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RANCHO CHICO

704 US HWY 1, Tequesta FL 33469

Last inspected Feb 17, 2026 · 8 visits since July 2023

Licence typeRestaurant
Seats208
Risk levelRisk Level 2
LicenceSEA6013566
Grade history
FEB 24
JUL 24
NOV 24
AUG 25
DEC 25
▲ GETTING WORSE

5 inspections trending down, 61 points off where it started.

Worst finding on record
Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed Raw chicken not in commercial packaging over raw pork at walk in freezer. Operator stored products properly.
High priority/08A-17-6/Corrected On-Site/Warning
Badges — none earned
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined

Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →

Disciplinary actions

5 cases · $3,000

CaseViolation dateFinal orderAmount
2--2026011058Dec 15, 2025Mar 30, 2026$1,200
2--2025068425Aug 18, 2025Oct 8, 2025$600
2--2022031235May 31, 2022Jul 20, 2022$400
2--2022015540Mar 29, 2022Apr 29, 2022$400
2--2017020221Apr 20, 2017May 17, 2017$400

Inspection history

8 visits, newest first

Feb 17, 2026Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation

Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 3 violations recorded, 2 high priority.

2 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 3 findings
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Walk in cooler: cooked rice (47F - Cooling) at 2:38 cooling since 12/14. Observed in deep container. At current rate of cooling product did not reach 41F within 6 hours. Educated operator on proper cooling methods. See stop sale.
High priority/03D-02-5/Repeat Violation/Admin Complaint/Return visit Feb 17, 2026 · Rice 54F in walk in cooler. Cooked yesterday. See stop sale Admin Complaint
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. See stop sale. Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Walk in cooler: cooked rice (47F - Cooling) at 2:38 cooling since 12/14. Observed in deep container. At current rate of cooling product did not reach 41F within 6 hours. Educated operator on proper cooling methods. See stop sale.
High priority/01B-36-5/Warning/Return visit Feb 17, 2026 · Rice 54F in walk in cooler. Cooked yesterday. See stop sale Admin Complaint
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. At rear entrance to kitchen.
Basic/35B-01-4/Warning/Return visit Feb 17, 2026 · Exterior door has a gap at the threshold. Admin Complaint
Dec 15, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation

Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 10 violations recorded, 5 high priority.

5 High priority4 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Walk in cooler: cooked rice (47F - Cooling) at 2:38 cooling since 12/14. Observed in deep container. At current rate of cooling product did not reach 41F within 6 hours. Educated operator on proper cooling methods. See stop sale.
High priority/03D-02-5/Repeat Violation/Admin Complaint
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. See stop sale. Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Walk in cooler: cooked rice (47F - Cooling) at 2:38 cooling since 12/14. Observed in deep container. At current rate of cooling product did not reach 41F within 6 hours. Educated operator on proper cooling methods. See stop sale.
High priority/01B-36-5/Warning
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed Raw shell eggs over diced vegetables and cheese at walk in cooler. Operator stored products properly.
High priority/08A-05-6/Corrected On-Site/Repeat Violation/Admin Complaint
Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed Raw chicken not in commercial packaging over raw pork at walk in freezer. Operator stored products properly.
High priority/08A-17-6/Corrected On-Site/Warning
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. True beverage cooler: milk (53F - Cold Holding); ice bath: diced tomato salsa (47-50F - Cold Holding) Per operator, not prepared or portioned today. Per operator, out of temperature for approximately 30 minutes. Advised operator to place milk in reach in freezer to quick chill. Advised operator to use time control for salsa. Advised operator to place time mark for remaining 3.5 hours. Time control procedure emailed to operator.
High priority/03A-02-5/Repeat Violation/Admin Complaint
Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. chicken stock (100F - Cooling) at 2:39; cooling since 1:39 - 94F at 3:04 Observed in deep pot at walk in cooler. At current rate of cooling product will not reach 70F within 2 hours. Advised operator to place in shallow pans and place in walk in freezer to quick chill.
Intermediate/03D-15-4/Repeat Violation/Admin Complaint
No soap provided at handwash sink. At hand wash station at bar.
Intermediate/31B-03-4/Corrected On-Site/Warning
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Walk in cooler: Cooked shredded beef and cooked ground beef made 12/10 not date marked. Advised operator to date products.
Intermediate/02C-02-5/Warning
Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Intermediate/53B-05-5/Warning
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. At rear entrance to kitchen.
Basic/35B-01-4/Warning
Aug 18, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection

Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 8 violations recorded, 6 high priority.

6 High priority2 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. pinto beans (46-49F - Cooling) at 11:22; cooling since 9:09pm 8/17. Observed in deep containers with lid on top at walk in cooler. At current rate of cooling product did not reach 41F within 6 hours. Advised operator to cool heat treated products in shallow containers uncovered to allow for proper cooling. See top sale.
High priority/03D-02-5
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. See stop sale. Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. pinto beans (46-49F - Cooling) at 11:22; cooling since 9:09pm 8/17. Observed in deep containers with lid on top at walk in cooler. At current rate of cooling product did not reach 41F within 6 hours. Advised operator to cool heat treated products in shallow containers uncovered to allow for proper cooling. See top sale.
High priority/01B-36-5
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed Raw chicken tenders over fully cooked peppers at walk in cooler. Operator stored products properly.
High priority/08A-05-6/Corrected On-Site/Repeat Violation/Admin Complaint
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. 1 can Tomato purée, deep dent with raised edges.
High priority/01B-13-4
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Diced tomato salsa (46F - cold holding) Observed in ice bath with product filled several inches above the ice. Per operator, not prepared or portioned today. Per operator, out of temperature for approximately 30 minutes. Operator cut portion in half and ice is fully surrounding product.
High priority/03A-02-5/Corrective Action Taken/Repeat Violation/Admin Complaint
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. 2 hose connections at mop sink at rear entrance to restaurant.
High priority/29-34-4/Repeat Violation/Admin Complaint
Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. diced tomatoes (60F - Cooling) at 11:05; cooling since 10:05 - 58F at 11:36 Observed in flip top cooler on cook line. At current rate of cooling product will not reach 41F within 4 hours. Operator placed product in reach in freezer to quick chill.
Intermediate/03D-15-4/Corrective Action Taken
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. At bar.
Intermediate/31B-02-4/Corrected On-Site
Nov 4, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

6 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed Raw chicken tenders over cooked spinach at walk in cooler. Operator stored properly.
High priority/08A-05-6/Corrected On-Site
Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed Raw chicken not in commercial packaging over raw beef outside walk in freezer. Educated operator on proper storage procedures. Raw chicken over raw beef inside walk in cooler.
High priority/08A-17-6
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. salsa (puréed tomato) (44-46F - Cold Holding) Observed on ice batch with product filled 2-3 inches above ice in server side station. Per operator, not prepared or portioned today. Per operator out of temperature for approximately 20 minutes. Operator removed excess product and returned to walk in cooler.
High priority/03A-02-5/Corrective Action Taken
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed Burn spray stored over spices in dry storage. Operator stored properly.
High priority/41-10-4/Corrected On-Site
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed two hose connections at dish machine area, 1 with hose attached. No visible evidence of vacuum breakers.
High priority/29-34-4
Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 200+ppm) Observed at bar. Operator corrected to 100ppm chlorine sanitizer.
High priority/41-27-4/Corrected On-Site
Stored food not covered. Observed Cooked Tortilla chips and tortillas shells not covered in dry storage area.
Basic/08B-12-5/Corrected On-Site
Jul 18, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

0 High priority0 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense rice on cook line. Operator replaced with a spoon.
Basic/14-01-5/Corrected On-Site
Cook water bottle on a food preparation table on cook line. Cook removed bottle.
Basic/12B-07-4/Corrected On-Site
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment on cook line. Cook removed.
Basic/10-17-4/Corrected On-Site
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Door to break room across beer cooler soiled.
Basic/23-03-4
Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor in prep area. Cook placed container on a shelf.
Basic/21-38-4/Corrected On-Site
Wood food-contact surface not properly sealed under cheese shredder. Operator covered surface with aluminum foil.
Basic/14-06-4/Corrected On-Site
Feb 13, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 2 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Spray bottle containing bleach not labeled in dish area. Operator labeled.
Intermediate/41-17-4/Corrected On-Site
Stored ice cream in chest freezer in storage room not covered. Operator covered.
Basic/08B-12-5/Corrected On-Site
Aug 1, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection

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

0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jul 31, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection

Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 5 recorded, 3 high priority.

3 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Vitamins stored near clean plates at cook line Operator stored properly
High priority/41-07-4/Corrected On-Site/Warning
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. beef (46F - Cold Holding); Cole slaw (46F - Cold Holding); Pico de gallo (49F - Cold Holding); in sandwich table at cook line; as per operator food out of temperature for one hour; foods not prepared or portioned today; foods moved to walk-in cooler;
High priority/03A-02-5/Corrective Action Taken/Warning
Time/temperature control for safety food prepared from/mixed with ingredient(s) at ambient temperature not cooled to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. diced tomatoes (50-51F - Cooling)at 1:30 to 53 F at 1:45 since 12:00; in sandwich table at cook line; at this rate food will not reach 41 F or below; food moved to walk-in cooler
High priority/03D-06-5/Corrective Action Taken/Warning
Bowl with no handle used to dispense salsa in walk-in cooler; operator removed
Basic/14-01-5/Corrected On-Site/Warning
Food stored on floor- salsa stored on the floor in walk-in cooler Operator stored properly
Basic/08B-38-4/Corrected On-Site/Warning

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.