TIENDA & RESTAURANTE LAMALQUERIDA LLC
600 W MAIN ST, Avon Park FL 33825 · 863-452-7061
Last inspected May 27, 2026 · 11 visits since October 2023
FEB 24
FEB 25
MAY 25
OCT 25
MAR 26
▼ IMPROVING
5 inspections trending up, 19 points better than where it started.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed three roaches coming out of towel dispenser in back of kitchen. Observed three roaches by three compartment sink.
★ 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--2025041917 | May 27, 2025 | Jun 25, 2025 | $400 |
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
May 27, 2026Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 1 violations recorded.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 1 finding
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 four employees with no certified food manager on staff.
Mar 25, 2026Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 7 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed a pan of refried beans under raw beef in the reach in cooler by the cook line, owner moved the refried beans.
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 four employees with no certified food manager on staff.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed black like substance on the white guard in the ice machine.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed cook wearing bracelet while preparing food.
Equipment and utensils not washed, rinsed and sanitized in the correct order in three-compartment sink. Do not use dishes/equipment not properly sanitized. Observed employee not sanitizing the utensils and dishes in the 3-compartment sink correctly, educated staff and sent copy of chart by email to owner.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed two tongs on the oven door on the cook line, owner moved.
No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed no ambient thermometer in the reach in cooler in the kitchen, owner placed one in there.
Oct 20, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 12 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. Printed a copy for owner.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand wash sink by the 3-compartment sink, owner replaced.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed a black like substance on the white guard in both ice machines.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a soufflé cup in a container of sugar, owner removed.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employees drink on a prep table in food preparation area, employee moved.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed a stack of pans with water in between and not air drying properly.
Food stored on floor. Observed in walk in cooler a pan of soup on the floor, owner moved to a shelve.
Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. Observed one hood filter missing.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed two reach in freezers in back of kitchen with ice buildup.
No copy of latest inspection report available.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand washing signs in either men's or woman's restrooms and no hand washing sign at the back handwashing sink in the kitchen. Printed a copy for owner.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed old labels on stack of pans on the shelves in kitchen.
Jul 29, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Dumpster rusted out on bottom. Observed on right side of dumpster is rusted on the bottom.
May 28, 2025Emergency Order Callback Time ExtensionRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
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 five employees working in the kitchen without a certified food manager
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 two of the five employees without no proof of training.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed plates and bowls on a shelf not introverted or protected in the kitchen.
Dumpster rusted out on bottom. Observed on right side of dumpster is rusted on the bottom.
- From initial inspection : Propane tank (larger than 2.7 lb. water capacity/1 lb. gas capacity) located inside of the building. For reporting purposes only. Observed in use one propane tank in back of kitchen and one propane tank stored in storage area.
May 27, 2025■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 14 violations recorded, 3 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
3 High priority5 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed two pans of raw beef stored over cheese queso in the walk in cooler.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed three roaches coming out of towel dispenser in back of kitchen. Observed three roaches by three compartment sink.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed four individual tilapia filets in a pan in the reach in cooler packaged and not properly thawed out.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed employee washing a bucket in the handwashing sink next to 3 compartment sink.
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 five employees working in the kitchen without a certified food manager
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no towels at towel dispenser at hand washing sink located in back of kitchen.
Packaged food not labeled as specified by law. Observed flan custard in the front reach in cooler, not labeled.
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 two of the five employees without no proof of training.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed plates and bowls on a shelf not introverted or protected in the kitchen.
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. Observed four individual tilapia filets in a pan in the reach in cooler packaged and not thawing out properly, see stop sale.
Dead roaches on premises. Observed three dead roaches in between reach in coolers in back of kitchen.
Dumpster rusted out on bottom. Observed on right side of dumpster is rusted on the bottom.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee prepping food with bracelets on.
Food stored on floor. Observed butter on the floor in the walk in cooler, and bagged pinto beans on the floor in back of kitchen, owner picked up.
Propane tank (larger than 2.7 lb. water capacity/1 lb. gas capacity) located inside of the building. For reporting purposes only. Observed in use one propane tank in back of kitchen and one propane tank stored in storage area.
Apr 15, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at their ware washing hand sink.
Garbage can located outside has no lid or lid open/broken. Observed half of their lid missing.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed their walk in cooler with rusted shelves.
Feb 11, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 11 violations recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority4 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed frozen meat in direct contact with non-food grade bags in the back reach in freezer.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed their license expired 12/01/24 Operator stated they were going to renew it by the end of day.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw bacon stored over ready to eat bread in the cook line reach in cooler.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed a container of hand sanitizer stored above food products in the prep hallway.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed their warewash hand sink used for towels and their prep hand sink used to wet a cloth.
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 5 employees working with food with no CFM present.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at their ware washing hand sink.
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. Observed no proof of employee training.
Garbage can located outside has no lid or lid open/broken. Observed half of their lid missing.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed their ice scoop in contact with ice on the cook line.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed their walk in cooler with rusted shelves.
Feb 15, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Feb 6, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 10 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. All foods in walk-in cooler found at above 41F, rice 2qt (50F - Cold Holding); tamales 50ea (47F -Cold Holding); cheese 15/lbs (78F - Cold Holding); milk 1gal (47F - Cold Holding); hillshire smoked sausage link 12oz (47F - Cold Holding); chorizo ole Mexico ground sausage 16 pkgs (48F); sour cream 25lbs (47F - Cold Holding); beef Stew 5gal (50F); menudo 5gal (50F); shrimp stew 4gal (48F - Cold Holding); red sauce 3 gal (47F - Cold Holding); pork and green sauce 4lbs (47F - Cold Holding); shredded chicken 5 lbs (48F-Cold Holding); tumor 3gal (47F - Cold Holding); enchilada sauce 22qt (47F - Cold Holding); stewed peppers 1gal (48F - Cold Holding); beans 3 gal (49F - Cold Holding); chicken quesadilla. 125 (50F - Cold Holding); raw chopped beef 10lbs (48F - Cold Holding); sliced ham 5lbs (47F - Cold Holding); cooked beef 20lbs (48F - Cold Holding); raw pork 15lbs (48F - Cold Holding) see stop sale.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed walk-in cooler ambient air at 51F rice 2qt (50F - Cold Holding); tamales 50ea (47F -Cold Holding); cheese 15/lbs (78F - Cold Holding); milk 1gal (47F - Cold Holding); hillshire smoked sausage link 12oz (47F - Cold Holding); chorizo ole Mexico ground sausage 16 pkgs (48F); sour cream 25lbs (47F - Cold Holding); beef Stew 5gal (50F); menudo 5gal (50F); shrimp stew 4gal (48F - Cold Holding); red sauce 3 gal (47F - Cold Holding); pork and green sauce 4lbs (47F - Cold Holding); shredded chicken 5 lbs (48F-Cold Holding); tumor 3gal (47F - Cold Holding); enchilada sauce 22qt (47F - Cold Holding); stewed peppers 1gal (48F - Cold Holding); beans 3 gal (49F - Cold Holding); chicken quesadilla. 125 (50F - Cold Holding); raw chopped beef 10lbs (48F - Cold Holding); sliced ham 5lbs (47F - Cold Holding); cooked beef 20lbs (48F - Cold Holding); raw pork 15lbs (48F - Cold Holding) see stop sale.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in steamtable Pork (109F - Hot Holding); chicken (119F - Hot Holding); beef (110F - Hot Holding). Operator forgot to turn n this side of table. In table less than 1 hour. Operator set table on high to quickly cool items to 165then reduce heat and hold hot at 135F or hotter.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed handsink at warewash area used to stored cleaning utensils and wet wipe cloths on and hanging on basin.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled.at dishwash area. Operator labeled Bottle.
Clean equipment and utensils not separated from soiled equipment and utensils at warewashing area. Observed clean knives stored on magnetic strip at warewash area with dirty mop leaning against wall in contact with knives. Operator sent knives through warewash and sanitized wall.
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed worker at prep table and twist off water bottle on prep table during working with pastries. Operator removed and redirected employee.
Open dumpster lid. Observed outside garbage cans at back door with trash inside and lid open. Operator closed lids.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed styrofoam plates and boats not inverted. Operator corrected.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed frozen chicken slacking at room temperature at back prep area. Still frozen. Operator placed on pan with running water.
Oct 5, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority3 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within 2 hours. Observed Tamales at 86F after 1.75 hours. Tamales were replanned one item deep and set in freezer to quickly cool below 70F.
Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed employee washing dishes with soapy sponge then rinsing and stacking to dry on dish dry shelves. Manager retrained employee and set up 3 compartment sink with sanitizer.
Stop Sale issued due to food originating from an unapproved source. Observed home canned pickled carrots and peppers, 14 1/2pint jars at front counter for sale not prepared on site and no labeling. See stop sale. Manager removed from counter.
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. Form provided by inspector via email during inspection.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed handsink at 3 bay with strainer and utensils stored in basin to dry. Manager removed all and retrained employee.
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. Form provided by inspector via email during inspection employee read and signed.
Clean utensils stored between equipment and wall. Observed cleaned knives stored between wall and end of 3 bay sink at warewash.
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.