California Chicken Grill

1414 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee, FL 32304
American
Last inspected: Dec 9, 2025
82
Score
Low Risk

Going back to 2022, California Chicken Grill has 21 inspections in the public record. The newest entry in the record is dated Dec 9, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.

There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near five violations per visit across recent inspections.

“Time/temperature control for safety food cold held” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing six times across the record.

California Chicken Grill's latest score of 82 falls below the Tallahassee average of 87. The record reflects steady performance over time.

21
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 9, 2025
Routine - Food
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
42-01-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reach in cooler door gaskets soiled. Observed sugar container soiled with food debris.
23-03-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed box containing cauliflower, onions, and a bag of carrots stored on floor inside walk in cooler.
08B-38-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employees open beverage on prep table.
12B-07-4
82
Oct 10, 2025
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Oct 9, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 4 live roaches inside reach in cooler on cook line. Observed 5 live roaches underneath reach in cooler on cook line. **Warning**
35A-05-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed following food items cold holding for less than 4 hours: Sliced tomatoes 53F Observed following food item cold holding for more than 4 hours: Chicken wings 56F . **See stop sale** **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed following food item hot holding for less than 4 hours: Grilled chicken 129F. Operator began to reheat food item during time of inspection. **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled with food debris.
22-02-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Operator replaced paper towels during time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - 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. **Warning**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - 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. **Warning**
11-26-1
Basic - Floor underneath fryers soiled/has accumulation of debris.
36-73-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee water bottle on food preparation table.
12B-07-4
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. Observed 3 dead roaches on floor in kitchen in front of reach in cooler on cook line. **Warning**
35A-03-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling vents throughout kitchen soiled with accumulated dust.
36-34-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
22-08-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed bottles of water stored on floor in hallway, and bag of brown sugar next to food preparation table.
08B-38-4
32
Jun 2, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed 2 dented cans of bake beans in dry storage area.
01B-01-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled with food debris and grease.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed bleach and sanitizer buckets inside hand sink next to three compartment sink.
31A-11-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee cell phone on prep table.
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee cell phone on prep table.
40-06-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed bag of white rice and cans of bake beans stored on floor inside kitchen.
08B-38-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet mop sitting inside mop bucket.
42-01-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceilings throughout kitchen accumulated with dust.
36-34-5
55
Apr 25, 2025
Complaint Partial
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. Manager on duty: Jerrell Jackson **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-25: **Time Extended**
53A-02-7
90
Apr 24, 2025
Complaint Partial
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed following food items cold hold less than 4 hours: Sour cream 54F Guacamole 54F Lettuce 45F **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. Manager on duty: Jerrell Jackson **Warning**
53A-02-7
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling vents through kitchen heavily accumulated with dust.
36-34-5
74
Apr 1, 2025
Complaint Partial
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by total 27 live roaches found in the following locations: 16 found underneath the reach- in freezer around the wheel casing of the dolly, seven live roaches underneath the reach- in cooler on the cook line, and four live roaches, underneath the steam table leg on the cook line. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-01: Observed two live roaches one on the floor in front of steam table and one on the floor in front of cook line. Operator killed and cleaned up during inspection. **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**
35A-05-4
86
Mar 31, 2025
Complaint Partial
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by total 27 live roaches found in the following locations: 16 found underneath the reach- in freezer around the wheel casing of the dolly, seven live roaches underneath the reach- in cooler on the cook line, and four live roaches, underneath the steam table leg on the cook line. **Warning**
35A-05-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime observed cutting board soiled on cook line.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Employee hand sink had a red bucket and a pan sitting inside of sink.
31A-11-4
Basic - Hood vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
36-34-5
Basic - Interior of oven/has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris cook line.
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust on hood filters.
23-03-4
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Hand sink and the three compartment sink faucet leaking. Observed the water line leaking underneath the three compartment sink.
29-11-4
Basic - soiled floors underneath cooking equipment and reach-in coolers.
36-10-4
55
Mar 14, 2025
Complaint Partial
No violations found.
100
Mar 13, 2025
Complaint Partial
2 critical violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed following food items cold holding less than 4 hours: Sliced tomatoes 55F Sour cream 55F. Operator placed food items inside walk in freezer during inspection. Observed guacamole cold holding at 56F for more than 4 hours. *See stop sale. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed guacamole cold holding at 56F for more than 4 hours.
01B-02-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed walk in freezer condenser is poor repair and reading an ambient temperature of 56F.
14-11-5
Basic - Garbage can located outside has no lid or lid open/broken. Observed garbage overflowing in bins with no lid and food on ground around bin. Operate began removing garbage and cleaning area during time of inspection. **Corrective Action Taken**
33-15-4
67
Nov 21, 2024
Complaint Partial
No violations found.
100
Nov 13, 2024
Complaint Full
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
86
Nov 12, 2024
Complaint Full
4 critical violations. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed following food items cold holding less than 4 hours: Sliced tomatoes 49F Sour cream 53F Guacamole 53F. Chicken wings 53F Sour cream 57F Grilled chicken 60F **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed following food items cold holding less than 4 hours: Sliced tomatoes 49F Sour cream 53F Guacamole 53F. Chicken wings 53F Sour cream 57F Grilled chicken 60F
01B-02-5
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed rodent droppings outside of establishment along wall where employees are not walking through. **Warning**
35A-04-4
Intermediate - 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.
53B-13-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener bladed soiled. Operator cleaned bladed dusting time of inspection **Corrected On-Site**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed sanitizer buckets inside handwashing sink next to three compartment sink. Operator removed items during time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed employee Gatorade inside bottom reach in cooler of salad prep table.
12B-13-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed single service cups, and paper towels on floor in hallway. Operator removed items during time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
25-05-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling vents accumulated with dust in kitchen.
36-34-5
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
32-12-5
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Hole on side wall of hallway leading towards exit door.
36-24-5
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed an accumulation of food debris inside microwave above rice cooker.
22-08-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No handwashing sign inside women's restroom.
31B-04-4
29
Jul 2, 2024
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, Used
FL-32
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
43
Mar 13, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed sanitizer buckets in hand wash sink next to three compartment sink in kitchen area.
31A-11-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed food stored in boxes on floor in walk in freezer.
08B-38-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed single use items stored in boxes on floor by walk in cooler and front counter.
25-05-4
82
Oct 3, 2023
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Oct 2, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw chicken in walk in cooler 50° Per manger held more than 24 hours, marinated raw chicken 48F in cooler in cooler 2 hours. Cut lettuce 48F, per manger in cooler 2 hours. **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw chicken in walk in cooler 50° , Per manger held more than 24 hours.
01B-02-5
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed pinto beans 48F , per manager held overnight, manager disposed of pinto beans. **Corrective Action Taken**
03D-02-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed sanitizer buckets in hand washing sink near 3 compartment sink.
31A-11-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed hood vents soiled with grease and AC vents with dust accumulation.
36-34-5
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed ear buds and phone charger on cutting board.
40-06-5
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed shelves with rust in walk in cooler.
14-17-4
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed faucet leaking at hand wash sink near 3 compartment sink.
29-11-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet sanitizing cloths on prep table by ovens stored.
21-12-4
45
Jun 29, 2023
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
May 4, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - 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. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2023-02-24: Manager John Holmes states employees are in the process of getting their Food Handlers certifications. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2023-05-04: At Callback no proof of employee training. **Time Extended**
53B-01-5
90
Dec 20, 2022
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
16-37-1
Intermediate - 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. **Warning**
53B-01-5
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed handle of scoop touching sugar above reach in cooler in front counter area. Manager removed scoop. **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed peppers stored on the floor in walk in freezer and chicken base stored on floor across from three compartment sink.
08B-38-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl being used as a scoop inside chicken base across from three compartment sink.
14-01-5
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed chicken in walk in cooler uncovered. Manager covered chicken. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed interior of ice machine to have a black substance.
23-03-4
64
Jul 6, 2022
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed multiple food items in reach in cooler since 2pm cold held above 41F at 2:40am: sour 51F, cheese 51F. Observed manager place food items on ice. Observed chicken and dairy products in walk in cooler that was exposed to air 11:30am cold held at 51F at 2:50pm. Observed manager place food items in walk in freezer. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Records/documents for required employee training do not contain all of the required information. Observed records incomplete due to certificates not being filled out.
53B-10-4
Basic - Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed multiple food items in reach in cooler since 2pm cold held above 41F at 2:40am: sour 51F, cheese 51F. Observed ambient air temperature at 51F. Observed manager place food items on ice. Observed chicken and dairy products in walk in cooler that was exposed to air 11:30am cold held at 51F at 2:50pm. Observed ambient air temperature at 51F. Observed manager place food items in walk in freezer. **Warning**
14-74-7
Basic - Cutting board on make table has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
14-09-4
Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
14-69-4
67

Frequently Asked Questions

When was California Chicken Grill last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at California Chicken Grill on file is from Dec 9, 2025. The public record contains 21 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at California Chicken Grill?

Across the inspection record, “time/temperature control for safety food cold held” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at California Chicken Grill.

How does California Chicken Grill compare to other restaurants in Tallahassee?

California Chicken Grill most recently scored 82 out of 100, which is lower than the Tallahassee average of 87.

Has California Chicken Grill's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at California Chicken Grill have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at California Chicken Grill means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.

How often is California Chicken Grill inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, California Chicken Grill is inspected around six times per year on average.