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CALI VIEJO RESTAURANT

436 E BRANDON BLVD, Brandon FL 33511 · 813-841-3590

Last inspected Dec 1, 2025 · 9 visits since November 2023

Licence typeRestaurant
Seats113
Risk levelRisk Level 2
LicenceSEA3913059
Grade history
OCT 24
APR 25
MAY 25
SEP 25
DEC 25
≈ ERRATIC

5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.

Worst finding on record
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 2 observed on glue trap in wait station. 2 observed on wheel under griddle on cooks line
High priority/35A-05-4/Warning
Badges — none earned
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined

Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →

Disciplinary actions

2 cases · $800

CaseViolation dateFinal orderAmount
3--2025072058Sep 23, 2025Nov 3, 2025$400
3--2021053719Oct 26, 2021May 17, 2022$400

Inspection history

9 visits, newest first

Dec 1, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection

A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.

0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 2 findings
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Intermediate/16-37-1/Warning/Return visit Sep 23, 2025 · Time Extended/Return visit Dec 1, 2025 · Time Extended
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Missing at both ends of cookline, and near back door.
Basic/36-03-4/Warning/Return visit Sep 23, 2025 · Time Extended/Return visit Dec 1, 2025 · Time Extended
Dec 1, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

0 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Operator ordered test kits.
Intermediate/16-37-1/Corrective Action Taken/Repeat Violation
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled spray bottle of sanitizer. Operator placed label.
Intermediate/41-17-4/Corrected On-Site
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed in bulk rice and beans. Operator removed cups
Basic/14-01-5/Corrected On-Site
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Observed at end s of cookline and under prep sink in prep kitchen/bakery area.
Basic/36-03-4
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Scoop handle touching food in bulk sugar. Operator removed, washed, replaced correctly.
Basic/10-01-5/Corrected On-Site
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Operator heated water to 150F
Basic/10-07-4/Corrected On-Site
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Operator placed drinks in pan labeled employee drinks, placed pan on lower shelf.
Basic/12B-13-4/Corrected On-Site
Sep 23, 2025Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection

A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.

0 High priority4 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Edgar, expired 8/20/2025.
Intermediate/53A-03-7/Warning/Return visit Sep 23, 2025 · Time Extended
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Intermediate/16-37-1/Warning/Return visit Sep 23, 2025 · Time Extended
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Multiple items in walk in cooler not date marked.
Intermediate/02C-02-5/Warning/Return visit Sep 23, 2025 · Time Extended
Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Intermediate/53B-05-5/Warning/Return visit Sep 23, 2025 · Time Extended
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Missing at both ends of cookline, and near back door.
Basic/36-03-4/Warning/Return visit Sep 23, 2025 · Time Extended
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Basic/14-09-4/Warning/Return visit Sep 23, 2025 · Time Extended
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. HVAC grate soiled.
Basic/36-50-4/Warning/Return visit Sep 23, 2025 · Time Extended
Sep 23, 2025■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection

Ordered shut on the spot. 27 violations recorded, 4 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.

4 High priority7 Intermediate16 Basic
Show 27 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects found 1 live fly in back prep kitchen
High priority/35A-02-7/Warning
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Bread stored in shopping bag. Operator discarded
High priority/14-31-5/Corrected On-Site/Warning
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. 2 observed on glue trap in wait station. 2 observed on wheel under griddle on cooks line
High priority/35A-05-4/Warning
Tracking powder pesticide used inside establishment.
High priority/41-25-4/Warning
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Edgar, expired 8/20/2025.
Intermediate/53A-03-7/Warning
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Multiple items stored in prep area hand sink. Blenders stored in bar hand sink. Operator removed items.
Intermediate/31A-09-4/Corrected On-Site/Warning
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Intermediate/16-37-1/Warning
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at prep area hand sink and dish area hand sink. Operator replaced.
Intermediate/31B-02-4/Corrected On-Site/Warning
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Multiple items in walk in cooler not date marked.
Intermediate/02C-02-5/Warning
Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Intermediate/53B-05-5/Warning
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled spray bottle of bleach solution. Operator discarded.
Intermediate/41-17-4/Corrected On-Site/Warning
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Basic/22-20-5/Warning
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed in bulk flour. Operator removed.
Basic/14-01-5/Corrected On-Site/Warning
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Missing at both ends of cookline, and near back door.
Basic/36-03-4/Warning
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Basic/14-09-4/Warning
Dead roaches on premises. 8 observed on glue trap in wait station. 1 observed on floor under griddle.
Basic/35A-03-4/Warning
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink observed on countertop by microwave. Employee removed.
Basic/12B-07-4/Corrected On-Site/Warning
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Backpack stored over food in shelf in storage area. Operator moved
Basic/40-06-5/Corrected On-Site/Warning
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Operator removed.
Basic/10-08-5/Corrected On-Site/Warning
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed on soda fountain grate.
Basic/10-12-5/Warning
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled.
Basic/23-03-4/Warning
Single-service articles improperly stored. Takeout containers on the floor in exterior storage area.. operator placed on shelf
Basic/25-05-4/Corrected On-Site/Warning
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler.
Basic/29-49-6/Warning
Stored food not covered. Multiple items in bottom of flip top cooler uncovered. Cooked chicken in walk in cooler.
Basic/08B-12-5/Warning
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Pork loin thawing on sink drain board. Operator placed in sink, turned on water.
Basic/06-01-5/Corrected On-Site/Warning
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. HVAC grate soiled.
Basic/36-50-4/Warning
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Mop in dirty water in wait station.
Basic/42-01-4/Warning
May 20, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation (Partial)

Nothing was found. The inspector recorded no violations at all.

0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Apr 25, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

1 High priority4 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Raw shell eggs held at 49F ambient temperature, Chorizo held at 51F in flip top cooler. Operator closed lid, moved product to bottom of cooler.
High priority/03A-02-5/Corrective Action Taken
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Metal pan in hand sink in prep area. Squeegee in hand sink in dish area. Operator removed items.
Intermediate/31A-09-4/Corrected On-Site
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Intermediate/16-37-1
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at hand sinks in kitchen and dish area. Operator replaced towels.
Intermediate/31B-02-4/Corrected On-Site
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Sanitizer spray bottle not labeled. Operator placed label
Intermediate/41-17-4/Corrected On-Site
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Flip top cooler door handles.
Basic/23-24-4
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Under dish machine.
Basic/36-22-4
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Operator placed properly.
Basic/10-08-5/Corrected On-Site
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Flip top cooler door gaskets soiled.
Basic/23-03-4
Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Spoons in cup. Operator inverted.
Basic/24-18-4/Corrected On-Site
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Unwashed pineapple over cooked potatoes in walk in cooler. Operator placed potatoes on higher shelf.
Basic/08B-17-4/Corrected On-Site
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed under dishmachine.
Basic/29-11-4
Oct 18, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

0 High priority4 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed plastic bucket and scouring pad in sink in prep area. Operator removed
Intermediate/31A-09-4/Corrected On-Site/Repeat Violation
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Intermediate/16-37-1
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed at dish wash area and restroom. Operator replaced towels
Intermediate/31B-02-4/Corrected On-Site
Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Operator removed towels, placed on top
Intermediate/31B-05-4/Corrected On-Site
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. Operator removed thawed fish from packages.
Basic/06-09-1/Corrected On-Site
Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster.
Basic/33-19-4
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Operator removed
Basic/10-20-4/Corrected On-Site/Repeat Violation
Open dumpster lid.
Basic/33-16-4
Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. In rack near holding cabinet. Operator inverted the utensils
Basic/24-18-4/Corrected On-Site
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed on cookline
Basic/21-12-4
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed bulk sugar in bar area not labeled
Basic/02D-01-5/Corrected On-Site
Feb 21, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

0 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Plastic container in sink
Intermediate/31A-09-4
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Dish room
Intermediate/31B-02-4
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Basic/50-09-4
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
Basic/10-20-4/Repeat Violation
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination.
Basic/25-06-4
Nov 8, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

0 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils.
Basic/12B-07-4
Food stored on floor. Bag of onions
Basic/08B-38-4
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
Basic/10-20-4
Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up.
Basic/24-18-4

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.