DENNYS REST 9598
401 SE 1 AVE, Florida City FL 33034 · 305-246-0029
Last inspected Aug 4, 2026 · 12 visits since November 2023
OCT 24
APR 25
SEP 25
JAN 26
AUG 26
▼ IMPROVING
5 inspections trending up, 16 points better than where it started.
Live, small flying insects found. Observed 4 live flying insects flying around juice machine near salad station.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
12 visits, newest first
Aug 4, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 4 findings
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed microwaves door handles, cooler door and oven door handles at cook line.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed at cook line.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed floor tile missing grout located near cook line and kitchen prep area.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall soiled throughout the kitchen with food debris.
Aug 3, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 7 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Observed food employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled clean equipments. Manager coached employee.
Live, small flying insects found. Observed 4 live flying insects flying around juice machine near salad station.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed employee left kitchen with gloves on and then proceeded to engaged in food preparation. Coach employee.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed microwaves door handles, cooler door and oven door handles at cook line.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed at cook line.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed floor tile missing grout located near cook line and kitchen prep area.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall soiled throughout the kitchen with food debris.
Jan 8, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 15 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed server put on gloves and begin toasting and plating food to serve to customers. No handwash. Coached manager.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled shelves in dry storage.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed handwashing sink used for ice dumping at front counter. Coached manager. Manager removed ice.
Observed multiple light covers missing in the hallway near exit door.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles soiled in the woman's restroom.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Observed at handwash sink at cook line.
Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. Observed floor tile missing grout located near cook line and kitchen prep area.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed in freezers where ice cream is stored. Observed at walk in freezer.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed both microwave soiled with old food debris.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed old labels in food containers at shelves near the ice machine. Operator removed labels.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed multiple coolers with rust.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed in cooler at waiter station across coffe machine.
Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Observed slow draining water in both handwash sink at the cook line.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout kitchen.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed water leaking at faucet near liquid eggs reach in cooler.
Sep 26, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed in reach in freezer across mop room, chicken tenders above fries. Operator changed order.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled shelves in dry storage.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed microwave handles soiled at cook line.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed in men's restroom.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed next to back exit, and across warewash.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed in freezers where ice cream is stored.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets in coolers. Observed top of juice machine soiled with dust.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed soiled shelves in walk in cooler.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed multiple coolers with rust.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed in dry storage box of hand towels on floor. Operator placed on shelf.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed in cooler at waiter station across coffee machine.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed throughout kitchen.
Apr 16, 2025Inspection 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 ▾
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed at plastic shell by ice machine. Employee took them to air dry properly.
Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. Observed floor tile missing grout located near cook line and kitchen prep area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler door gaskets soiled at the front line.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed reach in cooler shelves located in the dessert reach in cooler with rust.
Nov 5, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority1 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw fish stored on top of ice cream in reach in freezer in kitchen. Operator removed
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed toaster at cook line soiled with old food debris and grease.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles located at the cook line soiled.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed four grooved brown cutting boards located across cook line.
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed male employee at the cook line not wearing a beard guard
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed deep grout located near cook line and kitchen prep area.
Grease on the ground and/or pad around grease receptacle. Observed accumulation of grease right around grease receptacle located outside.
Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling. Observe a lot of grease throughout front line.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled at cook line. observed gaskets of RIC soiled at cook line.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed reach in cooler shelves located in the dessert reach in cooler with rust.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall located next to cook line soiled.
Oct 31, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 19 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority2 Intermediate14 Basic
Show 19 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw fish stored on top of ice cream in reach in freezer in kitchen. Operator removed
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Hashbrown Potatoes (68F - ambient ) and Beef (45F - ambient) and Cut Lettuce (57F - Cold Holding). As per operator, it was prepared previous day. Stop sale issued.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed Hashbrown Potatoes (68F - ambient ) and Beef (45F - ambient) and Cut Lettuce (57F - Cold Holding). As per operator, it was prepared previous day. Stop sale issued.
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Observed 3 carton of Hashbrown potatoes in RIC at cook line not date marked. As per operator they were placed today around 10:00 AM.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed toaster at cook line soiled with old food debris and grease.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles located at the cook line soiled.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed four grooved brown cutting boards located across cook line.
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed male employee at the cook line not wearing a beard guard
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed deep grout located near cook line and kitchen prep area.
Grease on the ground and/or pad around grease receptacle. Observed accumulation of grease right around grease receptacle located outside.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed hole in wall in dry storage area near soda dispensing machine
Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling. Observe a lot of grease throughout front line.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave soiled with old food debris and grease.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled at cook line. observed gaskets of RIC soiled at cook line.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed reach in cooler shelves located in the dessert reach in cooler with rust.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed single service utensils not inverted at servers station.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall located next to cook line soiled.
Oct 31, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles located at the cook line soiled.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed four grooved brown cutting boards located across cook line.
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed male employee at the cook line not wearing a beard guard.
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed deep grout located near cook line and kitchen prep area.
Grease on the ground and/or pad around grease receptacle. Observed accumulation of grease right around grease receptacle located outside.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed hole in wall in dry storage area near soda dispensing machines.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed walk in cooler vents soiled. Observed hood filters soiled at cook line.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed reach in cooler shelves located in the dessert reach in cooler with rust.
Walk-in freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall located next to cook line soiled.
Mar 7, 2024Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 15 recorded.
0 High priority1 Intermediate14 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
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. Observed employee Wallace Sharpe 1/19/2020 with expired food handler training.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Observed dish machine exterior soiled. Operator wiped down immediately.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles located at the cook line soiled.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed four grooved brown cutting boards located across cook line.
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed male employee at the cook line not wearing a beard guard.
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed deep grout located near cook line and kitchen prep area.
Garbage can located outside has no lid or lid open/broken. Observed dumpster lid outside broken.
Grease on the ground and/or pad around grease receptacle. Observed accumulation of grease right around grease receptacle located outside.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed hole in wall in dry storage area near soda dispensing machines.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed walk in cooler vents soiled. Observed hood filters soiled at cook line.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed reach in cooler shelves located in the dessert reach in cooler with rust.
Walk-in freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall located next to cook line soiled.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet mop not hung up to dry. Operator hung up.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloths throughout kitchen area not stored in quaternary sanitizing solution. Operator discarded cloths.
Feb 26, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority1 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed dishwasher machine chlorine was 0PPM.
Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed dishwasher machine chlorine was 0PPM. Manager was instructed do not use equipment and to set up 3 compartment sink to sanitize dishes properly.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed ham (50 F - Cold Holding); cheese (49 F - Cold Holding)at the reach in cooler at the front line. As per manager less than 2 hours. Manager placed foods inside the reach in freezer.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed dispenser is not working properly at the hand wash sink by the salad bar area is located and also at the front line. Manager provided paper towels.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler gasket torn at the front line. Equipment did not have right temperature.
Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. Observed deep grout at the kitchen area
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed deep grout at the kitchen area
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler, reach in freezer gaskets soiled and also observed hood filters soiled.
Open dumpster lid.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed at the walk in cooler.
Feb 26, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Observed dispenser is not working properly at the hand wash sink by the salad bar area is located.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. Observed deep grout at the kitchen area.
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed deep grout at the kitchen area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler, reach in freezer gaskets soiled and also observed hood filters soiled.
Open dumpster lid. Operator closed it.
Nov 7, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 18 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority2 Intermediate13 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Observed employee touched pancakes with bare hand at the front counter. Operator was advised to trained the employees.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired Oct 2023.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed ham (48 F - Cold Holding); cheese (48 F - Cold Holding) at the reach in cooler at the front line. As per operator food were placed less than 2 hours. Operator moved them to walk in cooler.
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. Form was provided to operator.
Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Observed dispenser is not working properly at the hand wash sink by the salad bar area is located.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed small cup used as spoon inside the brown sugar at the front line.
Clean equipment/dishware/utensils stored next to handwash/food preparation sink exposed to splash. Observed plates stored next to hand wash sink exposed to splash. Operator removed them.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed plates not stored inverted next to hand wash sink. Operator removed them.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. Observed deep grout at the kitchen area.
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed deep grout at the kitchen area.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs stored on the oven door handle. Operator removed it.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler, reach in freezer gaskets soiled and also observed hood filters soiled.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed old labels in food containers. Operator removed it.
Open dumpster lid. Operator closed it.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed at the reach in cooler by the walk in cooler.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed spoon next to the coffee station at the front not inverted.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed container with brown sugar not labeled at the front line. Operator placed a label.
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.