RANCHERO CAFE & RESTAURANT
344 N RIDGEWOOD DR, Sebring FL 33870 · 863.314.4400
Last inspected Jan 5, 2026 · 7 visits since September 2023
JAN 24
JAN 25
MAY 25
AUG 25
JAN 26
— STEADY
5 inspections within 36 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.12/1/23 operator called accountant to check status of payment.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
7 visits, newest first
Jan 5, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority4 Intermediate7 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 12 findingsThe state's own report →
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs over sliced green peppers and onions, operator moved eggs to different shelf.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand wash sink was inaccessible and blocked by a sign at the front counter.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed hand wash sink in kitchen with pans in it, operator moved the pans.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Show the remaining 8 findings ▾
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no towels at hand wash sink in the kitchen, operator replaced.
Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture. Observed 3-compartment sink missing handle for cold water.
Food stored on floor. Observed plastic containers of drinks on the floor at the front counter. Operator put on shelve.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup in the reach in freezer in the kitchen.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed two tongs stored on door handle of oven, operator moved.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed no ambient thermometer in the reach in cooler up front.
No drainboards or equivalent provided for soiled items and/or air drying cleaned items. Observed no drain boards by the dish machine in the kitchen.
Wall not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, warewashing areas or bathroom. Observed wall underneath air unit in front corner of restaurant not smooth or durable.
Aug 28, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 18 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority3 Intermediate12 Basic
Show 18 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed green peppers in carry out bags in the reach in freezer out front, owner transferred to the proper grade bags for food.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed hard raw shell eggs over diced green peppers in reach in cooler and raw shrimp stored above cooked ceviche, owner moved.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed a can of easy off above spices in the kitchen, owner moved.
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. Sent owner a copy by email.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Handwashing sink was inaccessible and blocked at front counter.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed tongs hanging in handwashing sink, owner moved them.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed stacked pans on a shelf that have water in between and not air drying properly.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gasket in the reach in cooler in kitchen.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed side door with a gap underneath in the kitchen.
Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture. Observed 3-compartment sink missing handle for the cold water.
Food stored on floor. Observed two containers of oil on the floor by the dish machine, owner moved.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup up in the reach in freezer in front counter area.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Light shield missing in preparation area in kitchen next to oven.
No drainboards or equivalent provided for soiled items and/or air drying cleaned items. Observed no drainboards by the dish machine in the kitchen.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no sign at the handwashing sink up front.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed grease and food buildup in between equipment and under equipment in kitchen.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed several reach in coolers throughout kitchen that are soiled.
Wall not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, warewashing areas or bathroom. Observed wall underneath air unit at the front of restaurant and ware washing areas not smooth or durable.
May 6, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 14 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority3 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. To go bag used and in direct contact with cooked rice. Employee removed the bag.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shell eggs stored over mayonnaise in the reach in cooler on the cook line. Employee removed the eggs.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw ground beef stored over raw fish in the stand up reach in cooler in the kitchen. Employee removed the ground beef.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle containing cleaning fluid stored next to food in the front counter area. Owner removed the bottles.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Cutting board and tongs stored in the hand washing sink next to the cook line. Employee removed the items to be sanitized.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test kit for the dish machine and sanitizer buckets.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. No hot water at the hand washing sink in the front counter area. Owner stated the plumber had been notified.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back exit of the kitchen.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor under all equipment in the kitchen soiled.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Light shield missing in the kitchen next to the cook line.
No drainboards or equivalent provided for soiled items and/or air drying cleaned items on the dishwasher.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. All dry storage shelves in the kitchen and front counter area soiled.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Interior of all reach in coolers in the kitchen soiled.
Wall not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, warewashing areas or bathroom. Thought out the kitchen.
Jan 23, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed chicken, salsa, pico stored without a date.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed the back door with a gap and hole in the bottom of the door.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed a grease build up on the floors under the cooking equipment.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed the hoods with a grease build up on the filters and some dripping.
Mar 8, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jan 29, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 6 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.12/1/23 operator called accountant to check status of payment.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Operator labeled.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl stored in container of cooked rice to scoop, with no handle. Operator removed bowl
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed cook eating in kitchen. Redirected by operator.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed stacks of to go boxes not inverted at kitchen. Inverted.
Stored food not covered. Observed container of tamales,sauce, and pan of beans uncovered in upright reach in cooler at kitchen. Operator covered.
Sep 13, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
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 handout via email.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled.
Clean utensils or equipment stored in dirty drawer or rack. Observed visible debris on plastic container at shelf over 3 bay containing cleaned lids.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Bracelets on cook.
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Inspector provided handout via email.
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.