Sonic Drive in
Last inspected: Feb 18, 2026
67
Score
Inspectors have visited Sonic Drive in 12 times, with records going back to 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Feb 18, 2026. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near six violations per visit across recent inspections.
When inspectors have written things up, “floor area(s) covered with standing water” has been the most frequent reason, cited five times.
Among Hialeah Gardens restaurants, this is a fairly standard result. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 18, 2026
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed food residue inside handwashing sink behind front counter.
31A-11-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed carbon dioxide /helium tanks loose in the back Dry storage area.
51-11-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. On
50-09-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed employee personal iced coffee inside reach in cooler next to shake machine. Manager discarded during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-13-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed food residue inside reach in cooler soiled/ freezer at cook line.
22-16-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed wall stained with brown substance next to back entrance door.
36-27-5
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water under shake machine next to service window.
36-22-4
67
Sep 4, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. At preparation line observed cut tomatoes (58F - Cold Holding), operator stated that she had transferred cut tomatoes to the preparation cooler about 5 hours ago. Operator discarded cut tomatoes. **Corrected On-Site**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. At preparation line observed cut tomatoes (58F - Cold Holding), operator stated that she had transferred cut tomatoes to the preparation cooler about 5 hours ago. Operator discarded cut tomatoes. **Corrected On-Site**
03A-02-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employees water cup and water bottle stored on preparation table at preparation line.
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 prescription glasses stored on preparation table at preparation area line.
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reaching cooler gasket soil unit is located at Cook line by the three compartment sink.
14-11-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed reaching cooler gasket soil unit located at Cook line by the three compartment sink.
23-03-4
61
May 15, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at prep cooler at cook line cheese (48F - Cold Holding), as per employee for less than 30 minutes. Operator transfer cheese back in the cooler to rapidly cool. **Corrective Action Taken** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-15: **Time Extended**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-15: Manager proof of food manager certification not provided. **Admin Complaint**
53A-01-7
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. No proof of employee training for employees working for over 60 days-Jhon Ciro, Becerra Norilly, Nora Diaz, Yosvanny Garcia. - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-15: No proof of food safety training not available during the callback inspection. **Admin Complaint**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Soap dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense soap. Observed at cook line. - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-15: **Time Extended**
31B-06-4
64
Mar 7, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 5 major violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at prep cooler at cook line cheese (48F - Cold Holding), as per employee for less than 30 minutes. Operator transfer cheese back in the cooler to rapidly cool. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food, clean equipment and utensils, and single-service items. Discussed and sent form to manager. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-07-5
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
53A-01-7
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. No proof of employee training for employees working for over 60 days-Jhon Ciro, Becerra Norilly, Nora Diaz, Yosvanny Garcia.
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. Sent form to operator. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-26-1
Intermediate - Soap dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense soap. Observed at cook line.
31B-06-4
52
Feb 13, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 6 violations
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
43
Aug 16, 2024
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee washed soiled utensil in the three compartment sink then continued to engage in food preparation without washing hands prior. **Warning**
12A-29-4
High Priority - Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed employee washed and rinsed a Griddle Scraper Flat Spatula that had fallen on the floor in the three compartment sink and failed to sanitize it properly. Instructed employee to sanitize utensil. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
22-45-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef patty stored over corn dogs, chili sauce in the walk-in cooler. **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. At prep cooler at cook line observed cheese (48 F - Cold Holding), as per employee placed in the unit less than for hours ago. Instructed employee to remove food item and transferred it to a working to rapidly cool down. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Nora Diaz, Leidy Estrada, working for over 60 days with no proof of training. **Warning**
53B-02-5
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification. Observed manager Jhon Medina working for about 8 months as store manager with no proof of manager training. **Warning**
53A-01-7
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Warning**
35B-01-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed Reach in cooler gasket soiled, cooler located at cook line by the flat grill. **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water in the prep cooler across from the fryers at cook line. **Warning**
29-49-6
39
Apr 2, 2024
Routine - Food
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling vents soiled throughout the kitchen. Obseved ceiling tiles soiled throughout the kitchen. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-02: **Time Extended**
36-34-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Drain cover(s) missing. Obseved under 3 compartment sink - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-02: **Time Extended**
29-18-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed by the drive through area. - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-02: **Time Extended**
36-22-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed in the kitchen area. - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-02: **Time Extended**
36-02-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed faucet leaking water under 3 compartment sink. - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-02: **Time Extended**
29-11-4
78
Mar 19, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 12 minor violations.
View 16 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
No Bare Hand Contact with Ready-to-Eat Food
FL-09
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Single-Use/Single-Service Articles Properly Stored and Used
FL-45
Food Temperature Measuring Devices Provided and Accurate
FL-46
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
16
Jan 11, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Observed quaternary sanitizer at 500ppm, for sanitizer bucket stored under kitchen counter.
41-27-4
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. Observed employee training expired on 10/15/2023 for John Ciro, provided by Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.
53B-14-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin located at side corner area of kitchen.
22-20-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed dust accumulation on air conditioner vents and ceiling tiles throughout kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
36-34-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed cracked glass door panel of exit door near drive thru area.
14-11-5
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water located in front of kitchen ice machine.
36-22-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed debris on floor under soda syrup boxes at dispensing system located towards back kitchen area, near exit door. Observed floor soiled located under icee beverage dispenser machine and at sundaes/shakes prep area.
36-73-4
Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed missing light shield covers throughout kitchen.
38-07-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled fan covers inside walk in cooler. Observed soiled reach in cooler and reach in freezer gaskets located throughout kitchen. Observed soiled hood filters above kitchen cookline.
23-03-4
55
May 8, 2023
Complaint Full
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed trough out the kitchen **Repeat Violation**
36-34-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. **Repeat Violation**
35B-01-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed in front of 3 compartment sink.
36-22-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed inside walk in freeze.
14-69-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed by 3 compartment sink above reach in freezers. **Repeat Violation**
36-27-5
78
Nov 1, 2022
Routine - Food
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed tiles soiled above freezer and cooler across from 3 compartment sin and ac vents dusty . **Repeat Violation**
36-34-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside.
35B-01-4
Basic - Light not functioning. Observed above preparation area, and on hood system lights burn out. **Repeat Violation**
36-62-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. **Repeat Violation**
16-46-4
Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. **Repeat Violation**
36-02-5
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust.observed behind freezer and cooler by 3 compartment sink. **Repeat Violation**
36-27-5
74
Jul 5, 2022
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed metal pot on hand wash sink. Employee removed pot from hand wash sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed next to soda syrup dispenser co2 thank no secured
51-11-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. **Repeat Violation**
36-34-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation.
13-03-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.
24-08-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed in front of ice machine, and front of walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation**
36-22-4
Basic - Light not functioning. Observed above ware washing area.
36-62-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
64
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Sonic Drive in last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Sonic Drive in on file is from Feb 18, 2026. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Sonic Drive in?
Across the inspection record, “floor area(s) covered with standing water” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Sonic Drive in.
How does Sonic Drive in compare to other restaurants in Hialeah Gardens?
Sonic Drive in most recently scored 67 out of 100, which is about the same as the Hialeah Gardens average of 66.
Has Sonic Drive in's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Sonic Drive in have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Sonic Drive in 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 Sonic Drive in inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Sonic Drive in is inspected around three times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants