SOPHIE'S CAFE
120 SEBRING SQ, Sebring FL 33870 · 863-840-6461
Last inspected Apr 14, 2026 · 10 visits since September 2023
NOV 24
APR 25
JUL 25
NOV 25
APR 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Three live roaches at sink by dishwasher area. Operator has called pest control and they came to location.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $400
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2025052987 | Jul 15, 2025 | Oct 14, 2025 | $400 |
Inspection history
10 visits, newest first
Apr 14, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 6 findingsThe state's own report →
Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Observed household raid on shelve in the kitchen, operator moved.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw beef in reach in cooler in kitchen, operator moved.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed stainless cleaner next to container of beans and spices, operator moved.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no towels at hand washing sink by 3-compartment sink, employee changed.
Show the remaining 2 findings ▾
Test kit for measuring the concentration of the sanitizing solution not used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or employee unaware of proper use Observed wrong testing kit for dish machine, owner had quaternary instead of chlorine.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs on handle of oven, operator moved.
Nov 6, 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 ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw pork in the reach in cooler in the kitchen, owner moved the chicken to the bottom shelve.
Employee chewing gum while preparing food or while in a food prep/food storage/warewashing area. Observed employee chewing gum while preparing orders, employee discarded gum.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee wearing a watch while preparing orders, employee took off.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed stack of pans with water in between and not air drying properly on a shelve in the back of kitchen, employee removed pans to air drying properly on properly.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Jul 16, 2025□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Yuneisy Cueto 6/3/19 Javier Cueto 6/13/19
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime: cutting boards at line.
Bustello coffee stored under water line at front hand washing sink
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable at line.
Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors : exterior door.
Jul 15, 2025■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 16 violations recorded, 5 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
5 High priority3 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 16 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: Dishwasher (Chlorine 10ppm).
Live, small flying insects found Two flying insects in kitchen. Operator has called pest control and they came to location.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Three live roaches at sink by dishwasher area. Operator has called pest control and they came to location.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found: Observed 30 rodent droppings along wall from dishwasher area to cook line. Also observed 4 rodent droppings in dry storage. Operator cleaned area and sanitized. Operator has called pest control and they came to location.
Rodent bait not contained in a covered, tamper-resistant bait station. Observed 5 bricks of rodent poison under shelving in kitchen. Operator removed.
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Yuneisy Cueto 6/3/19 Javier Cueto 6/13/19
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime: cutting boards at line.
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. Provided operator with form.
Bustello coffee stored under water line at front hand washing sink
Ceiling tile in disrepair at storage at electrical box, where dropping were found. Also at cook lines by press and at oven.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable at line.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees in restroom. Operator placed at location.
One dead roach on premises at dishwasher area. Operator removed and sanitized area.
Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors : exterior door.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface at line.
Apr 24, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority2 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on the cook line soiled and has deep cutting groves. Owner removed the board to be sanitized.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Several items stored in the hand washing sink next to the cook line. Employee removed the items.
Apr 22, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 7 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority3 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee touched their face then clean equipment without washing their hands. Employee removed the equipment to be sanitized and washed their hands.
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Raw chicken stored over unwashed peppers in the reach in cooler in the preparation area. Owner removed the chicken.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Employee handled raw chicken then clean utensils without changing their gloves and washing their hands. Employee removed the utensils to be sanitized, washed their hands and changed gloves.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on the cook line soiled and has deep cutting groves. Owner removed the board to be sanitized.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Several items stored in the hand washing sink next to the cook line. Employee removed the items.
Juice packaged in the establishment that has not been specifically processed to prevent, reduce, or eliminate the presence of pathogens not bearing a warning label. Fresh squeezed juice made on site sold from the glass door reach in cooler in the front counter area with no warning label. Owner removed the juice. No fresh squeezed juice may sold until it bears a warning label.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Several drinks stored on preparation tables in the kitchen. Owner removed the drinks.
Jan 15, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board on cook line soiled and grooved.
- From initial inspection : Use of cooking equipment producing grease laden vapors/smoke with no hood suppression system installed. Notified Fire AHJ. For reporting purposes only. Establishment is utilizing a fryer that is not under a hood suppression system. Observed grease buildup on wall and ceiling near fryer.
Nov 14, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority6 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed in reach in cooler by cook line, two pans of raw chicken and one pan of raw steak stored over ready to eat green peppers and sliced onions, manager removed.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed a bottle of windex on the prep table above food, cook removed.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board on cook line soiled and grooved.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand washing sink in dish area, blocked by a bakers rack, manager moved.
Juice packaged in the establishment that has not been specifically processed to prevent, reduce, or eliminate the presence of pathogens not bearing a warning label. Establishment is bottling orange juice that is squeezed on-site and is selling it out of there drink cooler with no warning label.
No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. Asked manager for probe thermometer, said did not have one.
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. Observed when asked manager could not provide agreement.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed one unlabeled bottle in dish area and one unlabeled bottle in wait staff area, manager removed.
Food stored on floor. Observed in storage area by back door, oil and onions stored on floor.
Label on a food item prepared and packaged onsite for customer self-service does not include product identity/description, date product was packaged and name and address of the establishment that prepared and packaged the food. Establishment is preparing and packaging fruit cups containing cut watermelon and selling out of their drink cooler with no date marking.
Use of cooking equipment producing grease laden vapors/smoke with no hood suppression system installed. Notified Fire AHJ. For reporting purposes only. Establishment is utilizing a fryer that is not under a hood suppression system. Observed grease buildup on wall and ceiling near fryer.
Jan 17, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority3 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking. Operator states oldest food in cabinet is 3 hours old and establishment closes in 1 hour. All foods will be discarded at that time. Read side operator to follow the time as a public health control plan as written and provide time marks.
Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Observed black beans (77 / second temp. 64F - Cooling). Advised operator to place in freezer in shallow pan and stir every 10 minutes until foods reach 41F and must drop below 70f within 30 minutes. Emailed cooling handout.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed front counter handsink is used to clean coffee making utensils. Observed scrubber sponges and brushes stored in handsink. Employee states items are cleaned in sink.
Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. At front counter handsink observed roll of paper towels standing on end in plastic container with plastic pitcher stored on top of roll of paper towels.
Food stored in a location that is exposed to splash/dust. Observed small paper bag of sugar stored beside handsink in splash zone.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloths stored on counter beside handsink at front counter.
Sep 29, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed handsink at dishwash area blocked by speedrack.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink at front counter. Operator added towels.
Stored food not covered. Observed pastries in freezer not covered.
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.