EL TIKAL INC
475 MARSH AVE, Fort Myers FL 33905 · 239-766-1967
Last inspected Apr 9, 2026 · 7 visits since December 2023
APR 24
NOV 24
APR 25
DEC 25
APR 26
▼ IMPROVING
5 inspections, climbing. The current grade is the best on record.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired 12/01/2023.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
7 visits, newest first
Apr 9, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 5 findingsThe state's own report →
Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Observed paper towel dispenser unable to dispense towels at hand washing sink at front counter. No paper towels nearby.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.
Establishment using wood (other than a hard, close-grained wood) as a food-contact surface. Observed wooden paddles used to stir kettles in drying rack across from three compartment sink.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed large bulk container with sugar unlabeled in kitchen area.
Show the remaining 1 finding ▾
Propane tank (larger than 2.7 lb. water capacity/1 lb. gas capacity) located inside of the building. For reporting purposes only. Observed LP tank larger than 2.7 lb inside in use for steam table at front counter.
Dec 3, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels in unisex bathroom.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl used as a scoop in bulk flour. Operator removed bowl.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic bowls wet nesting on shelf next to three compartment sink.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed scoop handle touching bulk sugar in large plastic bins. Operator removed scoop.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand washing sign in unisex bathroom.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed styrofoam to go containers not inverted at front counter. Operator inverted items.
Unwrapped single-service utensils not presented so that only the handles are touched. Observed unwrapped plastic to go spoons in a basket at customer service counter.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed bulk flour and sugar unlabeled in large plastic bins in prep kitchen.
Apr 23, 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 ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed bottle of liquid medicine on top of microwave at front counter. Operator removed medicine.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand washing sink by cook's line. Operator replaced with a roll of towels.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Observed eggs on shelf on cook's line at room temperature.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic pitchers stacked together wet nesting on shelf next to three compartment sink.
Food stored on floor. Observed case of potatoes and tomatoes stored on floor next to front counter.
Straws provided for customer self-service not individually wrapped or in an approved dispenser. Observed unwrapped coffee stirrers at self serve coffee area in front of counter.
Nov 18, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 10 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority7 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee change gloves between handling raw chicken and raw beef. Discussed proper glove usage with Operator.
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 using bare hands to put ready to eat peppers in tamales. Discussed bare hand contact with Operator. Employee washed hands and put on gloves.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked beef at 96F next to hot holding table. Operator discarded beef.
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 Operator with Cleanup Instructions DBPR Form 5030-104 via email.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed paper towel dispenser empty at hand washing sink on hot table. Operator stocked napkins next to sink.
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 Operator with Employee Reporting DBPR Form 5030-103 via email.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Observed raw shell eggs at room temperature on prep table.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed chicken prepared yesterday no date marking in reach in cooler in kitchen area.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed no hot water at hand washing sink in employee bathroom.
Jun 17, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Employee rubbed hands together for less than 10-15 seconds while washing hands. Observed employee washing hands for less than 10 seconds. Discussed proper hand washing practices with operator.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked chicken in reach in cooler prepared yesterday with no date marking.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic containers on shelf next to three compartment sink wet nesting.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand washing sign at hand washing sink behind front counter.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed bulk sugar and rice in working containers no label in prep kitchen.
Apr 11, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority5 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Employee rubbed hands together for less than 10-15 seconds while washing hands. Observed employee washing hands for less than 10 seconds. Discussed proper hand washing practices with operator.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed scoops and a sponge in hand washing sink behind front counter. Operator removed.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
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.
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 Operator with Employee Reporting Agreement DBPR Form HR 5030-103 via email.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked chicken in reach in cooler prepared yesterday with no date marking.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic containers on shelf next to three compartment sink wet nesting.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand washing sign at hand washing sink behind front counter.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed chicken thawing at room temperature in prep kitchen on rolling cart.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed bulk sugar and rice in working containers no label in prep kitchen.
Dec 14, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license expired 12/01/2023.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken over ready to eat shredded cheese in reach in cooler prep kitchen. Operator moved cheese to appropriate shelf.
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 Operator with Clean up Form DBPR HR 5030-104 via email.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels by hand washing sink in prep kitchen.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed ceramic bowl used to scoop dried black beans in bulk container. Operator removed from container.
Food stored on floor. Observed case of potatoes stored on floor by dining area.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no sign at hand washing sink in prep kitchen.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed bulk sugar and rice unlabeled in prep kitchen.
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.