EL JEFE TEQUILAS TACO CANTINA
3227 MARGARITAVILLE BLVD, Kissimmee FL 34747 · 312-656-0249
Last inspected May 12, 2026 · 9 visits since October 2023
MAY 24
NOV 24
MAY 25
DEC 25
MAY 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Live, small flying insects found 1 live small flying insect at cookline. 1 live small flying insect at prep area.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
3 cases · $920
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4--2024061271 | Aug 6, 2024 | Mar 19, 2025 | $320 |
| 4--2022006640 | Jan 28, 2022 | Aug 24, 2022 | $400 |
| 4--2021047088 | Jul 9, 2021 | Mar 22, 2022 | $200 |
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
May 12, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 3 findings
Ceiling tile missing. Over clean dish rack at dish machine area.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee sweater on shelving with cans in dry storage area.
Light not functioning. 4 under hood on cookline.
May 11, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 14 recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority3 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Dishmachine tested 0ppm. Operator replaced sanitizer, retested several times at 0ppm.
Live, small flying insects found 1 live small flying insect at cookline. 1 live small flying insect at prep area.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken over raw shrimp in pull out drawers on cookline.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Raw chicken, raw beef, cooked beef, and raw shrimp held in pullout drawers of cookline temping between 50F-62F. All items held in cooler overnight, per operator.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Raw chicken, raw beef, cooked beef, and raw shrimp held in pullout drawers of cookline temping between 50F-62F. All items held in cooler overnight, per operator.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Handwashing sink at waitstaff area had bucket inside. Operator removed.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Handwashing sink on cookline. Operator provided.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Handwashing sink at triple sink and waitstaff area. Operator provided.
Ceiling tile missing. Over clean dish rack at dish machine area.
Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Tongs hanging from top to bottom of side of clean dish shelving by prep area, exposed to contamination.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee sweater on shelving with cans in dry storage area.
Light not functioning. 4 under hood on cookline.
Sanitizer bucket stored with food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Sanitizer bucket stored on cutting board of maketable next to handwashing sink at cookline. Operator removed.
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Unwashed peppers over ready to eat sauces in walk-in cooler. Unwashed strawberries and blueberries over cut cilantro in Glassdoor reach-in cooler diagonal to cookline.
Dec 3, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority3 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Flan in kitchen double glass door, labeled past seven days, operator updated to five days ago.. Operator updated.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Container stored in kitchen hand sink. Operator removed l
No quat chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
No soap provided at kitchen handwash sink. Operator restocked.
Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture, at kitchen and wash ware area.
Ice buildup in Kitchen Beverage Air reach-in freezer
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided and Operator posted poster.
May 15, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Hand wash sink in dish washer area had red buckets stored in the sink. Manager remove red buckets
No soap provided at handwash sink. Hand wash sink on cook line and dishwasher area not having soap. Manager place soap at both station
Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine.
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. In dry storage area cooking oiled stored directly on the floor
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Front line cooler
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Walk in cooler shelves is starting to rust and soiled
Nov 25, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority0 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. 0ppm. Had quaternary sanitizer hooked up. Operator switched to chlorine. Recheck 50ppm
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef skewers on top shelf of make table over prepped salad blends. Operator moved
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Vacuum breaker installed above splitter. Needs to be installed on hose side of splitter
Ceiling tile missing. Several in dish area, one light fixture missing in ceiling
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Steam table cookline
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Ice cream cups in front freezer that is not labeled. Operator indicated it is the employees food.
Equipment in poor repair. Gasket on make table door
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Cases of produce in walk in cooler Operator put on tubs 6 inches off floor.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Shelf over burner grill And back splash of burner grill
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Bottom of make table on cookline
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Unwashed strawberries and blueberries over prepped salsa verde, gallons of sauces in glass door cooler
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Aug 6, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 17 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority6 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken over jackfruit and mole in reach-in cooler on cookline.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Salsa In reach-in cooler, operator discarded.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooked chicken, steak and veg 108F-116F held over grill top on rack. Advised operator that items would either need to be in hot holding unit, cooled and placed in cold holding unit, or kept under TPHC. Provided operator with TPHC plan. Operator reheated items To 164F-172F and placed a time marking label.
Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Provided Spanish and English copy to operator and discussed requirements.
No plan review submitted and approved for additional food storage area. 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/. Establishments has installed an electronic lift to a 2nd story area storing liquor, beverages, single-service items, cooking quip,entertainment, etc.
No soap provided at handwash sink.
Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Back prep area handwash sink.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Prepared sauces in reach-in cooler in cooler overnight per operator. Operator labeled.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit shut off at employee handwash sink on cookline. Operator turned on hot water supply.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Throughout kitchen.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Debit card and headphones case on cookline maketable cutting board. Operator removed.
Equipment in poor repair. Server handwash sink and prep table next to soda fountain is broken and leaning towards the wall, making it difficult to wash hands and unusable as a prep area.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Oven interior on cookline.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Side of broiler soiled with grease and food debris.
Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover. Shelf on cookline.
May 29, 2024Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 17 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority6 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken over jackfruit and mole in reach-in cooler on cookline.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Salsa In reach-in cooler, operator discarded.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooked chicken, steak and veg 108F-116F held over grill top on rack. Advised operator that items would either need to be in hot holding unit, cooled and placed in cold holding unit, or kept under TPHC. Provided operator with TPHC plan. Operator reheated items To 164F-172F and placed a time marking label.
Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Provided Spanish and English copy to operator and discussed requirements.
No plan review submitted and approved for additional food storage area. 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/. Establishments has installed an electronic lift to a 2nd story area storing liquor, beverages, single-service items, cooking quip,entertainment, etc.
No soap provided at handwash sink.
Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Back prep area handwash sink.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Prepared sauces in reach-in cooler in cooler overnight per operator. Operator labeled.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit shut off at employee handwash sink on cookline. Operator turned on hot water supply.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Throughout kitchen.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Debit card and headphones case on cookline maketable cutting board. Operator removed.
Equipment in poor repair. Server handwash sink and prep table next to soda fountain is broken and leaning towards the wall, making it difficult to wash hands and unusable as a prep area.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Oven interior on cookline.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Side of broiler soiled with grease and food debris.
Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover. Shelf on cookline.
Apr 24, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 8 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. Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm), operator prime sanitizer and retested 50ppm.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Bar hand wash sink
No soap provided at handwash sink. Bar hand wash sink
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee bag over food in dry food storage. Operator removed bag.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensils in water temperature of 62F, operator removed water
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Bar hand wash sink
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed frozen raw beef and shrimp in 3 compartment prep sink without constant running cold water. Operator turned cold water on.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Oct 12, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Manager returned during inspection
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Employee drink Educated
Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets make table
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Ladies bathroom
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.