COTTAGE CAFE OF DIXIE INC
139 SE HWY 349, Old Town FL 32680 · 352-542-8080
Last inspected Mar 18, 2026 · 7 visits since August 2023
JAN 24
JUL 24
FEB 25
AUG 25
MAR 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Two flies flying in kitchen at cookline. One fly flying in server station.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $200
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5--2021027847 | Apr 23, 2021 | Sep 9, 2021 | $200 |
Inspection history
7 visits, newest first
Mar 18, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 9 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 9 findingsThe state's own report →
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. 1. Pan containing fully-cooked lasagna stored in-contact with pooled raw beef blood inside walk-in cooler. Manager removed the lasagna from the area during this inspection. 2. Raw beef stored on shelf directly above fully-cooked sausage inside walk-in cooler. Employee moved the cooked sausage away from the raw beef during this inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking. 1. Flat of raw shell eggs at cookline held at room temperature without time marking. Employee at cookline stated the eggs have been held using Time as a Public Health Control since 8:15am and added the proper time mark during this inspection. 2. Pan of cooked potatoes at cookline held at room temperature without time marking. Employee at cookline stated the potatoes have been held using Time as a Public Health Control for 30 minutes and added the proper time mark during this inspection.
Records/documents for required employee training do not contain all of the required information. One Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association food handler certificate provided by manager missing date of training and expiration date.
Required employee training provided by a third-party employee training program and operator unable to provide original certificate for employees trained. Manager provided 7 photocopies of Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association food handler training certificates.
Show the remaining 5 findings ▾
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Section of ceiling missing above stairs in storage room.
Dead roaches on premises. One dead roach on floor in kitchen near soda rack. Manager swept the area during this inspection.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Area around nozzles of fountain machine soiled with mold-like substance.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. 1. Floor below stairs in dry storage area soiled with food debris. 2. Floor behind equipment at cookline soiled with food debris.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Large bin containing breading missing label in kitchen. Manager added the proper label during this inspection.
Aug 21, 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 ▾
Date marked combined ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days of preparing/opening the earliest ready-to-eat time/temperature for safety ingredient. See stop sale. Inside reach-in cooler near cookline: 1. One pan of chicken salad with date mark of 8/12. 2. One pan of coleslaw with date mark of 8/12. Manager stated both items are made in kitchen.
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Employee at cookline cracked raw shell eggs, then changed gloves without first washing hands. Inspector had employee wash hands and put on new gloves before continuing to work at cookline.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Interior of ice machine soiled with lime-like substance.
Records/documents for required employee training do not contain all of the required information. Three Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association food handler certificates missing trainer's CFPM certificate number. Manager completed filling out the certificate during this inspection.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Ice bucket not inverted on top of ice machine. Manager inverted the bucket during this inspection.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets on reach-in freezer doors soiled with black substance in back of kitchen, near three-compartment sink.
Feb 18, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Wrapped package containing raw ground sausage stored on wire shelf directly above container of mustard inside reach-in cooler near walk-in cooler. Manager moved the raw ground sausage to the bottom shelf during this inspection.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Aerosol can containing stainless steel polish and open condiment cup filled with dish soap stored directly on top of box containing fountain soda syrup in corner of kitchen, near cookline. Manager removed chemicals from area during this inspection.
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. Two new employees working with food in kitchen without proof of food handler training or proof they have been informed of their health reporting responsibilities. Inspector provided manager a new copy of the employee health reporting agreement during this inspection.
Nonfood-contact equipment exposed to splash/spillage not constructed of materials that are corrosion resistant, non-absorbent, smooth and easily cleanable. Front of reach-in cooler near three-compartment sink rusted.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. 1. Bottom of reach-in cooler at kitchen entrance soiled with food debris. 2. Gaskets on door of white reach-in freezer in back of kitchen soiled with grease. 3. Gaskets on door of reach-in cooler near three-compartment sink soiled with grease. 4. Area around nozzles on fountain machine at front counter soiled with mold-like substance.
Jul 25, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 10 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Employee rubbed hands together for less than 10-15 seconds while washing hands. Server at front counter handled dirty dishes, washed hands for approximately three seconds, then proceeded to scoop ice.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Two flies flying in kitchen at cookline. One fly flying in server station.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Backflow prevention device missing at black hose connection near back door on back-side of building.
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. No proof of food handler training for two employees. Two servers were present during the last inspection. Manager verified that the two employees have been employed for more than 60 days.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl without handle stored inside bin of cooked potatoes at cookline. Employee removed bowl from potatoes during this inspection.
Grease receptacle/dumpster not on proper pad/nonabsorbent surface. Grease receptacle and dumpster beside building sitting on gravel.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Small hole in wall above clean dish rack near cookline.
Plumbing system in disrepair. Pipe below mop sink broken.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Package of frozen Mac n cheese thawing at room temperature on counter near cookline. Employee placed Mac n cheese back into a cooler during this inspection.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Several pitchers containing sugar missing labels at front counter. Manager had an employee add proper labels during this inspection.
Jan 10, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 11 violations recorded, 6 high priority.
6 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Inside reach-in cooler in prep area of kitchen: stew (46F - Cooling overnight) Manager stated the stew was cooked the previous day, then placed into the cooler to cool. Container of stew is date marked 01/09. Stew is cooling in a deep plastic container with sealed lid.
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. See stop sale. Inside reach-in cooler in prep area of kitchen: stew (46F - Cooling overnight) Manager stated the stew was cooked the previous day, then placed into the cooler to cool. Container of stew is date marked 01/09. Manager stated the stew has been stored inside unit overnight.
Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Employee entered the server station from the dining area and scooped ice without washing hands. Inspector reviewed handwashing procedures with employee during this inspection.
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Open bag containing raw shrimp stored directly on top of portions of pot roast in bags on shelf inside walk-in freezer. Plastic pan containing raw pork stored directly above plastic pan containing cooked sliced turkey on shelf inside walk-in freezer. Employee moved both raw items to the bottom shelf during this inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. On counter at cookline: shredded cheese (55F - Cold Holding). Manager stated the cheese has been on the counter for approximately 30 minutes and placed the cheese back into the cooler to cool to 41F. Inspector provided TPHC documentation to manager during this inspection.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Pitcher containing sugar stored on shelf beside bottles containing hand soap and aerosol air freshener in server station. Employee placed sugar on top shelf during this inspection.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling around electrical outlet above prep table in kitchen soiled with dust.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink cup stored on prep table beside open packages of bread near cookline. Employee removed drink cup from prep table during this inspection.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone stored directly on top of cans of food in prep area of kitchen.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Wet nested clear plastic containers on shelf above prep sink in kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood vents above grill soiled with grease.
Aug 18, 2023Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 2 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Inside reach-in cooler near front counter: milk (48F - Cold Holding); milk (47F - Cold Holding). Employee stated the milk had been stored inside the unit overnight and had not been in-use today. Inside reach-in cooler drawer in kitchen below grill: diced tomatoes (47F - Cold Holding). Employee stated the diced tomatoes have been stored inside unit overnight. Inside reach-in cooler in kitchen across from three-compartment sink: ham (47F - Cold Holding); ham (47F - Cold Holding); hamburger meat (47F - Cold Holding); hamburger meat (47F - Cold Holding); hamburger meat (48F - Cold Holding). Employee stated the ham and hamburger meat has been stored inside unit since being delivered on Monday, 8/14.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Inside reach-in cooler near front counter: milk (48F - Cold Holding); milk (47F - Cold Holding). Employee stated the milk had been stored inside the unit overnight and had not been in-use today. Stop sales issued. Inside reach-in cooler drawer in kitchen below grill: diced tomatoes (47F - Cold Holding). Employee stated the diced tomatoes have been stored inside unit overnight. Stop sale issued. Inside reach-in cooler in kitchen across from three-compartment sink: ham (47F - Cold Holding); ham (47F - Cold Holding); hamburger meat (47F - Cold Holding); hamburger meat (47F - Cold Holding); hamburger meat (48F - Cold Holding). Employee stated the ham and hamburger meat has been stored inside unit since being delivered on Monday, 8/14. Stop sales issued.
Aug 16, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 5 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Inside reach-in cooler near front counter: milk (48F - Cold Holding); milk (47F - Cold Holding). Employee stated the milk had been stored inside the unit overnight and had not been in-use today. Inside reach-in cooler drawer in kitchen below grill: diced tomatoes (47F - Cold Holding). Employee stated the diced tomatoes have been stored inside unit overnight. Inside reach-in cooler in kitchen across from three-compartment sink: ham (47F - Cold Holding); ham (47F - Cold Holding); hamburger meat (47F - Cold Holding); hamburger meat (47F - Cold Holding); hamburger meat (48F - Cold Holding). Employee stated the ham and hamburger meat has been stored inside unit since being delivered on Monday, 8/14.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Inside reach-in cooler near front counter: milk (48F - Cold Holding); milk (47F - Cold Holding). Employee stated the milk had been stored inside the unit overnight and had not been in-use today. Stop sales issued. Inside reach-in cooler drawer in kitchen below grill: diced tomatoes (47F - Cold Holding). Employee stated the diced tomatoes have been stored inside unit overnight. Stop sale issued. Inside reach-in cooler in kitchen across from three-compartment sink: ham (47F - Cold Holding); ham (47F - Cold Holding); hamburger meat (47F - Cold Holding); hamburger meat (47F - Cold Holding); hamburger meat (48F - Cold Holding). Employee stated the ham and hamburger meat has been stored inside unit since being delivered on Monday, 8/14. Stop sales issued.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle containing bleach missing label on shelf above three-compartment sink. Manager had employee add proper label during this inspection.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Wet nested plastic containers on shelf in kitchen near cookline.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor in dry storage area of kitchen across from three-compartment sink soiled with food debris.
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.