PEPPERS MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA
7750 W NEWBERRY RD, Gainesville FL 32606 · 352.727.4619
Last inspected Aug 5, 2026 · 11 visits since September 2023
NOV 24
MAR 25
JUL 25
NOV 25
JUL 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between D and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
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. No written procedure available. Inspector provided operator with written procedure.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
Aug 5, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jul 30, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 17 violations recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority2 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Employee hanging out at host stand came behind bar and started scooping ice into a clean up and filled with drink then served to customer without first washing hands.
Nonexempt fish offered raw or undercooked has not undergone proper parasite destruction. Fish must be fully cooked or discarded. Establishment offers ceviche with lime juice marinated pangasius fish no parasite destruction.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Pork made 7/19 in walk in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. salsa (51F - Cold Holding) item in front server reach in cooler, manager placed ice bag on top of cups. Retemped at 42F.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Backflow preventers missing at end of 4 way splitter attached at mop sink faucet.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Handwash sink on server line with ice inside indicating the sink is used as a dump sink.
Soap dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense soap. At Handwash sink on cooks line and outside of walk in cooler.
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Salmon fillets in walk in cooler, fish still partially frozen, plastic packaging was removed.
Equipment in poor repair. -Rusted shelving in walk in cooler. -Cut marks on large cutting boards on cooks line.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. In dish washing area. Ceiling in disrepair on cooks line and above clean dish storage. Wall tiles cracked on cooks line.
Frozen time/temperature control for safety food being slacked at room temperature is no longer frozen solid. French fries on rolling cart at end of cooks line, manager moved items to cooler.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Ice cream scoop and spoon in standing water with a of temperature 112F on top of reach in freezer on server line.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. At Handwash sink on cooks line and outside of walk in cooler.
Stored food not covered. Vegetable mix in walk in cooler no cover, manager covered.
Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Discarded sink and ice machine outside back door.
Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. Sanitizer buckets on floor on cooks line and server line.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Container with powdery substances inside on reach in freezer on server line, operator stated it is cinnamon sugar.
Dec 5, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Nov 17, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 24 violations recorded, 9 high priority.
9 High priority4 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 24 findings ▾
Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Dishmachine at 0ppm Chlorine
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. Dish washer wearing gloves washes food off plates that server bring from dining area, then handles clean dishes and when they come out of the dishmachine.
Employee switched from working with raw food to ready-to-eat food without washing hands. Cook wearing gloves places raw shrimp and beef on grill, then handles cooking utensils, grabs plate then handles lettuce and Cut Tomato to complete order. Without removing gloves, washing hands and putting on clean gloves. Discussed with Manager.
Employee touched soiled apron/clothes and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Cook wearing gloves wipes soiled gloves on apron, and adjust hair restraint then handles food orders and plates without removing gloves, washing hands and putting on clean gloves.
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Individually wrapped Chicken fillets stored over open box of crab in walk-in-freezer.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. In walk-in-cooler Container of menudo dated 11/9/2025; container of shredded beef date 11/10/2025
Stop Sale issued due to adulteration of food product. In walk-in-cooler Container of menudo dated 11/9/2025; container of shredded beef date 11/10/2025
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle with sanitizer stored over gloves used in kitchen. Spray bottle stored on rack with liquor bottles used to prepare drinks for customers
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. "Y" connector at mop sink is missing vacuum breaker on the non-chemical side of the "Y" connector.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Tea machine has white crust accumulated on tip of liquid discharge spout
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Cook rinsed off shrimp in cookline handwash sink.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at handwash sink at handwash sink by dishwash area
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. Five of fifteen foo handler certificates expired for N Vail, H Lopez, S Lucas, H Marcial, J Lope.
Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves. Cardboard used to line shelves in dry goods storage area shelves. Cardboard used to balance microwave in kitchen
Clean in place equipment not washed, rinsed and sanitized using three distinct steps. Metal bins are washed and rinsed at dishmachine but are not sanitized before put them up to dry.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Cove molding broken and missing on wall leading from kitchen to office
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Apron stored soft drink syrup boxes. Employee handbags and jackets stored with bottle drinks served to the public
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Male employee on server line with beard and no beard guard.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Clean stacked ( cups )not properly air-dried, and stored wet on clean ware rack resulting in wet nesting.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. In-use utensil stored with handle touching food product( cinnamon sugar ). Manager removed spoon
Missing drain plug at dumpster. Missing drain plug on dumpster in corner of parking lot.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Employee drinks in walk-in-cooler above food served to the public.
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Unwashed produce in shipping box ( uncut lettuce ) stored over ready-to-eat food ( cut tomatoes, onions and peppers ) in walk in cooler.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Leaking faucet at mop sink.
Jul 29, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 15 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority2 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
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. Employee handled dirty dishes in dish area then proceeded to handle clean dishes without washing hands. Manager had employee wash hands.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Employee handled raw beef and proceeded to handle clean bowls without washing hands and changing gloves. Manager had employee was hands and use different bowls.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Both sides of splitter in mop sink.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked chicken wings stored in walk-in cooler. Manager stated the chicken wings were cooked the previous morning. Manager placed the proper date marked on chicken wings.
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. Three employee training certificates expired.
Cloth used as a food-contact surface. Employee placed towel over cooked tortillas in kitchen. Manager had employee remove tortillas from beneath towel and wrap them in tin foil.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Cups stored in wait station.
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Container stored in dish area and ice bucket stored in wait station. Manager discarded both items.
Ice bucket not inverted between uses. Ice buckets stored in wait station. Manager turned ice buckets over.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Ice cream scoops stored in 50F water. Manager removed scoops and brought the scoops to the dish area.
Missing drain plug at dumpster. Dumpster behind building.
Stored food not covered. Cooked beef stored on walk-in cooler shelf. Manager placed lid on pan.
Wall not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, warewashing areas or bathroom. Door frame next to mop sink.
Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. Sanitizer bucket stored on floor underneath cook line hand washing sink. Manager had employee place bucket on shelf.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Spray bottle of water in prep area.
Mar 3, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 13 violations recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority3 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
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. Employee handled dirty dishes and proceeded to handle clean dishes without washing hands. Manager had employee wash hands and rewash dishes.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken stored over raw beef in walk-in cooler. Manager moved chicken to the bottom shelf.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Employee handled hand soap and proceeded to handle food on cook line without washing hands. Manager had employee wash hands and change gloves.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Item in warmer at end of cook line: queso (127F - Hot Holding). Manager stated queso was reheated and placed in warmer two hours prior to temperature being taken. Manager had employee place queso on grill to reheat.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Both sides of splitter missing vacuum breakers.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on reach-in cooler across from cook line fryers. Water nozzle on wait station tea machine.
No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap provided at cook line hand washing sink. Manager provided hand soap at hand washing sink.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle stored in dish area. Manager had employee place label on bottle.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Cups on counter in wait station.
Equipment in poor repair. Door handle for walk-in cooler.
Missing drain plug at dumpster. Dumpster in corner of parking lot.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. No choking poster posted. Inspector provided operator with choking poster. Operator posted choking poster in back of kitchen.
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Unwashed peppers stored over prepared onions in walk-in cooler. Manager moved onions from underneath peppers.
Nov 18, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Nov 7, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 21 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority5 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 21 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. Dish machine in dish area, 0 ppm.
Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Employee entered kitchen from outside and began working with food in prep area. Manager had employee wash hands.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Employee portioning raw beef and proceeded to handle clean plates without washing hands and changing gloves. Manager had employee wash hands and change gloves.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Both sides of splitter missing vacuum breakers.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on reach-in cooler next to warmer at end of cook line.
Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Hand washing sink in wait station. Manager replaced hand washing sink during inspection.
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/. No certified food manager working with ten employees present. Manager arrived during inspection.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Flan stored in reach-in cooler next to warmer at end of cook line. Employee stated item was prepared on 11/5. Manager had employee place proper date on item.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. No hot water at cook line hand washing sink, 78F.
Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. Cardboard lining shelves in dry storage area.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting board on reach-in cooler next to warmer at end of cook line.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee bottle of water stored on kitchen prep table. Employee removed bottle of water.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employees phone stored on kitchen prep table. Employee removed phone during inspection.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Cups stored in wait station.
Equipment in poor repair. Handle for walk-in cooler.
Food stored on floor. Sour cream stored on floor in front of walk-in cooler. Employee placed sour cream on shelf in walk-in cooler.
In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. Handle for pitcher used to scoop flour from barrel located in kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Fan covers in walk-in cooler. Area around soda nozzles in wait station.
Stored food not covered. Tamales stored in walk-in freezer.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Pipe beneath cook line hand washing sink.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Containers of food stored in dry storage room.
Feb 13, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 16 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Employee touched face/hair and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee touched hair and proceeded to handle plate of food in pass through window without washing hands. Manager had employee wash hands.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Both sides of splitter in mop sink.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards on reach-in coolers across from cook line.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Employee dumped ice in bar area hand washing sink.
Identity of food or food product misrepresented. Sticker on front door states that establishment uses angus beef. Two boxes of beef in walk-in cooler not marked as angus beef.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting board on reach-in cooler across from cook line warmer.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee purse stored next to corn meal on dry storage shelf across from ware washing area. Manager removed item from shelf.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Cups stored in wait station.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs hanging on cook line fryer handle. Manager placed tongs on top of pan.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Scoop stored in standing water in wait station, 89F.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Wet wiping cloth underneath cutting board on prep table across from cook line grill.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Fan covers in walk-in cooler. Area around soda nozzles of wait station soda machine.
Open dumpster lid. Dumpster behind building. Manager closed lid.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. To go containers on shelf in wait station. Manager turned containers over.
Stored food not covered. Tamales stored on shelf in walk-in freezer. Manager had employee placed cover over tamales.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Pipe beneath hand washing sink next to back door.
Portable fire extinguisher gauge in red zone. For reporting purposes only. Fire extinguisher next to back door.
Nov 30, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Sep 20, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 17 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority5 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Employee entered kitchen from dining room and began their shift then handled ice bucket without washing hands. Manager had employee wash hands.
Employee touched soiled apron/clothes and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee touched apron and handled a taco without washing hands. Manager had employee wash hands and change gloves.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Item stored in warmer on prep table across from grill: beef (105F - Hot Holding). Manager stated item placed in warmer 30 minutes prior to temperature being taken. Manager had employee reheat item.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. No vacuum breaker on either side of splitter for hoses.
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. No written procedure available. Inspector provided operator with written procedure.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on reach-in cooler across from grill. Deflector plate of kitchen ice machine. Water nozzle of wait station tea machine.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Employee dumped container of ice water in wait station hand washing sink.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No towels and soap at hand washing sink at end of cook line.
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. Certificates available for three employees. Manager stated there are 20 employees.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Vents throughout the kitchen.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting board on cook line reach-in cooler across from warmer.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Employee fruit cup and Gatorade stored on shelf in walk-in cooler. Manager removed items from shelf.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Cups stored in wait station.
Food stored on floor. Containers of onions stored on walk-in cooler floor. Cases of tomatoes stored on floor in front of walk-in freezer.
No mop sink or curbed cleaning facility provided at establishment. Mop sink has been removed.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood vents above grill greasy. Fan covers in walk-in cooler. Area around soda nozzles of wait station soda machine.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. To go containers stored on shelf next to dis area. Manager turned containers over.
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.