DENNY'S #7961
3801 W SILVER SPRINGS BLVD, Ocala FL 34482 · 352.620.8981
Last inspected Aug 14, 2026 · 15 visits since July 2023
JUN 25
AUG 25
JAN 26
JUN 26
AUG 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Food with mold-like growth. See stop sale. Two lemons stored in walk-in cooler.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
15 visits, newest first
Aug 14, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 13 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority2 Intermediate7 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 13 findingsThe state's own report →
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food and/or from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. 1. Pan containing raw hamburger meat stored on shelf directly above bag containing pasteurized liquid eggs inside reach-in cooler at cookline. Manager moved the liquid eggs to another shelf during this inspection. 2. Pan containing raw hamburger meat stored on shelf above raw whole in-tact portions of steak. Inspector verified on box that the steaks have not been needle injected or blade tenderized. An employee moved the raw hamburger meat to the bottom shelf during this inspection.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. 1. Liquid eggs stored at room temperature at cookline with a discard time mark of 12:30pm. The time is 12:50pm. 2. Inside reach-in cooler in server station: butter blend (63F - Cold Holding). Manager stated the cooler was broken and verified the butter blend has been stored inside the cooler overnight. Ambient temperature inside cooler is 60F.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Inside reach-in cooler in server station: butter blend (63F - Cold Holding). Manager stated the cooler was broken and verified the butter blend has been stored inside the cooler overnight. Ambient temperature inside cooler is 60F. Stop sale issued.
Time/temperature control for safety food held using time as a public health control not discarded at the end of the 4-hour/6-hour period. See stop sale. Liquid eggs stored at room temperature at cookline with a discard time mark of 12:30pm. The time is 12:50pm. Stop sale issued.
Show the remaining 9 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. 1. Interior of microwaves at cookline soiled with old food debris. 2. Interior of ice machine door soiled with mold-like substance.
Original container of toxic substance or chemical does not bear the manufacturer's label. Spray bottle containing degreaser missing label near dish machine. An employee added the proper label during this inspection.
Building components, attachments or fixtures in poor repair. 1. Unsealed plywood on wall inside water heater room in back of kitchen. 2. Hole in ceiling above water heaters. 3. Wall coating peeling below table in lobby. 4. Baseboard below bench seat in lobby in disrepair. 5. Ripped seats in rear dining room. 6. Door release button on interior of walk-in freezer door broken.
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. 1. Reach-in cooler in server station near rear lobby ambient temperature is 60F. One stop sale issued on food stored inside unit. 2. Liquid eggs cooler at end of cookline not keeping liquid eggs cold. Manager is using Time as a Public Health Control as a temporary solution until the cooler is repaired. 3. Several reach-in cooler drawers at cookline not functional. No foods stored inside the nonfunctional reach-in cooler drawers.
Dead roaches on premises. 1. One dead roach on floor in warewash area of kitchen. 2. One dead roach on floor below table in dining room. 3. One dead roach on floor in corner of rear dining room. An employee swept all of the above areas during this inspection.
Missing drain plug at dumpster. Drain plug missing from cardboard dumpster.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. 1. Hood filters above cookline soiled with grease. 2. Gaskets on reach-in cooler doors throughout establishment soiled with grease.
Plumbing system in disrepair. Actively leaking water line above water heater.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Water in bottom of reach-in cooler in server station.
Jun 29, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee handled dirty dishes then proceeded to handle clean dishes in dish area. Manager had employee wash hands and rewash dishes.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Item stored in front counter reach-in cooler: butter (49F - Cold Holding). Manager stated the butter was placed in cooler two hours prior to temperature being taken. Manager moved butter to walk-in freezer to reduce temperature to 41F.
Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Cooked potatoes stored in cooler drawers beneath cook line fryers. After four hours potatoes were 56F, after 45 minutes the potatoes had cooled an additional one degree. Manager moved potatoes to walk-in freezer to complete the cooling process.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on reach-in cooler across from cook line stained.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Standing water on cook line floor.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Floor tiles missing in cook line area.
Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. Hood above cook line fryers.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Floor beneath fan box in walk-in freezer.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood vents above fryers greasy.
Stored food not covered. Container of chicken in walk-in freezer. Manager placed lid on container.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall behind cook line fryers greasy.
Jan 12, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jan 8, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 12 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Items stored in reach-in cooler across from cook line fryers: sausage (47F - Cold Holding); cream (44F - Cold Holding). Manager stated items placed in cooler 30 minutes prior to temperature being taken. Manager moved items to walk-in freezer to reduce temperature to 41F. Items stored in cook line reach-in cooler across from egg cooler: beef (45F - Cold Holding); cheese (46F - Cold Holding). Manager stated items placed in cooler one hour prior to temperature being taken. Manager moved items to walk-in freezer to reduce temperature to 41F.
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. Shell eggs stored on cook line. Manager stated eggs placed out at 11:00 am. Manager had employee place proper date mark on eggs.
Time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from ambient temperature to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within four hours. See stop. Items stored in walk-in cooler: rehydrated hash browns (61F,49F,51F,50F - Cooling). Manager stated hash browns rehydrated seven hours prior to temperature being taken.
Time/temperature control for safety food prepared from/mixed with ingredient(s) at ambient temperature not cooled to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. Items stored in walk-in cooler: rehydrated hash browns (61F,49F,51F,50F - Cooling). Manager stated hash browns rehydrated seven hours prior to temperature being taken.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Sanitizer bucket stored in cook line hand washing sink. Manager removed bucket during inspection.
Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Two employee certificates expired.
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Employee eating on cook line. Employee moved food to break room.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Containers stored on shelf across from dish room.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Floor tile missing on cook line.
Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. Hood filter above fryer missing.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwaves on cook line soiled with old food debris.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters above cook line fryers greasy.
Aug 27, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 12 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority1 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Food with mold-like growth. See stop sale. Two lemons stored in walk-in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Items stored in cook line steam table: sausage (118F,127F - Hot Holding). Manager stated sausage placed in steam table thirty minutes prior to temperature being taken. Sausage was reheated and served during inspection.
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. One employee certificate available, manager stated there are 15 employees.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee Red Bull on shelf in dish area. Manager had employee removed drink during inspection.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Employee cans of energy drinks stored on shelf in walk-in cooler. Manager removed energy drinks from walk-in cooler.
Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. Hood above fryers on cook line.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave on cook line.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood vents above cook line greasy. Gaskets for cook line reach-in coolers.
Open dumpster lid. Dumpster behind building.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Reach-in freezer across from dish area.
Screen in door or window torn/in poor repair. Vent in maintenance room across from mop sink.
Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Sanitizer bucket in wait station, 0 ppm. Manager had employee change sanitizer for dispenser. Manager changed sanitizer water, 200 ppm.
Jun 20, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation (Partial)
Nothing was found. The inspector recorded no violations at all.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Apr 2, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation (Partial)
Nothing was found. The inspector recorded no violations at all.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jan 16, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority0 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Employee dried hands on clothes/apron/soiled towel after washing. Cook wearing gloves, handled raw meat then washed hands and put on clean gloves, then pulled up pants then handled cooking utensils and serving plates for an order, without removing gloves, washing hands and putting on clean gloves. Discussed with Manager and she discussed with cook.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Container of onions and Pico de gallo dated more than 7 days earlier in walk-in-cooler. Manager discarded both items.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Container of onions and Pico de gallo dated more than 7 days earlier in walk-in-cooler. Manager discarded both items.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee water bottle on prep table near silverware
Hole in or other damage to wall. Hole in wall in dry goods storage area
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Ice buildup up on floor of walk-in-freezer
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Scoops in standing water at 108F, Manager changed water to 160F.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Standing water in reach in cooler at front server line.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Container of food removed ( powder sugar ) from original container not labelled with name of contents. Manager had label placed on container
Jul 10, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand wash sink on right server station hand wash sink. Manager asked employee to stock soap dispenser
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle at dishwash area not properly labeled with identifying contents ( degraeaser ).
Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed reach in freezer gaskets torn off cookline
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed coffee filters stored without protection or covered. Manager asked employee to cover coffee filters
Jan 19, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Nov 21, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 12 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority2 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed employee cooking on cook line leave the kitchen and grab walk-in-cooler handle, take container of pancake mix back to cookline and begin handling cooking utensils without washing their hands and changing gloves. Discussed with Manager and they spoke with employee
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed interior turntable in microwave soiled with food
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. Observed manager in charge not able to provide any food handler certificates for any of the employees.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed cracked ceiling above microwave and prep area on the cook line
Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Observed floor soiled with oil and food on cookline and around fryer.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice build up on the floor rack and cooling unit in walk-in-freezer
Open dumpster lid. Observed dumpster lid left open with stick keeping it propped open.
Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Observed cut produce ( avocado ) located in flip-top make table with produce stickers still on produce.
Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Observed spoons stored with food contact surface up. Manager removed spoons and placed in dishwash area.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water in the bottom of the reach in cooler under the orange juice machine located in the server station.
Standing water in floor drain/floor drain draining very slowly. Observed standing water on cookline by grill, also observed leaking water filter leaking water on server prep table next to orange juice machine. Manager had water removed
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet mop stored on floor near mop sink
Sep 6, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In black pan on cookline: liquid eggs 44-47F. Manager moved to walk in cooler.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Gloves on shelf under bottles of hand soap in utility room. Employee moved.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Interior of microwaves on cookline soiled with food debris. Reach in make table on cookline soiled with food debris.
Building components, attachments or fixtures in poor repair. Ceiling over fountain area is not smooth and easily cleanable. Several broken floor tiles in kitchen area.
Dead roaches on premises. One dead roach on floor in utility room. Manager cleaned.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Plastic pans on cookline.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter scoops at front counter in water at 125F. Employee refreshed water.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No sign at sink on cookline. Sign added.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Around doors of several reach in coolers have slimy substance. Several coolers with gaskets soiled with slimy substance. Shelves on cookline soiled with grease. Around juice nozzles soiled with splashed product. Employee began cleaning. Exterior of equipment on cookline soiled with grease. Hood filters on cookline soiled with grease.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. On bottom of one unit on cookline. On bottom of one unit in server station.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Wall near reach in freezer soiled with dust. Wall and floor behind fryers soiled with grease. Floor in walk in cooler soiled with food and packaging debris. Debris in floor drain on cookline.
Aug 15, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 2 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed blender container in the hand wash sink by server station. Manager removed container.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed working container of food removed ( pancake mix ) from original container not identified by common name.
Jul 14, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 4 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Employee touched bare body part and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed cook on cook line scratch his head with and did not wash hands and change gloves. Also Observed employee leave and take food item from walk-in-cooler and return to the kitchen and begin preparing food without washing hands and changing gloves. Manager was advised and they discussed with employee when to wash hands and had employee wash hands and change gloves.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed "Y" connector at mop sink with missing vacuum breaker on the non-chemical side of the "Y" connector.
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Observed person in charge with expired food manager certificate. However they are scheduled for a class next Wednesday. Food manager present during inspection.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed Carbon dioxide tanks not adequately secured in dry goods storage area
Jul 14, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
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.