Ranchero Cafe & Restaurant

344 N Ridgewood Dr, Sebring, FL 33870
Café / Breakfast
Last inspected: Jan 5, 2026
41
Score
High Risk

Ranchero Cafe & Restaurant appears in inspection records nine times, starting in 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Jan 5, 2026. A high risk rating points to multiple serious findings at the most recent inspection.

Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around 13 violations lately compared to roughly four violations before.

“Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing two times across the record.

Restaurants in Sebring average 74, so Ranchero Cafe & Restaurant trails the local norm. Diners may want to scan the inspection details before deciding to visit.

9
Inspections
1
Critical latest
4
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 5, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs over sliced green peppers and onions, operator moved eggs to different shelf. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand wash sink was inaccessible and blocked by a sign at the front counter. **Repeat Violation**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed hand wash sink in kitchen with pans in it, operator moved the pans. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no towels at hand wash sink in the kitchen, operator replaced. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture. Observed 3-compartment sink missing handle for cold water. **Repeat Violation**
29-09-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed plastic containers of drinks on the floor at the front counter. Operator put on shelve. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup in the reach in freezer in the kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
14-69-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed two tongs stored on door handle of oven, operator moved. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed no ambient thermometer in the reach in cooler up front.
05-09-4
Basic - No drainboards or equivalent provided for soiled items and/or air drying cleaned items. Observed no drain boards by the dish machine in the kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
16-04-4
Basic - Wall not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, warewashing areas or bathroom. Observed wall underneath air unit in front corner of restaurant not smooth or durable. **Repeat Violation**
36-30-4
41
Aug 28, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Insects, Rodents, and Animals Not Present
FL-38
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
26
May 6, 2025
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. To go bag used and in direct contact with cooked rice. Employee removed the bag. **Corrected On-Site**
14-31-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shell eggs stored over mayonnaise in the reach in cooler on the cook line. Employee removed the eggs. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw ground beef stored over raw fish in the stand up reach in cooler in the kitchen. Employee removed the ground beef. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle containing cleaning fluid stored next to food in the front counter area. Owner removed the bottles. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Cutting board and tongs stored in the hand washing sink next to the cook line. Employee removed the items to be sanitized. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test kit for the dish machine and sanitizer buckets.
16-37-1
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. No hot water at the hand washing sink in the front counter area. Owner stated the plumber had been notified.
27-16-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back exit of the kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
35B-01-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor under all equipment in the kitchen soiled. **Repeat Violation**
36-73-4
Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Light shield missing in the kitchen next to the cook line.
38-07-4
Basic - No drainboards or equivalent provided for soiled items and/or air drying cleaned items on the dishwasher.
16-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. All dry storage shelves in the kitchen and front counter area soiled.
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Interior of all reach in coolers in the kitchen soiled.
22-16-4
Basic - Wall not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, warewashing areas or bathroom. Thought out the kitchen.
36-30-4
29
Jan 23, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed chicken, salsa, pico stored without a date.
02C-01-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Observed the back door with a gap and hole in the bottom of the door.
35B-01-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed a grease build up on the floors under the cooking equipment.
36-73-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed the hoods with a grease build up on the filters and some dripping.
23-03-4
70
Mar 8, 2024
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Jan 29, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.12/1/23 operator called accountant to check status of payment. **Warning**
50-17-3
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Operator labeled. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl stored in container of cooked rice to scoop, with no handle. Operator removed bowl **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed cook eating in kitchen. Redirected by operator. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-02-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed stacks of to go boxes not inverted at kitchen. Inverted. **Corrected On-Site**
25-06-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed container of tamales,sauce, and pan of beans uncovered in upright reach in cooler at kitchen. Operator covered. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
64
Sep 13, 2023
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
67
Jan 23, 2023
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
67
Sep 21, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
70

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Ranchero Cafe & Restaurant last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Ranchero Cafe & Restaurant on file is from Jan 5, 2026. The public record contains nine inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Ranchero Cafe & Restaurant?

Across the inspection record, “raw animal food stored over/not properly separated” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Ranchero Cafe & Restaurant.

How does Ranchero Cafe & Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Sebring?

Ranchero Cafe & Restaurant most recently scored 41 out of 100, which is lower than the Sebring average of 74.

Has Ranchero Cafe & Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Ranchero Cafe & Restaurant have averaged around 13 violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the record.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at Ranchero Cafe & Restaurant means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.

How often is Ranchero Cafe & Restaurant inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Ranchero Cafe & Restaurant is inspected around three times per year on average.