GRATEFUEL CAFE
2609 E COMMERCIAL BLVD STE A, Fort Lauderdale FL 33308 · 754-262-8953
Last inspected Jul 24, 2026 · 10 visits since April 2024
SEP 24
MAR 25
JUL 25
OCT 25
JUL 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and D. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Approximately 5 small flying insects on wall and signage by bananas at front counter. Did not observe any flying insects land on any food or food contact surfaces. Operator exterminated flying insects and cleaned/sanitized the area.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
10 visits, newest first
Jul 24, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 9 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority5 Intermediate1 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 9 findingsThe state's own report →
Employee drank from open container then handled clean utensils, without washing hands. Reviewed proper procedures and employee washed hands.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Operator renewed during inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cookline flip top - feta cheese (40-50F). Per operator item placed in unit approximately an hour ago. Observed item overfilled. Operator removed excess and placed in reach in to quick chill.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. PIC - Trenton Frost
Show the remaining 5 findings ▾
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. Smoked salmon on menu. Reviewed menu updating with operator.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
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.
Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Provided to operator and operator posted.
Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. Cook drinking from open container. Employee removed.
Oct 14, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 1 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Sanitizer bucket stored with food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Kitchen sanitizer bucket stored on floor, operator stored properly.
Sep 22, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Ice buildup in reach-in chest freezer.
Single-service articles improperly stored. -Cases of takeout containers and cups stored on floor in exterior rear storage room.
Jul 23, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 10 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority3 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. -Eye medication stored on shelf next to spices above cookline prep flip top. Operator stored properly.
Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. -standing 2 door reach in cooler; containers of cut kale, cut bell peppers. Operator removed and stored properly.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. -2 door standing reach in cooler, smoked salmon over bread. Operator stored properly.
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ -1 chef and 3 front house staff.
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.
Several spray bottles containing toxic substance not labeled in kitchen.
Food stored on floor. -cases of water stored on floor in rear exterior storage room.
Ice buildup in reach-in chest freezer.
Single-service articles improperly stored. -Cases of takeout containers and cups stored on floor in exterior rear storage room.
Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises.
Mar 10, 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 ▾
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. -employee handled a raw pooled eggs then handles ready to eat lettuce for a different order. Reviewed proper glove usage and hand washing with employee, employee washed hands and changed glove.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. -Kitchen; used as storage for container of utensils. Operator removed.
Juice packaged in the establishment that has not been specifically processed to prevent, reduce, or eliminate the presence of pathogens not bearing a warning label. -Front counter 1 door; Ginger shot, carrot juice.
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. -Microwave, Ninja air fryer door handle.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. -Front counter by hand washing sink.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer. -Front line white chest freezer. -Front counter 1 door reach in cooler.
Jan 23, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Nov 25, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
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.
Label on a food item prepared and packaged onsite for customer self-service does not include product identity/description, date product was packaged and name and address of the establishment that prepared and packaged the food. -Front counter 1 door; Ginger shot, carrot juice.
Sep 25, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 12 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority4 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. - Kitchen employee cracked raw shell eggs and reached into container of shredded cheese without washing hands and changing gloves. Reviewed properly handwashing and glove usage with operator. Employee washed hands and changed gloves.
Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. -kitchen counter next to griddle raw shell eggs (65F - Cold Holding) observed on counter under no temperature control, less than 1 hr, operator placed in reach in cooler to quick chill.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. -Front counter; milk (50F - Cold Holding), on counter under no temperature control less than 1 hr. Item not prepped or portioned today. Operator moved to reach in cooler to quick chill.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. -Kitchen; container and wiping cloth in sink, operator removed.
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ -Santiago Baravalle 01/23/22 Not present
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink in kitchen, operator provided.
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.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed, operator displayed. Operator printed
Dead roaches on premises. -2 Dead roaches on floor at next to handwashing sink, operator cleaned and sanitized the area during inspection.
Label on a food item prepared and packaged onsite for customer self-service does not include product identity/description, date product was packaged and name and address of the establishment that prepared and packaged the food. -Front counter 1 door; Ginger shot, carrot juice.
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. -Padela 2 door reach in; unwashed celery, cabbage over ready to eat cooked chicken, cooked rice. Operator stored properly.
Apr 5, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedLicensing Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Apr 4, 2024Warning IssuedLicensing Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 9 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority0 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Approximately 5 small flying insects on wall and signage by bananas at front counter. Did not observe any flying insects land on any food or food contact surfaces. Operator exterminated flying insects and cleaned/sanitized the area.
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. Prep area - low boy - cheese (49-54F); sliced turkey (46F); cooked potatoes (48F). Per operator items held in unit overnight. No items prepped or portioned today. Observed ice buildup by circulation fans. See stop sale.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Prep area - low boy - cheese (49-54F); sliced turkey (46F); cooked potatoes (48F). Per operator items held in unit overnight. No items prepped or portioned today. Observed ice buildup by circulation fans. See stop sale.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Prep area microwave.
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. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Prep area - low boy - cheese (49-54F); sliced turkey (46F); cooked potatoes (48F). Per operator items held in unit overnight. No items prepped or portioned today. Observed ice buildup by circulation fans.
Front counter - Unwrapped single-service utensils not presented so that only the handles are touched. Operator stored properly.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Magnetic measuring cup holder visibly soiled.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. Prep area - Operator stored properly.
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.