ELENA'S RESTAURANT
615 CROSS ST #1101, Punta Gorda FL 33950 · 9415751888
Last inspected Aug 24, 2026 · 11 visits since July 2023
JUL 25
OCT 25
DEC 25
MAY 26
AUG 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and D. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw beef (44F - Cold Holding) in walk-in cooler. The owner moved the raw beef into walk-in freezer.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
Aug 24, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 9 findingsThe state's own report →
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed bottles of medication (amoxicillin) on prep table reach-in cooler. The operator removed bottles of medication.
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. The owner changed out sanitizer bucket and refreshed the line into dishwasher.
Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Observed cook crack raw shelled eggs then proceed to handle ready to eat food.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw beef (44F - Cold Holding) in walk-in cooler. The owner moved the raw beef into walk-in freezer.
Show the remaining 5 findings ▾
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink on cook line. The operator placed paper towels in paper towel dispenser.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed stand up reach-in cooler on cook line gasket torn.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair in ware washing area.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwave on cook line soiled.
Jul 15, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation (Partial)
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
May 13, 2026Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation (Partial)
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 1 recorded.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Bathroom facility in disrepair. Observed toilet in disrepair at women's restroom.
Dec 8, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing throughout kitchen.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair.
Dec 3, 2025Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority0 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Employee touched soiled apron/clothes and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Educated operator in proper handwashing and not to touch cloths or aprons while preparing food.
Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Observed a can of raid under handwashing sink in prep area. The owner removed the can of raid.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed grilled onions (48F - Cold Holding); grilled peppers (48F - Cold Holding); stuffing (47F - Cold Holding) in stand up reach-in cooler across from cook line.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw hamburgers (48F - Cold Holding); raw pork chops (49F - Cold Holding) in stand up reach-in cooler across from cook line. The owner moved all raw products into walk-in cooler. Observed raw beef (45F - Cold Holding) in walk-in cooler. The owner moved raw beef into walk-in freezer. Observed grilled onions (48F - Cold Holding); grilled peppers (48F - Cold Holding); stuffing (47F - Cold Holding) in stand up reach-in cooler across from cook line. See Stop Sale.
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 stand up reach-in cooler across from cook line ambient temperature 46F.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing throughout kitchen.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed open drinks in walk-in cooler. The owner discarded open drinks.
Oct 8, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Observed employee cracking raw shell eggs and then touching clean utensils at cookline. Educated the employee to compliance by washing hands and putting on new gloves.
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 open gallon of milk not date marked. Operator date marked the food item.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed residue buildup in the interior of ice machine.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Observed debris on top of Dish Machine. Operator cleaned the exterior of Dish Machine.
Food stored on floor. Observed multiple food items on the floor at Walk in Freezer. Operator removed the food items off the floor.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed flour container not labeled at kitchen. Operator labeled the food item.
Jul 10, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed no vacuum breaker on hose bibb at steam table.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed residue buildup inside slicer blade guard. Operator cleaned the guard.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed soiled handles at Walk in Cooler and Freezer.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed multiple utensils not inverted on top of Reach in Freezer. Operator inverted the utensils.
Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. Observed wiping cloth chlorine sanitizer bucket on the floor at frontline prep area. Operator replaced with a clean bucket and placed it on shelf.
Dec 16, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb at back exterior of building.
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 milk not date marked at frontline Reach in Cooler in the ice machine area. Operator date marked the food item.
Accumulation of lime scale on the inside of the dishmachine.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed multiple cups stacked next to soda fountain machine with no air flow to dry the cups. Educated the operator.
Food stored on floor. Observed a bag of whole onions on the floor at the back entrance to kitchen. Operator removed the onions 6 inches off the floor.
Jul 9, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 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 chlorine sanitizer 0ppm on test strip. Corrected to 50ppm by priming the Dish Machine.
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.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Food stored on floor. Observed box of potatoes on the floor at kitchen under oven. Operator removed the potatoes off the floor.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed residue buildup at oven below the stove.
Nov 15, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Observed employee at cookline. Educated the employee to compliance by washing hands.
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. Observe raw veal over raw potatoes at Reach in Freezer. Operator switched the food items.
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. Observed raw shell eggs next to steam table not time marked. Operator time marked the eggs.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Observed incomplete written procedure. Operator completed the document during inspection.
Stored food not covered. Observed refried beans at Walk in Cooler. Operator placed lid on the container of refried beans.
Jul 13, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority4 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed propane cylinder at Salad Station. Operator removed to a proper and safe location.
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 milk at Salad Station. Operator date marked the food item.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade at prep table across Dish Machine. Operator cleaned and sanitized the blade.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. 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.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Accumulation of lime scale on the inside of the dishmachine.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee at cookline. Operator provided hair restraint for employee.
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.