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SOUTHERN GROUNDS & COMPANY

200 FIRST STREET, Neptune Beach FL 32266 · 904.853.5473

Last inspected Mar 9, 2026 · 14 visits since January 2024

Licence typeRestaurant
Seats48
Risk levelRisk Level 2
LicenceSEA2615291
Grade history
MAY 24
OCT 24
JAN 25
AUG 25
FEB 26
≈ ERRATIC

5 inspections, swinging between A and D. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.

Worst finding on record
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed container of liquid eggs stored next to grill at 68F. Employee removed and placed back into reach in cooler.
High priority/03A-02-5/Corrective Action Taken/Repeat Violation/Admin Complaint
Badges — 1 earned
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined

Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →

Inspection history

14 visits, newest first

Mar 9, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection

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

0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Mar 5, 2026Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection

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

2 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Date marked combined ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days of preparing/opening the earliest ready-to-eat time/temperature for safety ingredient. See stop sale. Observed in reach in cooler in a squeeze bottle House made Caesar dressing dated 2-19-2026. See stop sale. Observed in stand alone cooler in a squeeze bottle House made Ranch dressing dated 2-15-2026. See stop sale.
High priority/01B-28-5/Warning/Return visit Mar 2, 2026 · Not observed at callback. Time Extended/Return visit Mar 5, 2026 · Observed Turmeric dressing made with fresh garlic dated 2-24-2026 in squeeze bottle in reach in cooler. See stop sale. Admin Complaint
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in drawer cooler under grill Shredded cheese (54F-62F - Cold Holding); Cooked onions (54F-62F); Cooked mushrooms (54F-62F - Cold Holding); Diced tomatoes (54F-62F - Cold Holding); Raw shell eggs ambient temperature (54F-62F - Cold Holding); Sausage patties (54F-62F - Cold Holding). Manager stated cooler was not working they had pan of ice in bottom drawer. Manager removed items and placed in different cooler. Observed in reach cooler on cook line Lox (48F-54F - Cold Holding); Cream cheese (48F-54F - Cold Holding); Sour cream (48F-54F - Cold Holding); Turkey (48F-54F); Cut tomatoes (50F - Cold Holding). Toaster sits next to reach in cooler, TCS items near toaster out of temperature. Manager removed items to reduce temperature and will place in ice bath. Cooler has an ambient temperature of 42F.
High priority/03A-02-5/Corrective Action Taken/Warning/Return visit Mar 2, 2026 · Observed establishment not using drawer cooler until unit is fixed. Observed in reach in cooler cut tomatoes at 54F, cream cheese at 54F, sour cream at 52F, butter at 53F. Admin Complaint/Return visit Mar 5, 2026 · Observed in reach in cooler Pico at 52F, Cream cheese 53F, Herb cream cheese 52F, Pasta salad 51F. Admin Complaint
Mar 2, 2026Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection

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

2 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Date marked combined ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days of preparing/opening the earliest ready-to-eat time/temperature for safety ingredient. See stop sale. Observed in reach in cooler in a squeeze bottle House made Caesar dressing dated 2-19-2026. See stop sale. Observed in stand alone cooler in a squeeze bottle House made Ranch dressing dated 2-15-2026. See stop sale.
High priority/01B-28-5/Warning/Return visit Mar 2, 2026 · Not observed at callback. Time Extended
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in drawer cooler under grill Shredded cheese (54F-62F - Cold Holding); Cooked onions (54F-62F); Cooked mushrooms (54F-62F - Cold Holding); Diced tomatoes (54F-62F - Cold Holding); Raw shell eggs ambient temperature (54F-62F - Cold Holding); Sausage patties (54F-62F - Cold Holding). Manager stated cooler was not working they had pan of ice in bottom drawer. Manager removed items and placed in different cooler. Observed in reach cooler on cook line Lox (48F-54F - Cold Holding); Cream cheese (48F-54F - Cold Holding); Sour cream (48F-54F - Cold Holding); Turkey (48F-54F); Cut tomatoes (50F - Cold Holding). Toaster sits next to reach in cooler, TCS items near toaster out of temperature. Manager removed items to reduce temperature and will place in ice bath. Cooler has an ambient temperature of 42F.
High priority/03A-02-5/Corrective Action Taken/Warning/Return visit Mar 2, 2026 · Observed establishment not using drawer cooler until unit is fixed. Observed in reach in cooler cut tomatoes at 54F, cream cheese at 54F, sour cream at 52F, butter at 53F. Admin Complaint
Feb 26, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection

Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 12 recorded, 3 high priority.

3 High priority2 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Date marked combined ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days of preparing/opening the earliest ready-to-eat time/temperature for safety ingredient. See stop sale. Observed in reach in cooler in a squeeze bottle House made Caesar dressing dated 2-19-2026. See stop sale. Observed in stand alone cooler in a squeeze bottle House made Ranch dressing dated 2-15-2026. See stop sale.
High priority/01B-28-5/Warning
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in drawer cooler under grill Shredded cheese (54F-62F - Cold Holding); Cooked onions (54F-62F); Cooked mushrooms (54F-62F - Cold Holding); Diced tomatoes (54F-62F - Cold Holding); Raw shell eggs ambient temperature (54F-62F - Cold Holding); Sausage patties (54F-62F - Cold Holding). Manager stated cooler was not working they had pan of ice in bottom drawer. Manager removed items and placed in different cooler. Observed in reach cooler on cook line Lox (48F-54F - Cold Holding); Cream cheese (48F-54F - Cold Holding); Sour cream (48F-54F - Cold Holding); Turkey (48F-54F); Cut tomatoes (50F - Cold Holding). Toaster sits next to reach in cooler, TCS items near toaster out of temperature. Manager removed items to reduce temperature and will place in ice bath. Cooler has an ambient temperature of 42F.
High priority/03A-02-5/Corrective Action Taken/Warning
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 and the time removed from temperature control cannot be determined. See stop sale. Observed incorrect date on time board. Manager placed correct date on time board.
High priority/03F-02-5/Corrected On-Site/Warning
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/ Observed 1 manager certification expired.
Intermediate/53A-03-7
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. Observed some employee food training expired.
Intermediate/53B-13-5
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling air vents and tiles on cook line dusty.
Basic/36-34-5
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee drinks on prep tables in kitchen. Manager removed and stored properly.
Basic/12B-07-4/Corrected On-Site
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee personal phone stored food boxes in storage area. Employee removed and stored properly.
Basic/40-06-5/Corrected On-Site
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee engaging in food preparation wearing a watch.
Basic/13-07-4
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed filters over grill area soiled with grease.
Basic/23-03-4
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed multiple containers on clean dry rack with stickers still on.
Basic/16-46-4/Repeat Violation
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed to go single service items stored on floor in back room.
Basic/25-05-4
Aug 18, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection

Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.

1 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 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. Observed employee engaging in food preparation put on beard guard and proceeded to engage in food preparation. Observed employee engaging in food preparation touch glasses and face then proceeded to touch in use equipment. Inspector intervened and both employees removed gloves and washed hands.
High priority/12A-25-4/Corrective Action Taken
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee engaging in food preparation without beard guard. Employee placed beard guard on during inspection.
Basic/13-04-4/Corrected On-Site/Repeat Violation
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed stickers on clean dry containers on dry rack.
Basic/16-46-4
Jan 9, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation

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

0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jan 6, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation

Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 5 violations recorded, 3 high priority.

3 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed in reach in cooler on top Herb cream cheese (56F - Cold Holding); Cut tomatoes (55F - Cold Holding). Employee stated the herb cream cheese and cut tomatoes were left from prior day. See stop sale. Toaster oven located next to reach in cooler top. Manager moved both toasters.
High priority/01B-02-5/Repeat Violation/Admin Complaint
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in reach in cooler on top Herb cream cheese (56F - Cold Holding); Cut tomatoes (55F - Cold Holding). Cooler has an ambient temperature of 43F. Employee stated the herb cream cheese and cut tomatoes were left from prior day. See stop sale. Toaster oven located next to reach in cooler top. Manager moved both toasters. Observed on top of reach in cooler Guacamole made with tomatoes (58F - Cold Holding); cream cheese (54F - Cold Holding); Cut cherry tomatoes (48F - Cold Holding). Employee stated he placed guacamole,cream cheese and cut cherry tomatoes on top of reach in 2 hours prior. Employee will place ice under those items.
High priority/03A-02-5/Corrective Action Taken/Repeat Violation/Admin Complaint
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 and the time removed from temperature control cannot be determined. See stop sale. Observed butter under time control near end of cook line without time mark. Employee paced time mark on butter.
High priority/03F-02-5/Corrected On-Site
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee engaging in food preparation without beard guard.
Basic/13-04-4
Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Observed cut unwashed avocados on cook line with stickers still on.
Basic/08B-17-4
Oct 16, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection

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

0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Oct 15, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection

Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 1 violations recorded, 1 high priority.

1 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in flip top cooler Feta cheese (48F - Cold Holding); Lox (50F - Cold Holding). Observed in drawer cooler under grill Raw beef (49F - Cold Holding); Raw chicken (47F - Cold Holding); Caramelized onions (46F - Cold Holding). Cooler has an ambient temperature of 48F. Cooler missing pans inside of cooler. Manager placed pans inside cooler. Observed on table in kitchen Milk (46F - Cold Holding); Diced tomatoes (72F - Cold Holding). Manager discarded tomatoes and placed milk back in cooler.
High priority/03A-02-5/Corrective Action Taken/Repeat Violation/Admin Complaint/Return visit Oct 8, 2024 · Observed Cut tomatoes at 50F, Cream cheese 49F and roasted tomatoes at 48F. Cooler has an ambient temperature of 48F. Gaps in containers on flip top observed. Manager placed ice under items. Admin Complaint/Return visit Oct 15, 2024 · In left side of main fliptop in kitchen tomato, tomato, sour cream, feta, tomato at 45-47F. Items closest to hot toaster. Lid open frequently during inspection. Sour cream is double panned, person in charge states conducted line check at 8:30am and items were in temperature. Recommend rearranging cooler so non time/temperature control for safety items are closest to toaster. Person in charge began moving items to cooler below at 40F ambient. Admin Complaint
Oct 8, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection

Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 1 violations recorded, 1 high priority.

1 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in flip top cooler Feta cheese (48F - Cold Holding); Lox (50F - Cold Holding). Observed in drawer cooler under grill Raw beef (49F - Cold Holding); Raw chicken (47F - Cold Holding); Caramelized onions (46F - Cold Holding). Cooler has an ambient temperature of 48F. Cooler missing pans inside of cooler. Manager placed pans inside cooler. Observed on table in kitchen Milk (46F - Cold Holding); Diced tomatoes (72F - Cold Holding). Manager discarded tomatoes and placed milk back in cooler.
High priority/03A-02-5/Corrective Action Taken/Repeat Violation/Admin Complaint/Return visit Oct 8, 2024 · Observed Cut tomatoes at 50F, Cream cheese 49F and roasted tomatoes at 48F. Cooler has an ambient temperature of 48F. Gaps in containers on flip top observed. Manager placed ice under items. Admin Complaint
Oct 7, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection

Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 5 violations recorded, 3 high priority.

3 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Shell eggs in use or stored with cracks or broken shells. See stop sale. Observed 1 cracked raw shell egg stored with raw shell eggs. See stop sale
High priority/01B-14-4/Repeat Violation/Admin Complaint
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in flip top cooler Feta cheese (48F - Cold Holding); Lox (50F - Cold Holding). Observed in drawer cooler under grill Raw beef (49F - Cold Holding); Raw chicken (47F - Cold Holding); Caramelized onions (46F - Cold Holding). Cooler has an ambient temperature of 48F. Cooler missing pans inside of cooler. Manager placed pans inside cooler. Observed on table in kitchen Milk (46F - Cold Holding); Diced tomatoes (72F - Cold Holding). Manager discarded tomatoes and placed milk back in cooler.
High priority/03A-02-5/Corrective Action Taken/Repeat Violation/Admin Complaint
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed splitter added to mop sink with out back flow device on non chemical side of splitter.
High priority/29-42-4
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 no certified food manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation.
Intermediate/53A-05-6
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee drink stored on shelf over food in storage area. Employee removed and stored properly.
Basic/12B-07-4/Corrected On-Site
May 31, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection

Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 6 violations recorded, 2 high priority.

2 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Shell eggs in use or stored with cracks or broken shells. See stop sale. Observed 5 cracked shell eggs in reach in drawer cooler with raw shell eggs located under grill area. See stop sale.
High priority/01B-14-4/Repeat Violation/Admin Complaint
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed container of liquid eggs stored next to grill at 68F. Employee removed and placed back into reach in cooler.
High priority/03A-02-5/Corrective Action Taken/Repeat Violation/Admin Complaint
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed interior of ice machine soiled behind splash guard near ice chute.
Basic/22-20-5
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed multiple handles of coolers on cook line soiled.
Basic/23-24-4
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling dusty near fan at the end of cook line.
Basic/36-34-5/Repeat Violation
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee personal items stored in dry storage next to food.
Basic/40-06-5/Repeat Violation
Jan 11, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection

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

0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jan 9, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection

Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 5 recorded, 2 high priority.

2 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Shell eggs in use or stored with cracks or broken shells. See stop sale. Observed one cracked shell egg stored with raw shell eggs in stand alone cooler at the entrance of cook line. See stop sale. Manager discarded cracked egg.
High priority/01B-14-4
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in reach in flip top cooler Herb cream cheese (48F - Cold Holding); Cream cheese (48F-52F - Cold Holding); Taziki sauce (48F-52F - Cold Holding). Flip top cooler is right next to toaster giving off heat. See stop sale. Employee stated items stay in cooler from previous day.
High priority/03A-02-5
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed air vent on cook line soiled.
Basic/36-34-5
Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. Observed employee drink on hot plate on prep table. Employee removed and stored properly.
Basic/12B-12-5/Corrected On-Site/Repeat Violation
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee phone on hot plate on prep table in kitchen. Employee removed and stored properly.
Basic/40-06-5/Corrected On-Site

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.