visits since February 2024
MAY 24
DEC 24
MAY 25
OCT 25
APR 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $800
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4--2020044254 | Sep 8, 2020 | Mar 26, 2021 | $400 |
| 4--2021005298 | Jan 12, 2021 | Mar 17, 2021 | $400 |
Inspection history
10 visits, newest first
Apr 24, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 20 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority6 Intermediate12 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 20 findingsThe state's own report →
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Pan of raw shrimp over pan of cooked shrimp bottom make table
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Splitter added, vacuum breaker above splitter. Needs to be placed on hose side of splitter
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board small make table Inside fryer closest to wall
No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Gave operator a copy and all employees working filled out
Show the remaining 16 findings ▾
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Shelves in oven cook line
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Only one employee on staff has certification
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Nothing is date marked
Soap dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense soap. Kitchen Operator put some at sink
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Next to 2 compartment sink bar
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Men's and women's restroom
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Clean plates and bowls on dish rack
Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Clean pots under table across from mop sink Operator removed
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Thawing in package. Item still frozen Operator removed from packaging
Drain cover(s) missing. Mop sink Operator covered
Food stored on floor. Cases of plantain and limes in walk in cooler
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Bar ice bin Operator removed
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Thawing tuna in tub of water not running water Operator turned on water
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Throughout entire kitchen
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Front counter bar
Oct 2, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. - interior of fryers
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. -Both ice machines at front bar
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Women's and men's restrooms
Clean equipment/utensils not stored at least 6 inches above the floor. - Togo containers store directly on floor in back storage area
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. - under all cooking equipment.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. - both ovens on cooks line - microwave on cooks.line
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. - exterior stove on cooks line.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. -the entire kitchen area
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. -Bulk sugar stored in back storage area
May 1, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. -multiple items in reach in freezers stored in non food grade bags
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. -David
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. -spray bottle with yellow substance at mop sink not labeled
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. -in flour container outside on walk in cooler
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. -dishes stored above prep sink
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. -employee personal items stored on prep bags on storage rack outside of walk in cooler
Food stored on floor. -box of oil stored on floor outside of rear office
No waste receptacle installed at handwash sink provided with disposable towels. -At hand wash sink next to prep sink
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. -on prep table next to 3 compartment sink
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. -sugar container not labeled
Dec 16, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. -concrete seal worn exposing bare concrete throughout kitchen
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. -all at prep table across from WIC
Dec 10, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
1 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. -DM unable to sanitize properly due to machine not being able to maintain any current water level during all parts of cycle.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. -HWS at bar inaccessible due to storage of utensils -HWS at dish pit blocked by buckets and soap
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. -HWS in kitchen -HWS at bar
Dishmachine not washing/rinsing properly. Must wash, rinse and sanitize all dishware, equipment and utensils in three-compartment sink until dishmachine is functioning properly. -DM not holding and maintaining water level, unable to wash dishes
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. -concrete seal worn exposing bare concrete throughout kitchen
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. -all at prep table across from WIC
Dec 9, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 19 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority5 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 19 findings ▾
Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. -DM unable to sanitize properly due to machine not being able to maintain any current water level during all parts of cycle.
Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. SMALL COOKLINE COOLER -raw shell egg (55F - Cold Holding) -less than 2 hours, operator closed unit hood to keep insulated
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. -soiled gloved used when handing clean equipment
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. SMALL COOKLINE COOLER -raw chicken (61F - Cold Holding); cheese (55F - Cold Holding); mashed potatoes (46F - Cold Holding) -less than 2 hours, operator closed unit hood to keep insulated
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. -HWS at bar inaccessible due to storage of utensils -HWS at dish pit blocked by buckets and soap
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. -HWS in kitchen -HWS at bar
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. -All Employees
No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. -all employees -provided employee reporting agreement form
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. -woman's restroom door is fitting with a sliding bar door style entrance, unable to properly self close
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. -rice in freezer room
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. -operator printed and displayed current license during inspection
Dishmachine not washing/rinsing properly. Must wash, rinse and sanitize all dishware, equipment and utensils in three-compartment sink until dishmachine is functioning properly. -DM not holding and maintaining water level, unable to wash dishes
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Food stored on floor. -box of fresh vegetables stored on floor in WIC -multiple buckets of food product stored on floor in dry storage closet in freezer room
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. -concrete seal worn exposing bare concrete throughout kitchen
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. -all at prep table across from WIC
Wash/Rinse/Sanitizing solution not maintained clean. -sanitizer solution in 3 compartment sink not clean
May 23, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
2 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. - existing vacuum breaker needs to be moved to the threaded outlet side of your splitter
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. - chlorine test kit
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. - acoustical ceiling tiles in kitchen
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. - back door
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
May 22, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 12 recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
In-use utensil stored in unclean water at or above 135 degrees Fahrenheit. - scoops and ladles on cookline in soiled room temperature water
Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. - plantains stored in Ecolab rinse aid bucket. See stop sale
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. SMALL COOKLINE COOLER manager put in walk in cooler - cooked shrimp <2 hours (62F - Cold Holding) - cooked ceviche mixture <2 hours (62F - Cold Holding) MAIN COOKLINE COOLER Manager put into walk in cooler - breaded chicken (62 - Cold Holding) WALK IN COOLER - chivo held overnight (48F - Cold Holding); - bola held overnight (48F - Cold Holding); - guata (48F - Cold Holding); - frescoes held overnight (48F - Cold Holding); - squid held overnight (50F - Cold Holding); - milk held overnight (50F - Cold Holding)
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. - existing vacuum breaker needs to be moved to the threaded outlet side of your splitter
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. - chlorine test kit
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. - acoustical ceiling tiles in kitchen
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. - drinks and purses on prep counter. Manager over
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. - back door
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. - tongs on oven door. Manager removed
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
Open dumpster lid.
Apr 2, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. - acoustical ceiling tiles in kitchen area
Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface.
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
Feb 2, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 9 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. - no employee food safety training for any employee
No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. - women's restroom sliding door not self closing
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. - acoustical ceiling tiles in kitchen area
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. - at mop sink area
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. - back door
Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface.
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
This record follows the licence, not the owner. Restaurants change hands and the licence history normally does not, so an older entry may describe people who no longer run the place. Every inspection above links to the state's own report. Something wrong? Tell us.