BIG DAVE'S CHEESESTEAKS
2548 E FOWLER AVE, Tampa FL 33612 · 8503398869
Last inspected Aug 7, 2026 · 15 visits since July 2023
JUN 24
AUG 24
MAR 25
JUL 25
AUG 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 2 live roach in office storage area. 1 live next to mop sink. 2 live roaches under three compartment sink.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
3 cases · $860
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2024041060 | Jun 26, 2024 | Feb 3, 2025 | $400 |
| 3--2022035652 | May 2, 2022 | Aug 24, 2022 | $300 |
| 3--2021004162 | Dec 7, 2020 | Jun 24, 2021 | $160 |
Inspection history
15 visits, newest first
Aug 7, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Nothing was found. The inspector recorded no violations at all.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jul 24, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Food with mold-like growth. See stop sale. Molded cooked potatoes stored inside walk in cooler.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shelled eggs stored overtop ready to eat sauces. Management removed and properly stored sauce.
Stop Sale issued due to adulteration of food product. Rotten chicken stored inside walk in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold holding- Cooked rice 45F Raw chicken 45F Items placed in freezer for rapid chill re-temp all items 41 or below.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Rice,chicken cooked and held longer then 24 hours has no date markings inside walk in cooler.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Bottom of reach in cooler on front line has buildup of old food debris.
Mar 4, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw ground beef stored overtop raw salmon inside double door freezer in back kitchen area.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Chicken breast cold holding at 53F.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on front line has stains.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked chicken inside walk in cooler has no date markings.
Equipment in poor repair. Broken reach in cooler stored in back kitchen area.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Wet mop heads sitting on floor nest to grease trap in back kitchen area.
Aug 26, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Employee touched face/hair and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee touch hair and begin reheating food to be served to the public. Employee washed hands at time of inspection.
Quaternary ammonium sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Triple Sink (Quaternary 0ppm) CORRECTED TO; (Quaternary 200ppm) Operator replaced empty sanitizer container.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Mop sink no vaccum breaker. Splitter.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards on make line Gaskets on reach in freezer soiled.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Potato salad not date marked, discussed with operator. Operator date marked at time of inspection.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting board on make line.
Equipment in poor repair. Broken cooler near prep table.
Food stored on floor. Soda syrup stored on floor, operator moved to approved location at time of inspection.
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Unwashed bell peppers above ready to eat potato salad, operator moved to approved location at time of inspection.
Aug 26, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting board on front service counter
Jun 27, 2024Emergency Order Callback Time ExtensionComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location.
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.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting board on front service counter
Jun 27, 2024■ Emergency Order Callback Not CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit while the kitchen was already shut. The problems had not been fixed, so the closure stayed in place. 6 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority3 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 2 live roach in office storage area. 1 live next to mop sink. 2 live roaches under three compartment sink.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location.
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Discussed with operator on having food manager on duty.
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.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting board on front service counter
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets on walk in cooler soiled.
Jun 26, 2024■ Emergency order recommendedComplaint Investigation
Ordered shut on the spot. 17 violations recorded, 5 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
5 High priority6 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw Shell eggs stored over milk and margarine. Discussed with operator. Operator moved to approved location at time of inspection.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Egg salad marked June 17th. Discussed with operator. SEE STOP SALE
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 2 live roach in office storage area. 1 live next to mop sink. 2 live roaches under three compartment sink.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Cooked Rice (46F - Cold Holding); Cooked Chicken (46F - Cold Holding); Cooked Potatoes (46F - Cold Holding); Feta (46F - Cold Holding)
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooked Rice (46F - Cold Holding); Cooked Chicken (46F - Cold Holding); Cooked Potatoes (46F - Cold Holding); Feta (46F - Cold Holding) SEE STOP SALE
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Soda machine nozzles.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location.
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Discussed with operator on having food manager on duty.
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.
Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Provided operator education packet containing consumer advisory. Operator hand wrote consumer advisory at time of inspection. Operator posted at time of inspection.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. House made potato salad not date marked, operator date marked at time of inspection
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting board on front service counter
Dead roaches on premises. 1 dead roach in back storage area. 2 dead roaches in office storage area. 1 dead roach under three compartment sink 1 dead roach under dry storage rack. 1 egg sac under three compartment sink 2 dead roaches near mop sink
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Plastic lids on storage rack. Discussed with operator.
Equipment in poor repair. Walk in cooler not maintaining temperature.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor soiled throughout kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets on walk in cooler soiled.
Jun 24, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 8 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority3 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Splitter missing vacuum breaker.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards on cook line. Self service soda machine.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification.
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.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Pans not inverted next to reach in freezer.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting boards on cook line.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee prepping food with no hair restraint.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Apr 23, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 14 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority3 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Quaternary ammonium sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. 3 Compartment Sink tested 0 ppm Quaternary ammonia, operator refilled chemical and remade sanitizer tested 200 ppm Quaternary ammonia.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Rice 129 F, employee turned up temperature at time of inspection.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Splitter missing vacuum breaker.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards on cook line. Self service soda machine.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification.
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.
Carbon dioxide tanks not adequately secured.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Pans not inverted next to reach in freezer.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting boards on cook line.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Employee food in walk in cooler over potatoes.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee prepping food with no hair restraint.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Old labels on containers above 3 Compartment Sink.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Opened drink in reach in cooler. Employee removed at time of inspection.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Sep 11, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jul 17, 2023Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 2 violations recorded.
0 High priority2 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Food service manager not certified within 30 days of employment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Tia Thomas.
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. 1 employee has no proof of training.
Jul 14, 2023Call Back - Extension given, pendingComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority3 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Food service manager not certified within 30 days of employment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Tia Thomas.
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.
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. 1 employee has no proof of training.
Jul 13, 2023Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 6 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Raw chicken stored over whole lettuce and other unwashed produce in walk-in cooler. Operator rearranged items to prevent cross contamination.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Walk-in cooler Cold holding: milk 48 F, raw lamb 49 F, raw steak 48 F, raw chicken 47 F. Operator stated that food items was 40 F or below 2 hours ago, employee began moving time/temperature control for safety food to reach-in freezer and reach-in cooler at time of inspection.
Food service manager not certified within 30 days of employment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Tia Thomas.
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.
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. 1 employee has no proof of training.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed 2 cases of food containers stored on floor in kitchen.
Jul 11, 2023Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 7 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Raw chicken stored over whole lettuce and other unwashed produce in walk-in cooler. Operator rearranged items to prevent cross contamination.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Walk-in cooler Cold holding: milk 48 F, raw lamb 49 F, raw steak 48 F, raw chicken 47 F. Operator stated that food items was 40 F or below 2 hours ago, employee began moving time/temperature control for safety food to reach-in freezer and reach-in cooler at time of inspection.
Food service manager not certified within 30 days of employment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Tia Thomas.
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.
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. 1 employee has no proof of training.
Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. Discussed with operator, employee put on lid and straw.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed 2 cases of food containers stored on floor in kitchen.
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.