Ellenton Cafe
Last inspected: Jan 20, 2026
86
Score
Going back to 2022, Ellenton Cafe has nine inspections in the public record. The newest entry in the record is dated Jan 20, 2026. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around seven violations lately and about 10 violations before that.
“No paper towels” comes up most often, recorded three times in the inspection record.
Ellenton Cafe's latest score of 86 sits above the Ellenton average of 78. The record reflects steady performance over time.
9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 20, 2026
Routine - Food
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed prep cook without hairnet or cap during prep. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-20: **Time Extended**
13-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-20: **Time Extended**
33-11-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed tile damaged in cook line area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-20: **Time Extended**
36-32-5
86
Nov 19, 2025
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 1 major violation. 9 minor violations.
View 15 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in steam table on cook line, hot holding sausage patty 106F, sausage link 115F. **Warning**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Antiseptic spray on shelf stored next to RTE and above prep counter. Operator removed spray from area. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-10-4
High Priority - 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. Observed chlorine at dish machine 25ppm, operator changed chemical bucket and corrected to 50ppm. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
22-41-4
High Priority - Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Observed sausage links and patties in steam table with paper towels. **Warning**
14-86-1
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in reach in cooler cold holding cut lettuce 47F, turkey 50F. Operator moved to freezer. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Front counter handwashing sink did not have paper towels. Operator brought paper towels to sink. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-02-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed prep cook without hairnet or cap during prep. **Warning**
13-03-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed tile damaged in cook line area. **Warning**
36-32-5
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Observed no covered receptacle in ladies room. **Warning**
32-12-6
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet drink cups stacked at service counter. **Warning**
24-08-4
Basic - Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Observed food debris and grease under fryer and cooking equipment. **Warning**
36-01-4
Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster. **Warning**
33-11-4
Basic - No mop sink or curbed cleaning facility provided at establishment. Observed sink not connected to drain line behind building. **Warning**
29-27-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Hand washing sink hot water faucet not in working standard near cook line. **Warning**
29-08-4
Basic - Wall not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, warewashing areas or bathroom. In kitchen and preparation area. **Warning**
36-30-4
27
Jul 30, 2025
Food-Licensing Inspection
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no test strips on site. Owner will purchase.
16-37-1
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed no hot water at front hand sink. Owner in process of repairing.
27-16-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Hole in ceiling tile above walk in cooler.
36-32-5
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed food prep employee with bracelet on. Employee removed. **Corrected On-Site**
13-07-4
74
Jan 24, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed floor cleaner stored next to canned goods. Owner moved floor cleaner. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at both kitchen hand sinks.Owner replaced. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
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. One employee missing proof of training.
53B-13-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade soiled. Owner cleaned. **Corrected On-Site**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed rear kitchen hand sink blocked with bottle brush and scrubbing pad. Owner removed. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling vent in kitchen rusted.
36-34-5
Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed walk in cooler floor rusted.
36-11-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed walk in cooler shelves rusted.
14-17-4
50
Aug 23, 2024
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed dishwasher machine not sanitizing. 0ppm. Owner set up three part sink to sanitize dishes. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
22-49-4
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed 3 dented cans of tomato soup. Owner removed from shelf. **Warning**
01B-01-4
High Priority - Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Observed food prep employee crack raw shell eggs then pick up squeeze bottle without washing hands. Manager told employee he then washed hands. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
12A-27-4
High Priority - 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 employee washing dishes load dirty dishes then proceed to touch clean dishes. Owner coached employee then he washed hands. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
12A-13-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw salmon stored over ready to eat foods. Owner moved salmon to bottom shelf. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed container of brown gravy prepared 8/20 not labeled. **Warning**
02C-02-5
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at rear kitchen hand sink. **Warning**
31B-02-4
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed food prep employee with rubber bracelet on arm. **Warning**
13-07-4
Basic - Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed food pre employee with no beard guard. **Warning**
13-04-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed gap at bottom right corner of rear exit door. **Warning**
35B-01-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no handwashing sign in women's public restroom. **Warning**
31B-04-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed container of brown gravy not labeled in walk in cooler. **Warning**
02D-01-5
30
Jan 16, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed dish machine not sanitizing properly. 25ppm. Operator will call for service. Three part sink set up to sanitize dishes until machine is repaired. **Warning**
22-49-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed pancake batter containing egg and milk out at 70F. Operator stated batter had only been out for 30 minutes. Placed in cooler. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener with black build up on blade. **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Observed no written plan in place. Inspector will email. **Warning**
03F-10-5
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. Observed some employees with no training employed over 60 days. **Warning**
53B-13-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed unlabeled spray bottles with pink and blue liquid in them. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
41-17-4
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed acoustical ceiling tiles in kitchen area. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-37-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed stacked wet pans on shelf across from dish machine. **Warning**
24-08-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed gap at bottom of rear exit door by kitchen. **Warning**
35B-01-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed country fried steak and Philly beef steaks not covered in reach in freezer. **Warning**
08B-12-5
41
Aug 23, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
39
Jan 26, 2023
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Intermediate - 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. No clean up sign in place. Inspector to email sign.
11-27-4
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. No employee reporting process in place. Inspector to email form.
11-26-1
Intermediate - 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. Some employee food training expired. Operator will order materials. **Repeat Violation**
53B-14-5
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed C02 tank by soda machine not secured.
51-11-4
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Operator working on replacing kitchen tiles. **Repeat Violation**
36-37-5
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee purse on food prep table next to bread. Operator moved purse. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
40-06-5
Basic - Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed food prep employee not wearing a beard guard.
13-04-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed partially frozen ground beef out thawing with no running water on it. Operator placed in cooler. **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
58
Oct 27, 2022
Complaint Full
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair under dishmachine. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-09: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2022-10-27: Operator will purchase floor patch. **Time Extended**
36-17-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-08-09: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2022-10-27: Kitchen area still has acoustical tiles in place. Operator will discuss with landlord. **Time Extended**
36-37-5
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Ellenton Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Ellenton Cafe on file is from Jan 20, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Ellenton Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “no paper towels” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Ellenton Cafe.
How does Ellenton Cafe compare to other restaurants in Ellenton?
Ellenton Cafe most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is higher than the Ellenton average of 78.
Has Ellenton Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Ellenton Cafe have averaged around seven violations per visit, down from roughly 10 earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Ellenton Cafe 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 Ellenton Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Ellenton Cafe is inspected around three times per year on average.
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