ELLENTON CAFE
7044 US HIGHWAY 301 N, Ellenton FL 34222 · 9414405840
Last inspected Jul 30, 2026 · 11 visits since August 2023
AUG 24
JAN 25
JUL 25
NOV 25
JUL 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Accumulation of dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, or other pests, in control devices. Observed 2 sticky traps next to each other stored under the steam table in kitchen with approximately 13 dead roaches. Manager discarded both traps Observed 1 additional sticky trap under reach in freezer in kitchen with approximately 5 dead roaches. Manager discarded trap.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
Jul 30, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 4 findings
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed carbon dioxide tank used at service counter not secured.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed kitchen ceiling tiles not smooth or easily cleanable.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed ceiling tile above walk in cooler missing.
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
Jul 29, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 12 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority2 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed bottle of Tylenol stored on shelf above bread in kitchen area. Manager removed medicine.
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. Observed frozen chicken stored above frozen pork both removed from commercial packaging and stored in ziploc bags. Manager corrected storage.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed sanitizer spray bottle stored next to decaf coffee and creamers on service counter. Manager removed spray bottle.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at cook line hand sink. Manager replaced paper towels.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at handwashing sink on cook line. Manager replaced soap.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed interior of ice machine soiled.
Accumulation of dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, or other pests, in control devices. Observed 2 sticky traps next to each other stored under the steam table in kitchen with approximately 13 dead roaches. Manager discarded both traps Observed 1 additional sticky trap under reach in freezer in kitchen with approximately 5 dead roaches. Manager discarded trap.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed carbon dioxide tank used at service counter not secured.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed kitchen ceiling tiles not smooth or easily cleanable.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed ceiling tile above walk in cooler missing.
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
Open dumpster lid.
Jan 20, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed tile damaged in cook line area.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed prep cook without hairnet or cap during prep.
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
Nov 19, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 15 recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority1 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 15 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 at dish machine 25ppm, operator changed chemical bucket and corrected to 50ppm.
Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Observed sausage links and patties in steam table with paper towels.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in reach in cooler cold holding cut lettuce 47F, turkey 50F. Operator moved to freezer.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in steam table on cook line, hot holding sausage patty 106F, sausage link 115F.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Antiseptic spray on shelf stored next to RTE and above prep counter. Operator removed spray from area.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Front counter handwashing sink did not have paper towels. Operator brought paper towels to sink.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed tile damaged in cook line area.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Observed no covered receptacle in ladies room.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed prep cook without hairnet or cap during prep.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet drink cups stacked at service counter.
Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Observed food debris and grease under fryer and cooking equipment.
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
No mop sink or curbed cleaning facility provided at establishment. Observed sink not connected to drain line behind building.
Plumbing system in disrepair. Hand washing sink hot water faucet not in working standard near cook line.
Wall not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, warewashing areas or bathroom. In kitchen and preparation area.
Jul 30, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no test strips on site. Owner will purchase.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed no hot water at front hand sink. Owner in process of repairing.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Hole in ceiling tile above walk in cooler.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed food prep employee with bracelet on. Employee removed.
Jan 24, 2025Inspection 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 floor cleaner stored next to canned goods. Owner moved floor cleaner.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled. Owner cleaned.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed rear kitchen hand sink blocked with bottle brush and scrubbing pad. Owner removed.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at both kitchen hand sinks.Owner replaced.
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. One employee missing proof of training.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling vent in kitchen rusted.
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed walk in cooler floor rusted.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed walk in cooler shelves rusted.
Aug 30, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Aug 23, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 12 recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed 3 dented cans of tomato soup. Owner removed from shelf.
Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed dishwasher machine not sanitizing. 0ppm. Owner set up three part sink to sanitize dishes.
Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Observed food prep employee crack raw shell eggs then pick up squeeze bottle without washing hands. Manager told employee he then washed hands.
Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee washing dishes load dirty dishes then proceed to touch clean dishes. Owner coached employee then he washed hands.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw salmon stored over ready to eat foods. Owner moved salmon to bottom shelf.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at rear kitchen hand sink.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed container of brown gravy prepared 8/20 not labeled.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed food prep employee with rubber bracelet on arm.
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed food pre employee with no beard guard.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed gap at bottom right corner of rear exit door.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no handwashing sign in women's public restroom.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed container of brown gravy not labeled in walk in cooler.
Jan 30, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Observed no written plan in place. Inspector will email.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed acoustical ceiling tiles in kitchen area.
Jan 16, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority4 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed dish machine not sanitizing properly. 25ppm. Operator will call for service. Three part sink set up to sanitize dishes until machine is repaired.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed pancake batter containing egg and milk out at 70F. Operator stated batter had only been out for 30 minutes. Placed in cooler.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener with black build up on blade.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Observed no written plan in place. Inspector will email.
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. Observed some employees with no training employed over 60 days.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed unlabeled spray bottles with pink and blue liquid in them.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed acoustical ceiling tiles in kitchen area.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed stacked wet pans on shelf across from dish machine.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed gap at bottom of rear exit door by kitchen.
Stored food not covered. Observed country fried steak and Philly beef steaks not covered in reach in freezer.
Aug 23, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed several bottles of medicine stored over food prep table with bread stored below shelf. Owner moved medicines.
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed 2 dented cans of Home taste corned beef hash on dry storage shelf. Operator removed cans from shelf.
Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Observed food prep employee crack eggs then touch clean plate without changing gloves or washing hands.
Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed person doing dishes touch dirty dishes then touch clean dishes without washing hands.
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. Observed some employees with no written employee plan in place.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed several unlabeled spray bottles with pink and blue liquid by cash register area.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed acoustical ceiling tiles in kitchen area.
Employee eating while preparing food. Observed employee Gatorade and water bottle on food prep table. Operator moved drinks.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed squeeze bottles not labeled on food line.
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.