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PEPES CANTINA I DRIVE

794 W MINNEOLA AVE, Clermont FL 34711 · 352-989-4921

Last inspected Jul 14, 2026 · 10 visits since December 2023

Licence typeRestaurant
Seats150
Risk levelRisk Level 2
LicenceSEA4508909
Grade history
APR 24
NOV 24
JUN 25
DEC 25
MAY 26
≈ ERRATIC

5 inspections, swinging between B and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.

Worst finding on record
Live, small flying insects found -3 flying insects found in bar area
High priority/35A-02-7/Repeat Violation
Badges — 1 earned
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined

Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →

Inspection history

10 visits, newest first

Jul 14, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection

A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.

0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
May 14, 2026Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection

A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.

0 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
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/. Operator has added a hand sink and soda station in downstairs area Storage area downstairs also not on plans
Intermediate/51-16-7/Return visit May 14, 2026 · Time Extended
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable in kitchen and bar
Basic/14-09-4/Return visit May 14, 2026 · New ones are on order Time Extended Corrective Action Taken
Equipment in poor repair. Blue glass racks
Basic/14-11-5/Return visit May 14, 2026 · Glass racks are on order Time Extended Corrective Action Taken
May 13, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection

Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 27 violations recorded, 7 high priority.

7 High priority3 Intermediate17 Basic
Show 27 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects found 2 small flying insects upstairs 7small flying insects down stairs 1 small flying insects in bar
High priority/35A-02-7/Repeat Violation/Admin Complaint
Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Oil in chemical bottle
High priority/14-15-4/Corrected On-Site
Quaternary ammonium sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. 0ppm
High priority/22-43-4
Raw animal food not separated from ready-to-eat food during preparation. Raw fish and over cooked octopus Raw chicken over jalapeño poppers
High priority/08A-14-5/Corrected On-Site
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Per operator less than 4 hours. Operator discarded salsa (60F - Cold Holding)
High priority/03A-02-5/Corrected On-Site
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Per operator less than 4 hours cheese sauce (127F - Hot Holding) going to reheat
High priority/03B-01-6
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Chemical stored near food in kitchen
High priority/41-10-4
Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Ambient cooling beans covered and stacked while cooling. Operator uncovered and placed in smaller pans.
Intermediate/03D-15-4/Corrected On-Site
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times near mop area
Intermediate/31A-09-4/Repeat Violation
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/. Operator has added a hand sink and soda station in downstairs area Storage area downstairs also not on plans
Intermediate/51-16-7
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food.
Basic/14-01-5/Corrected On-Site
Ceiling tile missing in kitchen
Basic/36-36-4
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance in kitchen
Basic/36-34-5
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable in kitchen and bar
Basic/14-09-4
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils near tortillas
Basic/12B-07-4
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Bottle coke in kitchen reach in
Basic/08B-49-4/Corrective Action Taken
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Watch cooking
Basic/13-07-4
Equipment in poor repair. Blue glass racks
Basic/14-11-5
Food stored in a prohibited area. Chips and reach in stored in back storage area without ceiling and open beams and electrical
Basic/08B-37-4
Insect control device installed over food preparation area,coated over bag in box soft drink tower
Basic/35B-02-4
Sanitizer bucket stored with food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Ext to salt
Basic/21-44-1/Corrected On-Site
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Take out containers, operator inverted
Basic/25-06-4/Corrected On-Site
Stored food not covered. Corn cooked walk in coolers Garnishes at bar
Basic/08B-12-5
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Unwashed strawberries over flan
Basic/08B-17-4
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Basic/42-01-4/Corrected On-Site
Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. 0ppm
Basic/21-08-4
gap at the wall that opens to the outside in dry storage
Basic/35B-01-4
Dec 11, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 14 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

2 High priority4 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects found -3 flying insects found in bar area
High priority/35A-02-7/Repeat Violation
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. -raw beef over flan in walk in cooler, operator moved flan to ready to eat section
High priority/08A-05-6/Corrected On-Site
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -interior of spray hoses in dish area -cutting boards on cook line -walk in cooler shelves have residue buildup
Intermediate/22-02-4/Repeat Violation
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. -downstairs server area blocked by high chairs. Operator moved chairs
Intermediate/31A-09-4/Corrected On-Site
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. -Andy, operator had employee read and sign form.
Intermediate/11-26-1/Corrected On-Site
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. -bottle of pink liquid on cook line
Intermediate/41-17-4
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. -hot water room
Basic/36-34-5/Repeat Violation
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. -open beverage bottle on bar area, operator removed
Basic/12B-07-4/Corrected On-Site
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. -license states 150 seats, counted 199, provided seating change evaluation to operator.
Basic/51-09-4/Repeat Violation
Holes in or other damage to wall in downstairs kitchen
Basic/36-24-5
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -lid covers on tortillas across from triple sink
Basic/23-03-4
Stored food not covered. -multiple items in walk in cooler, reach in freezer, and tortilla shells on cook line
Basic/08B-12-5
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. -cooked shredded chicken was thawing at room temperature. Educated operator
Basic/06-01-5
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. -sugar and salt containers at bar area
Basic/02D-01-5/Repeat Violation
Aug 5, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection

A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.

0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Accumulation of lime scale on the inside of the dishmachine.
Basic/16-23-4/Warning/Return visit Jun 4, 2025 · Time Extended/Return visit Aug 5, 2025 · Time Extended
Jun 4, 2025Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection

A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.

1 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects found -4 in downstairs kitchen, 2 in upstairs server area, 1 in bar
High priority/35A-02-7/Warning/Return visit Jun 4, 2025 · 2 flying insects downstairs, 2 upstairs. Operator had new control device installed in downstairs kitchen. Time Extended Corrective Action Taken
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -cutting boards on cook line -interior spray hose
Intermediate/22-02-4/Repeat Violation/Warning/Return visit Jun 4, 2025 · -cutting boards on cook line -interior spray hose Time Extended
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/. Operator has added two ice machines downstairs, downstairs storage rooms, server alley with soda machine and hand sink added downstairs, outdoor seating added to patio. Upstairs private room turned in to server alley.
Intermediate/51-16-7/Warning/Return visit Jun 4, 2025 · Time Extended
Accumulation of lime scale on the inside of the dishmachine.
Basic/16-23-4/Warning/Return visit Jun 4, 2025 · Time Extended
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance throughout the kitchen.
Basic/36-34-5/Repeat Violation/Warning/Return visit Jun 4, 2025 · Time Extended
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. -green cutting board in bar area.
Basic/14-09-4/Warning/Return visit Jun 4, 2025 · Time Extended
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. -license states 150, counted 199 seats.
Basic/51-09-4/Repeat Violation/Warning/Return visit Jun 4, 2025 · Time Extended
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees on cook line and server area downstairs.
Basic/31B-04-4/Warning/Return visit Jun 4, 2025 · Time Extended
Jun 3, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection

Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 18 recorded, 4 high priority.

4 High priority3 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects found -4 in downstairs kitchen, 2 in upstairs server area, 1 in bar
High priority/35A-02-7/Warning
Quaternary ammonium sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. -0 ppm, operator changed, 200 ppm.
High priority/22-43-4/Corrected On-Site/Warning
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. -housemade avocado cream (47F - Cold Holding); sour cream (61F - Cold Holding) cut lettuce (51F - Cold Holding), cook line, all held more than four hours per operator.
High priority/01B-02-5/Warning
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. -housemade avocado cream (47F - Cold Holding); sour cream (61F - Cold Holding) cut lettuce (51F - Cold Holding), cook line, all held more than four hours per operator.
High priority/03A-02-5/Warning
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -cutting boards on cook line -interior spray hose
Intermediate/22-02-4/Repeat Violation/Warning
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/. Operator has added two ice machines downstairs, downstairs storage rooms, server alley with soda machine and hand sink added downstairs, outdoor seating added to patio. Upstairs private room turned in to server alley.
Intermediate/51-16-7/Warning
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. -Elehoe
Intermediate/53B-14-5/Repeat Violation/Warning
Accumulation of lime scale on the inside of the dishmachine.
Basic/16-23-4/Warning
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. -vegetables on cook line
Basic/14-01-5/Repeat Violation/Warning
Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves. -under microwave on cook line
Basic/14-45-4/Warning
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance throughout the kitchen.
Basic/36-34-5/Repeat Violation/Warning
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. -green cutting board in bar area.
Basic/14-09-4/Warning
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. -license states 150, counted 199 seats.
Basic/51-09-4/Repeat Violation/Warning
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees on cook line and server area downstairs.
Basic/31B-04-4/Warning
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -gaskets on reach in cooler by triple sink
Basic/23-03-4/Warning
Storage of maintenance equipment/tools in areas that may result in cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens and/or single-service and single-use articles. -insect device over ice buckets in upstairs server area.
Basic/42-03-5/Warning
Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. -0 ppm, operator changed, 150 ppm.
Basic/21-08-4/Warning
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. -container of oil on make table in kitchen, operator labeled.
Basic/02D-01-5/Corrected On-Site/Warning
Nov 21, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 14 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

1 High priority2 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. -employee on cook line touching raw beef then touching cooking utensils and ready to eat items on cook line.
High priority/12A-09-4
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -interior spray hose -white cutting boards on cook line
Intermediate/22-02-4/Repeat Violation
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. -2 expired in September
Intermediate/53B-14-5
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. -lentil bean container in dry storage. Operator removed.
Basic/14-01-5/Corrected On-Site/Repeat Violation
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. -throughout the kitchen
Basic/36-34-5/Repeat Violation
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. -employees wearing watch scooping ice and making drinks.
Basic/13-07-4
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. -license states 150, establishment has 199
Basic/51-09-4
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. -at bar. Operator corrected
Basic/10-08-5/Corrected On-Site
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. -on oven on cook line
Basic/10-20-4/Repeat Violation
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. -at bar
Basic/10-07-4
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. -ladies restroom. Operator put up new one.
Basic/31B-04-4/Corrected On-Site
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -top back of fryers -exterior sides of fryers
Basic/23-03-4/Repeat Violation
Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Spoons not all facing one wat. -at server area.
Basic/24-18-4
Stored food not covered. -breaded chicken tenders, prepped green peppers in walk in cooler.
Basic/08B-12-5/Repeat Violation
Apr 22, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 29 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

3 High priority3 Intermediate23 Basic
Show 29 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. -1 fly in kitchen area.
High priority/35A-02-6
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. -raw mahi over cooked octopus in reach in freezer -raw shrimp over french fries in reach in freezer. -raw beef over veggies in reach in freezer -raw pork over cooked chicken in walk in cooler.
High priority/08A-05-6/Corrected On-Site
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. -raw chicken over raw beef in walk in cooler
High priority/08A-20-5/Corrected On-Site/Repeat Violation
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -white cutting boards on cook line -interior of fryers
Intermediate/22-02-4
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. -handwash sink at bar -handwash sink in kitchen by soda boxes
Intermediate/31A-09-4
Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. -ceviche trio. Operator marked menus with an asterisk to connect to the consumer advisory.
Intermediate/02B-01-5/Corrected On-Site
back door open at time of inspection.
Basic/35B-01-4/Corrected On-Site
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Basic/22-20-5
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Basic/16-21-4/Repeat Violation
Accumulation of lime scale on the inside of the dishmachine.
Basic/16-23-4
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. -bowl in cooked rice on cook line.
Basic/14-01-5/Corrected On-Site
Ceiling tile missing. -in kitchen area.
Basic/36-36-4
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. -throughout the kitchen
Basic/36-34-5
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. -clean silverware in server wait station
Basic/24-05-4/Corrected On-Site
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. -green cutting board in bar.
Basic/14-09-4
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. -bottle water on prep table by clean utensils in server wait area -personal drink in server side station by water pitchers
Basic/12B-07-4
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. -backpack over chipotle peppers in dry storage area.
Basic/40-06-5/Corrected On-Site
Equipment in poor repair. -gaskets in reach in freezer
Basic/14-11-5
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. -underneath fryers on cook line.
Basic/36-73-4
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. -on cook line.
Basic/36-17-5
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. -on stove on cook line.
Basic/10-20-4/Corrected On-Site
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. -on cook line.
Basic/22-08-4/Corrected On-Site
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -top back of fryers -backsplash of stove -exterior sides of fryers and stove on cook line
Basic/23-03-4
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. -in dish storage area
Basic/16-46-4
Sanitizer bucket stored with food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. -stored by cutting boards, soda boxes and water bottles in kitchen.
Basic/21-44-1/Corrected On-Site
Stored food not covered. -refried beans, black beans and queso in walk in cooler.
Basic/08B-12-5
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. -frozen veggies thawing at room temperature. Operator moved to walk in cooler.
Basic/06-01-5/Corrected On-Site
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. -unwashed lettuce and cilantro over cheese and prepped peppers in walk in cooler.
Basic/08B-17-4/Corrected On-Site
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. -beans in dry storage
Basic/02D-01-5/Corrected On-Site
Dec 6, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

6 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Cheese sauce in large covered bus tub 47F in the middle cooling from previous day. See stop sale
High priority/03D-02-5
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef and seafood over corn salsa
High priority/08A-05-6/Corrected On-Site
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Cooked wings 11/26, cooked chicken 11/29, vegan beans 11/19
High priority/01B-24-5
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse.
High priority/01B-02-5
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. - Crumble cheese 50-52F sour cream 46-53F, front of cookline double cooler - cut tomatoes improperly iced in wait station 49F Less than 4 hours
High priority/03A-02-5/Repeat Violation
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Rice and refried beans approximately 120F, on top of oven. Returned to oven to reheat
High priority/03B-01-6/Corrective Action Taken/Repeat Violation
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Top of machine
Basic/16-21-4
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Next to bag in the box soda
Basic/51-11-4/Corrected On-Site
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. In ice bins upstairs
Basic/10-08-5/Corrected On-Site

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.