STEFANO'S FAMILY RESTAURANT
401 S INDIANA AVE, Englewood FL 34223 · (941)475-0868
Last inspected Aug 13, 2026 · 11 visits since August 2023
SEP 24
MAR 25
DEC 25
APR 26
AUG 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Observed 4 white colored mites like insects on nozzle of soda gun at bar area. Observed operator clean nozzle with chlorine.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $800
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2024072776 | Nov 13, 2024 | Apr 17, 2025 | $600 |
| 7--2024000431 | Nov 14, 2023 | Apr 15, 2024 | $200 |
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
Aug 13, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 22 violations recorded, 8 high priority.
8 High priority4 Intermediate10 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 22 findingsThe state's own report →
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed cook, handling, dirty dishes, and then putting on gloves without washing hands. Repeat from last inspection 4-9-26
Employee handled soiled equipment or utensils and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed line cook handling and washing dirty dishes, then return to cook line and handle and move garbage can. Cook then proceeded to handle containers of food on hotline steam table without washing hands and putting on clean gloves.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw salmon and raw sausage in walk-in cooler, stored over cooked and sliced corned beef and tub of coleslaw. Repeat from last inspection 4-9-26
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed butter portion control cups in reaching cooler at waitstaffstation in kitchen at 75° cold holding. Observed portion cups of sour cream in reaching cooler at waitstaff station in kitchen 72° cold holding. Operator voluntarily disposed of butter cups, and sour cream cups.
Show the remaining 18 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed butter portion control cups in reaching cooler at waitstaffstation in kitchen at 75° cold holding. Observed portion cups of sour cream in reaching cooler at waitstaff station in kitchen 72° cold holding. Operator voluntarily disposed of butter cups, and sour cream cups.
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. Observe shell eggs sitting on counter at prep table by dishwasher area and cook line. No time was marked for eggs, line cook stated eggs have been out for approximately three hours. Line cook moved eggs to walk-in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food re-served to customers. Observe, weight staff removing butter portion control cups from guest tables and returning them to bulk bin tub in reach in cooler at waitress station in kitchen.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Repeat from last inspection 4-9-26
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting boards in prep areas soiled Observed gaskets on reaching coolers at cooks line waitstaff area soiled. Repeat from last inspection 4-9-26
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed line cook use hand wash sink next to cook line to wash rubber spatula.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Operator did not have time control written policy at time of inspection. Email operator copy of time as a control form.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed in the walk-in cooler cooked pasta, stuffed peppers, coleslaw portions of lasagna, assorted sauces, cut melon and cooked turkey Employee stated the above items had been prepare onsite more than 24 hours prior. Operator began labeling items after being informed of issue. Repeat from last inspection 4-9-26
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed multiple cutting boards throughout kitchen at prep areas and waitstaff station heavily worn and no longer easily cleanable. Repeat from last inspection 4-9-26
Exterior door at back of kitchen has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Repeat from last inspection 4-9-26
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
No copy of latest inspection report available.
Open dumpster lid. Repeat from last inspection 4-9-26
Stored food not covered. Observed in walk-in cooler cooked pasta, stuffed peppers, assorted sauce sauces, raw fish, and raw squid, not covered or protective. Repeat from last inspection 4-9-26
Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Observed multiple pieces of nonfunctional equipment stored in back of kitchen area.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed unsealed concrete floor areas by dishwasher and walk-in freezer.
Walk-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Repeat from last inspection 4-9-26
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Apr 9, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 40 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
7 High priority12 Intermediate21 Basic
Show 40 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observe 1 can sausage gravy, 1 can chili, 1 can tomato puree. Operator voluntarily disposed of all above items.
Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands.
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food.
Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observe raw shell eggs in walk-in cooler on top shelf over ready to eat food. Observe raw shell raw shell eggs in reach-in cooler over ready to eat food.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observe soap and hand sanitizer stored on shelf in prep room over food prep area. Observe paint can stored in food prep room.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.
Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food, clean equipment and utensils, and single-service items.
Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of reporting responsibilities for exclusions and restrictions.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observe slicer at prep room soiled with food debris. Observe cutting boards throughout kitchen soiled. Observe can opener at prep area soiled. Observe gasket on reach-in cooler at cooks line soiled.
Handwash sink does not have enough water pressure to properly wash hands. Observe pressure at hand wash sink by end of cooks line is very low and not suitable to wash hand properly.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink in prep area.
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.
No soap provided at handwash sink in prep area.
Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food.
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.
Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Operator corrected above issues to meet inspection standards.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed ribs, sauces, and cooked beef in walk-in cooler Employee stated the above items had been prepare onsite more than 24 hours prior. Repeat from last inspection 12-17-25
Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Repeat from last inspection 12-17-25
Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Carbon dioxide not adequately secured. Observe co2 tank by reach-in freezer not secured.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observe wall fan covers in walk-in cooler with buildup of dust and mold-like substance. Observe hood vent at cooks line has grease buildup.
Cutting boards throughout kitchen have cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observe employee pers bags stored on top of single service cups.
Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observe floor in dishwasher area with broken and missing tiles Observe floor in walk-in freezer broke with chunks of concrete missing.
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Observe cracked plastic container at dishwasher area. Operator corrected above issues to meet inspection standards.
Grease on the ground and/or pad around grease receptacle.
Grease receptacle lid open, broken, or missing.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observe wall by front of cooks line is in disrepair with missing tiles.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or ware-wash area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observe several ceiling lights throughout kitchen missing covers for bulbs.
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
Observe several pieces on non working equipment stored in kitchen. Observed gaskets on reach-in cooler at wait staff area torn.
Open dumpster lid.
Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors.
Stored food not covered. Observe assorted food in walk-in cooler not properly cover or protected.
Walk-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observe pipe at hand wash sink in prep area leaking and in disrepair.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
Dec 17, 2025Inspection 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 ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Container of medics stored on shelf with food and above clean plates across from dish machine. This is a repeat violation from the previous inspection dated 03-21-2025 Observed operator correct violations in order to meet inspection standards.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. At hand sink in format of dish machine and hand sink at walk in cooler.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Lamb shank per operator prepared 48 hour prior not date marked. Observed operator correct violations in order to meet inspection standards.
Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Christina - certificate issued on 09-30-2018 and expired on 09-30-2021
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. In dish area.
Grease on the ground and/or pad around grease receptacle.
Mar 21, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed bottle bottle of medicine store on shelf across from dish washer area over clean equipment. Operator move soap removed medication for proper storage.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed bottle of dish soap stored on shelf over cases of bottled beer in kitchen by ice machine. Operator move soap for proper storage.
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package in walk-in-cooler
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board.
Open dumpster lid.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed bottle coffee filter at wait beverage station not inverted or protected.
Nov 13, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 5 violations recorded.
0 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
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.
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.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Walk -in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
From initial inspection : Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Nov 13, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 3 violations recorded.
0 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
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.
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. Repeat 11-14-23
Walk-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Sep 24, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
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.
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.
Floor tiles missing and in disrepair in walk-in-freezer.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Walk -in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Sep 23, 2024Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 11 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority3 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed reach-in-cooler at wait station area by ice machine was at 54F the following temperature were observed: onsite filled butter cup 54F, cream cheese cups 55F, whip cream 55F, cut fruit 56F. Observed commercial butter cups on cooks line at wait station at 73F. Operator Operator voluntarily remove item from use and disposed of them.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed reach-in-cooler at wait station area by ice machine was at 54F the following temperature were observed: onsite filled butter cup 54F, cream cheese cups 55F, whip cream 55F, cut fruit 56F. Observed commercial butter cups on cooks line at wait station at 73F. Operator Operator voluntarily remove item from use and disposed of them.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed wd40 stored on counter next to food processor. Observed operator correct issue to meet standards for inspection.
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.
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.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cut fruit in wait staff cool and cooked ribs in walk-in-cooler prepared onsite more then 24 hours prior as per employee statement, items were not properly date marked.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils.
Floor tiles missing and in disrepair in walk-in-freezer.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Walk -in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Sep 12, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 10 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority4 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment at shelves at back of kitchen.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed the following in walk-in-cooler raw beef and pork over cooked fish and potatoes; raw shell eggs over sour cream, cut melon, pies and bread. Repeat 11-14-23
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Observed ham, and cheese opened more then 24 hours prior as per employee statement, and was not properly date marked.
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.
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. Repeat 11-14-23
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked fish, potatoes, soups all prepared onsite more then 24 hours prior as pre employee statement, items were not properly date marked.
Floor tiles missing and in disrepair in walk-in-freezer.
Food stored on floor. Observed cases of potatoes stored on floor in walk-in-cooler.
No copy of latest inspection report available.
Walk-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Nov 14, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 11 violations recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority6 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed bottle of medication on shelf by hand wash sink, above clean dish ware.
Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Observed employee handling burger bun and lettuce bare handed.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken in grill draw cooler over ham and cooked sausage. Repeat 8-14-23
Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food, clean equipment and utensils, and single-service items. Spoke with person in charge about the Big 6 food borne illnesses, person in charge did not have knowledge of Big 6 illnesses or signage to reference. Emailed operator Big 6 food borne illnesses signage and reference material. Repeat 8-14-23
Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of reporting responsibilities for exclusions and restrictions.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can open soiled with food debris. Observed cutting boards at dishwasher area with mold-like substance stains.
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/
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. Email operater Employee Health Agreement. Repeat8-14-23
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. Repeat 8-14-23
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed operator preparing food at cooks line without hair restraint.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed drain pipe from dishwasher leaking. Repeat 8-14-23
Aug 14, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority6 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. Observed 4 white colored mites like insects on nozzle of soda gun at bar area. Observed operator clean nozzle with chlorine.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs over pulled pork and cooked onions in reach-in cooler in at end of cooks line. Observed raw chicken and beef patties over cooked ham in grill draw cooler.
Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food, clean equipment and utensils, and single-service items. Spoke with person in charge about the Big 6 food borne illnesses, person in charge did not have knowledge of Big 6 illnesses or signage to reference. Emailed operator Big 6 food borne illnesses signage and reference material. Repeat 3-23-23
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. Issued operator paper copy and Emailed operater Clean-Up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events DBPR HR 5030-104. Repeat 3-23-23
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener at prep table soiled, observed operator wash can opener. Repeat 3-23-23
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. Issued operator paper copies of Employee Health Agreement and observed staff sign copies. Email operater Employee Health Agreement. Repeat 3-23-23
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. Repeat 3-23-23
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed pasta and sausage and peppers in Walk-in cooler and reach-in cooler prepared onsite more then 24 hours prior as per employee statement not date marked. Repeat 3-23-23
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed floor at doorway of Walk-in freezer with cracked and missing tiles.
Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover at cooks line. Repeat 3-23-23
Water leaking from pipe dishwasher machine drain pipe.
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.