Rancho Chico
Last inspected: Feb 17, 2026
70
Score
Rancho Chico has been inspected 10 times since 2022. On Feb 17, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.
Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around five violations to closer to seven violations per visit.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “raw animal food stored over/not properly separated”, showing up four times.
Restaurants in Tequesta average 76, so Rancho Chico trails the local norm. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
10
Inspections
2
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 17, 2026
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Walk in cooler: cooked rice (47F - Cooling) at 2:38 cooling since 12/14. Observed in deep container. At current rate of cooling product did not reach 41F within 6 hours. Educated operator on proper cooling methods. See stop sale. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2026-02-17: Rice 54F in walk in cooler. Cooked yesterday. See stop sale **Admin Complaint**
03D-02-5
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. See stop sale. Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Walk in cooler: cooked rice (47F - Cooling) at 2:38 cooling since 12/14. Observed in deep container. At current rate of cooling product did not reach 41F within 6 hours. Educated operator on proper cooling methods. See stop sale. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-02-17: Rice 54F in walk in cooler. Cooked yesterday. See stop sale **Admin Complaint**
01B-36-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. At rear entrance to kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2026-02-17: Exterior door has a gap at the threshold. **Admin Complaint**
35B-01-4
70
Dec 15, 2025
Complaint Full
5 critical violations. 4 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Walk in cooler: cooked rice (47F - Cooling) at 2:38 cooling since 12/14. Observed in deep container. At current rate of cooling product did not reach 41F within 6 hours. Educated operator on proper cooling methods. See stop sale. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03D-02-5
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. See stop sale. Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Walk in cooler: cooked rice (47F - Cooling) at 2:38 cooling since 12/14. Observed in deep container. At current rate of cooling product did not reach 41F within 6 hours. Educated operator on proper cooling methods. See stop sale. **Warning**
01B-36-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed Raw shell eggs over diced vegetables and cheese at walk in cooler. Operator stored products properly. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed Raw chicken not in commercial packaging over raw pork at walk in freezer. Operator stored products properly. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-17-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. True beverage cooler: milk (53F - Cold Holding); ice bath: diced tomato salsa (47-50F - Cold Holding) Per operator, not prepared or portioned today. Per operator, out of temperature for approximately 30 minutes. Advised operator to place milk in reach in freezer to quick chill. Advised operator to use time control for salsa. Advised operator to place time mark for remaining 3.5 hours. Time control procedure emailed to operator. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Walk in cooler: Cooked shredded beef and cooked ground beef made 12/10 not date marked. Advised operator to date products. **Warning**
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. **Warning**
53B-05-5
Intermediate - Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. chicken stock (100F - Cooling) at 2:39; cooling since 1:39 - 94F at 3:04 Observed in deep pot at walk in cooler. At current rate of cooling product will not reach 70F within 2 hours. Advised operator to place in shallow pans and place in walk in freezer to quick chill. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03D-15-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. At hand wash station at bar. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-03-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. At rear entrance to kitchen. **Warning**
35B-01-4
30
Aug 18, 2025
Routine - Food
6 critical violations. 2 major violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. pinto beans (46-49F - Cooling) at 11:22; cooling since 9:09pm 8/17. Observed in deep containers with lid on top at walk in cooler. At current rate of cooling product did not reach 41F within 6 hours. Advised operator to cool heat treated products in shallow containers uncovered to allow for proper cooling. See top sale.
03D-02-5
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit within two hours and from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. See stop sale. Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. pinto beans (46-49F - Cooling) at 11:22; cooling since 9:09pm 8/17. Observed in deep containers with lid on top at walk in cooler. At current rate of cooling product did not reach 41F within 6 hours. Advised operator to cool heat treated products in shallow containers uncovered to allow for proper cooling. See top sale.
01B-36-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed Raw chicken tenders over fully cooked peppers at walk in cooler. Operator stored products properly. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. 1 can Tomato purée, deep dent with raised edges.
01B-13-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Diced tomato salsa (46F - cold holding) Observed in ice bath with product filled several inches above the ice. Per operator, not prepared or portioned today. Per operator, out of temperature for approximately 30 minutes. Operator cut portion in half and ice is fully surrounding product. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. 2 hose connections at mop sink at rear entrance to restaurant. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
29-34-4
Intermediate - Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. diced tomatoes (60F - Cooling) at 11:05; cooling since 10:05 - 58F at 11:36 Observed in flip top cooler on cook line. At current rate of cooling product will not reach 41F within 4 hours. Operator placed product in reach in freezer to quick chill. **Corrective Action Taken**
03D-15-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. At bar. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
33
Nov 4, 2024
Routine - Food
6 critical violations. 1 minor violation.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed Raw chicken not in commercial packaging over raw beef outside walk in freezer. Educated operator on proper storage procedures. Raw chicken over raw beef inside walk in cooler.
08A-17-6
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed Burn spray stored over spices in dry storage. Operator stored properly. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed Raw chicken tenders over cooked spinach at walk in cooler. Operator stored properly. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. salsa (puréed tomato) (44-46F - Cold Holding) Observed on ice batch with product filled 2-3 inches above ice in server side station. Per operator, not prepared or portioned today. Per operator out of temperature for approximately 20 minutes. Operator removed excess product and returned to walk in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed two hose connections at dish machine area, 1 with hose attached. No visible evidence of vacuum breakers.
29-34-4
High Priority - Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 200+ppm) Observed at bar. Operator corrected to 100ppm chlorine sanitizer. **Corrected On-Site**
41-27-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed Cooked Tortilla chips and tortillas shells not covered in dry storage area. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
39
Jul 18, 2024
Routine - Food
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
74
Feb 13, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing bleach not labeled in dish area. Operator labeled. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Stored ice cream in chest freezer in storage room not covered. Operator covered. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
86
Aug 1, 2023
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
May 12, 2023
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Chicken (40-45F - Cold Holding) in reach in cooler at cook line; food overstocked; food not portioned or prepared today; food out of temperature for less than four hours; operator divided into smaller portioned ; **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. diced tomatoes (55-63F - Cooling)at 11:08 to 55 Fat 11:30 since 10:30 ;in walk-in cooler; food covered and cooler door left opened; Operator uncovered food and closed walk-in cooler door; **Corrective Action Taken**
03D-15-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues- food debris inside coolers at cook line
22-16-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler at cook line
29-49-6
Basic - Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed- dry storage behind chest freezer Operator cleaned and sanitized
36-01-4
Basic - In-use knife stored in cracks between pieces of equipment- reach in cooler at cook line; operator removed **Corrected On-Site**
10-17-4
64
Mar 21, 2023
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - Food stored on floor. Bucket of salsa on the floor in walk-in cooler Operator stored properly **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
95
Sep 1, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken stored above shredded lettuce Operator reversed **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08A-05-6
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
32-12-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Cooked Beans stored on the floor in walk-in cooler Operator stored properly **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Gaskets with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust- all coolers at cook line
23-03-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler- at cook line
29-49-6
Basic - pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner- on the rack at the back of the kitchen Operator inverted all **Corrected On-Site**
24-05-4
67
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Rancho Chico last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Rancho Chico on file is from Feb 17, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Rancho Chico?
Across the inspection record, “raw animal food stored over/not properly separated” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Rancho Chico.
How does Rancho Chico compare to other restaurants in Tequesta?
Rancho Chico most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Tequesta average of 76.
Has Rancho Chico's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Rancho Chico have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Rancho Chico means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Rancho Chico inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Rancho Chico is inspected around three times per year on average.
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