ELLA CAFE
9743 W BROWARD BLVD, Plantation FL 33324
Last inspected Oct 8, 2025 · 8 visits since December 2023
DEC 23
FEB 24
OCT 24
OCT 24
SEP 25
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Oct 8, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 2 findings
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed ceiling above coffee station not smooth or easily cleanable.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling above coffee station with an accumulation of dust.
Sep 30, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 11 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority6 Intermediate3 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 Bar Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm). Operator will use triple sink for sanitizing until dishwasher machine is fixed.
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed loaves of bread in a garbage bag in the reach in freezer in the kitchen. Operator stored properly in a food grade bag.
Equipment drain line draining into handwash sink. Observed hand washing sink in kitchen with a hose used to dump water from water purification device. Operator removed hose from sink.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed handwashing sink in coffee station area used to dump coffee and ice. Educated operator on proper hand wash sink procedures and sink is now only being used for handwashing.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no test kit for quaternary sanitizer.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at handwashing sink in kitchen or at the coffee station. Operator added paper towels.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at handwashing sink in kitchen. Operator added soap.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Observed omelettes and frittatas used for Time as a Public Health Control without the proper written plan. Emailed operator proper written plan and paperwork was filled out at time of inspection.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed ceiling above coffee station not smooth or easily cleanable.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling above coffee station with an accumulation of dust.
Open dumpster lid.
Oct 29, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
No chlorine chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at front counter warewashing machine.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door gaskets.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed broken gaskets on flip top, low boy cooler.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed long handled spoons at coffee station stored in water 87°F
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in most cold holding units.
Oct 17, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Oct 16, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority3 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed blue berry stored on top of on top of raw eggs in low boy cooler in kitchen.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed heavy cream dated 10/07/24 in reach-in cooler. See stop sale.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Observed Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed heavy cream dated 10/07/24 in reach-in cooler.
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 brie (51F - Cold Holding) Per operator, item was not prepared or portioned today. Observed in flip top low boy: feta cheese (43-46F - Cold Holding). Per operator, item was not prepared or portioned today. See stop sale.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in flip top cooler, sliced cheese (44-47F - Cold Holding); sliced tomatoes (41-45F - Cold Holding); brie (51F - Cold Holding) Per operator, items were not prepared or portioned today. Items have been out of temperature for approximately 30mins. Items placed in cooler to rapid cool. Observed. In flip top low boy: feta cheese (43-46F - Cold Holding). Per operator, item was not prepared or portioned today. See stop sale.
Equipment drain line draining into handwash sink. Observed water draining from water purifier into handwash sink in kitchen.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand wash sink blocked by prep table in kitchen.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed water 78F at coffer bar hand wash sink.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed ice machine with an accumulation of slime along interior creases.
Water draining onto floor surface. Observed water draining onto floor from hand wash sink in coffee bar.
Mar 18, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed handwash sink in dishwashing area block with table.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. At front linearea.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. -Observed accumulation of dust buildup on ceiling at front line areas.
Feb 14, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 11 recorded.
0 High priority6 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 11 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.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed handwash sink in dishwashing area block with table.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. -Observed hand wash sink at front line used as dump sink. Employees used sink to discard waste coffee.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink in dishwashing area.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
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.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. -Observed accumulation of slime buildup in ice machine.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. At front linearea.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. -Observed accumulation of dust buildup on ceiling at front line areas.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed baking soda removed from the original container not identified by common name. Operator label container.
Dec 8, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority5 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Chemical test kit not used to ensure proper sanitization of equipment and utensils when using a chemical sanitizer. No quat test kit used at 3 compartment sink
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Blocked by Ice machine, Chest freezer and plastic Keg
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Used to store pots
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No quat test kit present
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.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public.
Equipment in poor repair. Reach in cooler gasket broken
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall above 3 Compartment sink
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.