Lilwanda Dawson

521 W Memorial Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33801

African

Last inspected: Mar 10, 2026

Score

Low Risk

Inspectors have visited Lilwanda Dawson nine times, with records going back to 2022. Lilwanda Dawson was last inspected on Mar 10, 2026. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.

Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around two violations each.

The most common issue across all inspections has been “single-service articles improperly stored”, showing up three times.

Compared to the broader Lakeland restaurant scene, where the average is 86, this is a stronger showing. Taken together, the history is a positive one.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Mar 10, 2026

Routine - Food

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.

22-08-4

Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Togo boxes and cups on floor.

25-05-4

Nov 4, 2025

Routine - Food

3 minor violations.

View 3 violations

Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Cookline

25-06-4

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Bottom of reachin cooler with food debris

23-03-4

Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Cases of cups and Togo boxes on floor in office.

25-05-4

Feb 26, 2025

Routine - Food

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature

FL-29

Hands Clean and Properly Washed

FL-08

Sep 16, 2024

Routine - Food

3 minor violations.

View 3 violations

Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Manager cleaned microwave **Corrected On-Site**

22-08-4

Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Case of cups and lids on stockroom floor. Manager moved to shelf **Corrected On-Site**

25-05-4

Basic - Food stored on floor. Bag of rice stored on floor in stockroom. manager moved to shelf **Corrected On-Site**

08B-38-4

Jan 25, 2024

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 1 major violation.

View 2 violations

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Raw eggs over lettuce. Operator moved eggs to bottom shelf. **Corrected On-Site**

08A-04-5

Intermediate - Microwave missing handle. **Repeat Violation**

14-04-4

Oct 9, 2023

Routine - Food

1 major violation.

View 1 violation

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Microwave missing handle - From follow-up inspection 2023-10-09: Microwave missing handle **Time Extended**

14-04-4

Aug 8, 2023

Routine - Food

4 major violations.

View 4 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. Email to operator

11-27-4

Intermediate - Microwave missing handle

14-04-4

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.

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. Emailed to operator.

11-26-1

Mar 31, 2023

Routine - Food

1 major violation. 1 minor violation.

View 2 violations

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener

22-02-4

Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Bathroom **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**

31B-04-4

Dec 5, 2022

Routine - Food

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

Basic - Bathroom waste receptacle not lid in bathroom. Operator replaced trash with lid. **Corrected On-Site**

32-08-4

Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Employee restroom

31B-04-4

Show all 9 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Lilwanda Dawson last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Lilwanda Dawson on file is from Mar 10, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Lilwanda Dawson?

Across the inspection record, “single-service articles improperly stored” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Lilwanda Dawson.

How does Lilwanda Dawson compare to other restaurants in Lakeland?

Lilwanda Dawson most recently scored 90 out of 100, which is higher than the Lakeland average of 86.

Has Lilwanda Dawson's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Lilwanda Dawson have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Lilwanda Dawson 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 Lilwanda Dawson inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Lilwanda Dawson is inspected around three times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Schalamar Creek Caddy Shack Restaurant

4500 Hwy 92 E Unit 1028

Explore More

→ All locations in Lakeland → African restaurants in Florida → African restaurants in Lakeland