PIONEER RESTAURANT
COR HWY 64/US HWY 17, Zolfo Springs FL 33890 · (863)735-0726
Last inspected May 26, 2026 · 11 visits since October 2023
APR 24
NOV 24
MAY 25
OCT 25
MAR 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and D. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Accumulation of dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, or other pests, in control devices. Observed seven dead roaches in a glue trap on floor under bottom shelf in dry storage.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
May 26, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 8 findingsThe state's own report →
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed flats of raw shell eggs over case of tomatoes in walk in cooler.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed stack of cups in wait staff area with water in between and not air drying properly.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gaskets on the reach in cooler and walk in cooler.
Show the remaining 4 findings ▾
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor behind and under equipment soiled with grease and food debris in the kitchen.
No hot running water at mop sink. Observed no hot water at mop sink.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed shelves in the reach in cooler towards front of kitchen by wait station rusted and pitied.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed walls soiled with grease behind equipment in the kitchen.
Mar 24, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed stack of cups in the wait station with water in between and not properly air drying.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floors under equipment and in the kitchen soiled with grease and food debris.
No hot running water at mop sink.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed reach in cooler in front of kitchen by wait station, the shelves are rusted.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed walls are soiled throughout the kitchen.
Mar 24, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 18 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority6 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Employee touched bare body part and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed cook touching the back of his neck then wipe hand on his pants with no handwashing as proceeded to prepare food, stopped cook educated on handwashing, cook washed hands.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed flats of raw shell eggs over case of tomatoes in walk in cooler.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed two containers in the hand wash sink in the kitchen, operator moved.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
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/ Observed five employees and no certified food manager present.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
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. Staff could not provide any proof of training.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Observed 3 flats of hard shell eggs on the preparation table, printed a plan for owner and went over.
Bathroom facility in disrepair. Plumbing to the hand sinks are backed up in both men's and women's bathroom in the hand wash sinks.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employees drink on food preparation table in kitchen, employee moved.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed stack of cups in wait staff area with water in between and not air drying properly.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gaskets on the reach in cooler and walk in cooler.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor behind and under equipment soiled with grease and food debris in the kitchen.
No hot running water at mop sink. Observed no hot water at mop sink.
Open dumpster lid.
Plumbing system in disrepair. Observed no hot water at hand wash sink in the kitchen.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed shelves in the reach in cooler towards front of kitchen by wait station rusted and pitied.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed walls soiled with grease behind equipment in the kitchen.
Dec 17, 2025Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority3 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
No certified food manager for establishment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Observed no certified food manager at this restaurant.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
Person in charge unable to answer basic Food Code questions pertaining to safe operation of establishment. Observed the kitchen manager could not answer basic questions when asked about temperatures of hot holding and cold holding food in the kitchen.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed stack of cups in the wait station with water in between and not properly air drying.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floors under equipment and in the kitchen soiled with grease and food debris.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Ice buildup in reach in freezer back of kitchen.
No hot running water at mop sink.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed reach in cooler in front of kitchen by wait station, the shelves are rusted.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed walls are soiled throughout the kitchen.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed the pipe under the hand wash sink by the cook line is leaking.
Oct 8, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 16 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed a bottle of ibuprofen in a container with the flavoring vanilla and other seasonings, employee moved.
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed kitchen manager changing gloves while performing tasks in food preparation area without washing hands, educated on the importance of handwashing.
No certified food manager for establishment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Observed no certified food manager at this restaurant.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
Person in charge unable to answer basic Food Code questions pertaining to safe operation of establishment. Observed the kitchen manager could not answer basic questions when asked about temperatures of hot holding and cold holding food in the kitchen.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a bowl in a container of the diced potatoes in the walk in cooler, employee moved.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed stack of cups in the wait station with water in between and not properly air drying.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets on the walk in cooler door and reach in cooler are torn in the kitchen. Observed oven door does not stay shut and is broken on the cook line.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floors under equipment and in the kitchen soiled with grease and food debris.
Food stored on floor. Observed box of whole turkey on the floor in the walk in freezer, employee moved.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Ice buildup in reach in freezer back of kitchen.
No hot running water at mop sink.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed reach in cooler in front of kitchen by wait station, the shelves are rusted.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed walls are soiled throughout the kitchen.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed the pipe under the hand wash sink by the cook line is leaking.
May 21, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed a mold like substance on the ice drop tray inside the ice machine.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed 9 ceiling tiles throughout the dining area damaged and a 3 ceiling tiles in the dry storage area.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling throughout the kitchen soiled, and observed dust hanging from the tiles.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floors under all equipment in the kitchen and dry storage area are soiled.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Floor tiles missing or broken in several different areas in the kitchen and storage area.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Light shield missing in storage area above the ice machine and another shield missing in the walk in cooler.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed grease build up on hood filters, hood ceiling, walls and dripping down on the outside of the hood.
Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Observed both back doors missing auto door closures.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed stand up reach in cooler by the wait station in the kitchen, the shelves are rusted and starting to chip.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed beef and chicken thawing on the back table. Operator moved items to refrigerator.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Walls are soiled throughout kitchen and dry storage area.
Nov 6, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority2 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Hand washing sink in the men's bathroom, no hot water.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed 9 ceiling tiles throughout the dining area damaged and a 3 ceiling tiles in the dry storage area.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling throughout the kitchen soiled, and observed dust hanging from the tiles.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Open employee beverages stored on prep tables throughout the kitchen. Manager removed the cups.
Equipment in poor repair. The gaskets are torn in walk in cooler.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floors under all equipment in the kitchen and dry storage area are soiled.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Floor tiles missing or broken in several different areas in the kitchen and storage area.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Light shied missing in storage area above the ice machine and another shield missing in the walk in cooler.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. The exhaust fan in the screened in area behind the kitchen is soiled and all floor fans in the kitchen soiled.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed stand up reach in cooler by the wait station in the kitchen, the shelves are rusted and starting to chip.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Walls are soiled throughout kitchen and dry storage area.
Nov 5, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 18 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority3 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Employee coughed, sneezed, used a handkerchief or disposable tissue then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee coughed into their hand and touched reach in cooler door. Employee washed their hands and sanitized the door..
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw hamburger patty's stored over ready to eat beets in the walk in cooler. Manager removed the beets.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. All following items were stored on thee cook line at room temperature, Diced ham (81F - Cold Holding); Uncooked bacon (67F - Cold Holding); Hard shell eggs-ambient temperature (79F - Cold Holding); Cut lettuce (67F - Cold Holding); Sliced tomatoes (61F - Cold Holding). Employee stated all items were at room temperature for approximately one hour. Employee placed all items in walk in cooler.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed manuel can opener was soiled on blade, manager removed the can opener to be sanitized.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Hand washing sink in the men's bathroom, no hot water.
Accumulation of dead or trapped birds, insects, rodents, or other pests, in control devices. Observed seven dead roaches in a glue trap on floor under bottom shelf in dry storage.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed 9 ceiling tiles throughout the dining area damaged and a 3 ceiling tiles in the dry storage area.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling throughout the kitchen soiled, and observed dust hanging from the tiles.
Dead roaches on premises. Observed 8 dead roaches on the floor in dry storage area.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Open employee beverages stored on prep tables throughout the kitchen. Manager removed the cups.
Equipment in poor repair. The gaskets are torn in walk in cooler.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floors under all equipment in the kitchen and dry storage area are soiled.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Floor tiles missing or broken in several different areas in the kitchen and storage area.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Light shied missing in storage area above the ice machine and another shield missing in the walk in cooler.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. The exhaust fan in the screened in area behind the kitchen is soiled and all floor fans in the kitchen soiled.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed stand up reach in cooler by the wait station in the kitchen, the shelves are rusted and starting to chip.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Walls are soiled throughout kitchen and dry storage area.
Apr 3, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Manager secured tank.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee with bracelet working with foods in kitchen. Employee removed and washed hands.
Food stored on floor. Observed containers of meats stored on floor in walk-in freezer.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed scoop buried in sugar at dry storage. Manager removed scoop
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Inspector emailed handout.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed coffee/ tea filters stored open on wire shelving.
Stored food not covered. Bulk sugar uncovered at dry storage. Manager covered.
Jan 25, 2024□ 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 ▾
Wall not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, warewashing areas or bathroom. Walls on kitchen not fully enclosed grease accumulation on hard to clean areas.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. High walls on kitchen with grease on walls.
Oct 19, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority4 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw chicken and raw shell eggs over unwashed tomatoes in walk-in cooler. Manager moved tomatoes to another location.
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. Inspector provided form during inspection via email.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener with old black food debris.
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. Observed that no training was available for any employee. 3 employees working over 60 days.
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. Inspector provided form during inspection via email.
Food stored on floor. Observed cartons of tomatoes on floor ion walk-in cooler. Containers of frozen meats on floor in walk-in freezer.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed knife stored between prep tables at cookline.Manager removed to dishwash.
Wall not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, warewashing areas or bathroom. Walls on kitchen not fully enclosed grease accumulation on hard to clean areas.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. High walls on kitchen with grease on walls.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet cloths stored on prep table at kitchen. Manager removed to dirty linen storage.
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.