EPICENTRO CAFE HIALEAH
5006 W 12 AVE, Hialeah FL 33012 · 786-536-7335
Last inspected Jul 30, 2026 · 10 visits since September 2023
OCT 24
MAR 25
SEP 25
FEB 26
JUL 26
▲ GETTING WORSE
5 inspections, one direction. The current grade is the worst on record.
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.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
10 visits, newest first
Jul 30, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 14 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
5 High priority4 Intermediate5 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 14 findingsThe state's own report →
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed cooked pork (51F - Cooling); cooked chicken (52F - Cooling) in standing unit at kitchen area, as per operator from previous day. Operator discarded during inspection.
Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Observed dry food stored on nonfood grade containers.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed cooked rice (46F - Cold Holding) in standing unit, as per operator from previous day. Operator discarded during inspection. Observed cooked pork (51F - Cooling); cooked chicken (52F - Cooling) in standing unit at kitchen area, as per operator from previous day. Operator discarded during inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked rice (46F - Cold Holding) in standing unit, as per operator from previous day. Operator discarded during inspection.
Show the remaining 10 findings ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.
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 used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed container inside hand wash sink at kitchen area. Operator removed.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked chicken prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked in standing unit at kitchen.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed on men's bathroom.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed at back door.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed at front counter. Employee stored properly,
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed on sugar container, operator stored properly.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensils in standing water at 87°F at cook line, operator discarded during inspection.
Feb 12, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Observed black plastic containers used to store sugar, flour, beans. No food grade.
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed shell eggs stored over a box of unwashed tomatoes. Operator stored shell eggs on bottom shelf, under tomatoes box.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef stored over cooked pork inside Reach in cooler at kitchen. Operator stored raw beef under container with cooked pork.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed two faucets on mop sink, no vacuum breaker.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test strips.
Food stored on floor. Observed cooking oil containers stored on the kitchen floor.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensil at water 90F. Operator replaced water at 138F
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed on top of preparation tables at kitchen.
Propane tank (larger than 2.7 lb. water capacity/1 lb. gas capacity) located inside of the building. For reporting purposes only. Observed an LP gas tank inside kitchen.
Nov 17, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed two faucets on mop sink no vacuum breaker.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed at sandwich station. Towel under cutting board.
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
Open dumpster lid.
Sep 8, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority1 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Operator washed utensils, then when to prep food, without washing hands, gloves changed. Operator coached employees on proper hand washing and gloves use.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed two faucets on mop sink no vacuum breaker.
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Observed expired 08/12/2025 for Gladys Jaime's and Armando Valdes.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed plates not inverted at kitchen. Operator inverted plates.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed ice cream scoop inside cup with water at ambient temperature. Operator stored scoop inside a dry clean container.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed at sandwich station. Towel under cutting board.
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
Open dumpster lid.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed frozen beef thawing on top of prep table at ambient temperature. Operator stored raw beef inside reach in cooler for proper thawing.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed on top of prep tables at kitchen.
Apr 10, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedLicensing Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed two faucets no vacuum breakers.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed cracked tiles on floor at kitchen.
Mar 12, 2025Warning IssuedLicensing Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 4 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed two faucets no vacuum breakers.
No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. 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/. Observed, Changed ownership, renovations were made, no plans submitted.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed cracked tiles on floor at kitchen.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided poster via email.
Oct 24, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority0 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed thank you bags used to cover cooked noodles container, inside double door reach in cooler.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed inside reach in cooler, raw shrimp and raw be stored over a pot with wonton soup. Employee stored raw food items on bottom shelf under ready to eat food.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed on mop sink outside no vacuum breaker.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed plastic cup used to dispense dry rice no handle.
Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves. Observed under prep tables at kitchen.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed wrist gold chains while preparing food.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed cooks no hair restraints while preparing food.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets in reach in coolers torn.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed on men bathroom, and hand wash sink next to 3 compartment sink by service window no signs.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
May 7, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority1 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed two faucets at mop sink one hose connected, no vacuum breaker.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test kit available when using chlorine.
Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves. Observed on top of table card board to line shelves.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employees no hair restraints while preparing food at cook line.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets at reach in cooler torn.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed on back door to the outside.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed at kitchen missing tiles on the floor.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of microwave soiled.
Mar 8, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 12 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority2 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed two cans of sliced water chestnuts
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed two faucets at mop sink one hose connected, no vacuum breaker.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chlorine test kit available when using chlorine.
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 no proof provided for any employees.
Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves. Observed on top of table card board to line shelves.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employees no hair restraints while preparing food at cook line.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets at reach in cooler torn.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed on back door to the outside.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed at kitchen missing tiles on the floor.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup on large chest freezer.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of microwave soiled.
Sep 18, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed thank you bags used to store krab Rangoons inside chest freezer.
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw chicken stored over box containing green onions inside walk in cooler. Employee stored green onions in a different cooler away from raw chicken.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed no vacuum breakers at mop sink
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed slicer soiled.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Employee provided soap.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting board at kitchen.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employees no hair restraints.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gaskets in reach in coolers at storage area.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed at kitchen and storage areas.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed increased chest freezers.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler gaskets soiled at cooking line.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed on prep refrigerated table interior at kitchen by wok.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed inside reach in cooler at storage area two door silver.
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.