EL CHEF EFRAIN CUBAN CAFE AND DELI
124 E ALFRED ST, Tavares FL 32778
Last inspected Jul 22, 2026 · 10 visits since October 2023
MAR 24
NOV 24
NOV 25
FEB 26
JUL 26
▲ GETTING WORSE
5 inspections, one direction. The current grade is the worst on record.
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. Raw chicken over pork in reach in freezer at front counter. Operator removed.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
10 visits, newest first
Jul 22, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority1 Intermediate8 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 13 findingsThe state's own report →
Container of medicine improperly stored. Stored on shelf with seasoning. Operator removed.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken over Cooked beef and tostones in reach in freezer. Operator removed.
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. Raw chicken over pork in reach in freezer at front counter. Operator removed.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Bottle with degreaser on counter with cooking oils.
Show the remaining 9 findings ▾
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.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Operator inverted.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employees phones on prep table. Employees hats on dry storage shelf. Operator removed.
Food stored on floor. Bottle with oil on the floor in the kitchen. Operator removed.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach in cooler gaskets at front counter.Operator cleaned.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler interior at front counter.Operator cleaned.
Single-service articles improperly stored. forks and condiments at front counter on the floor. Operator removed.
Jun 10, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedLicensing Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
May 6, 2026Call Back - Extension given, pendingLicensing Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/.
Mar 31, 2026Call Back - Extension given, pendingLicensing Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/.
Feb 4, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Bagels next to raw pork and Raw beef in reach in freezer. Operator removed.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on prep table.
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. Provided firms. Employees signed and manager signed and dated.
Food stored on floor. Bottle of cooking oil. Operator removed.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice.
Jan 27, 2026Call Back - Extension given, pendingLicensing Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/.
Nov 18, 2025Warning IssuedLicensing Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 4 recorded.
0 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Bottles with blue and yellow liquid at three compartment sink. Operator labeled.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. In both bathroom
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. In restroom on the left side of building.
Nov 6, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority3 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. - white cutting boards
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Hand sink on front line blocked with trash can.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. - hand sink on front line used as dump sink.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. - oven in kitchen area.
No copy of latest inspection report available.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. - exterior of ice machine
Mar 13, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -ice chutes at ice machine -Electric slicer - white cutting board at sandwich station
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. - green cutting board
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -Exterior of ice machine.
Oct 10, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 2 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. - white cutting board on sandwich station. - ice chute on ice machine behind front counter.
Clean equipment/utensils not stored at least 6 inches above the floor. - plastic cups stored directly on floor in walk-in cooler.
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.