Sophie's Cafe
Last inspected: Apr 14, 2026
50
Score
Inspectors have visited Sophie's Cafe 12 times, with records going back to 2022. On Apr 14, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A high risk rating points to multiple serious findings at the most recent inspection.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around six violations each.
The pattern that stands out is “toxic substance/chemical improperly stored”, which has been cited two times.
Restaurants in Sebring average 74, so Sophie's Cafe trails the local norm. Diners may want to weigh the inspection history when deciding to visit.
12
Inspections
3
Critical latest
2
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 14, 2026
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed stainless cleaner next to container of beans and spices, operator moved. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw beef in reach in cooler in kitchen, operator moved. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
High Priority - Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Observed household raid on shelve in the kitchen, operator moved. **Corrected On-Site**
41-05-4
Intermediate - Test kit for measuring the concentration of the sanitizing solution not used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions or employee unaware of proper use Observed wrong testing kit for dish machine, owner had quaternary instead of chlorine.
16-43-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no towels at hand washing sink by 3-compartment sink, employee changed. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs on handle of oven, operator moved. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
50
Nov 6, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
70
Jul 16, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Yuneisy Cueto 6/3/19 Javier Cueto 6/13/19 **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-16: Yuneisy Cueto 4/26/25 National Registry Javier Cueto 6/13/19 Some progress noted, operator does not have at location. **Time Extended**
53A-03-7
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime: cutting boards at line. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-16: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bustello coffee stored under water line at front hand washing sink **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-16: **Time Extended**
08B-52-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable at line. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-16: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors : exterior door. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-07-16: **Time Extended**
35B-03-4
70
Jul 15, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
23
Apr 24, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on the cook line soiled and has deep cutting groves. Owner removed the board to be sanitized. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-24: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Several items stored in the hand washing sink next to the cook line. Employee removed the items. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-04-24: Items were stored in the hand washing sink. Employee removed the items. **Time Extended**
31A-09-4
82
Apr 22, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Employee handled raw chicken then clean utensils without changing their gloves and washing their hands. Employee removed the utensils to be sanitized, washed their hands and changed gloves. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
12A-09-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Raw chicken stored over unwashed peppers in the reach in cooler in the preparation area. Owner removed the chicken. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-04-5
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. Employee touched their face then clean equipment without washing their hands. Employee removed the equipment to be sanitized and washed their hands. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
12A-29-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on the cook line soiled and has deep cutting groves. Owner removed the board to be sanitized. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Several items stored in the hand washing sink next to the cook line. Employee removed the items. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Juice packaged in the establishment that has not been specifically processed to prevent, reduce, or eliminate the presence of pathogens not bearing a warning label. Fresh squeezed juice made on site sold from the glass door reach in cooler in the front counter area with no warning label. Owner removed the juice. No fresh squeezed juice may sold until it bears a warning label. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
02D-12-1
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Several drinks stored on preparation tables in the kitchen. Owner removed the drinks. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
12B-07-4
45
Jan 15, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board on cook line soiled and grooved. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-15: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
90
Nov 14, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 6 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed a bottle of windex on the prep table above food, cook removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-10-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed in reach in cooler by cook line, two pans of raw chicken and one pan of raw steak stored over ready to eat green peppers and sliced onions, manager removed. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board on cook line soiled and grooved. **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand washing sink in dish area, blocked by a bakers rack, manager moved. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Juice packaged in the establishment that has not been specifically processed to prevent, reduce, or eliminate the presence of pathogens not bearing a warning label. Establishment is bottling orange juice that is squeezed on-site and is selling it out of there drink cooler with no warning label. **Warning**
02D-12-1
Intermediate - No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products. Asked manager for probe thermometer, said did not have one. **Warning**
05-08-4
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. Observed when asked manager could not provide agreement. **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed one unlabeled bottle in dish area and one unlabeled bottle in wait staff area, manager removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-17-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed in storage area by back door, oil and onions stored on floor. **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - Label on a food item prepared and packaged onsite for customer self-service does not include product identity/description, date product was packaged and name and address of the establishment that prepared and packaged the food. Establishment is preparing and packaging fruit cups containing cut watermelon and selling out of their drink cooler with no date marking. **Warning**
02D-03-4
37
Jan 17, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking. Operator states oldest food in cabinet is 3 hours old and establishment closes in 1 hour. All foods will be discarded at that time. Read side operator to follow the time as a public health control plan as written and provide time marks. **Repeat Violation**
03F-02-5
Intermediate - Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Observed black beans (77 / second temp. 64F - Cooling). Advised operator to place in freezer in shallow pan and stir every 10 minutes until foods reach 41F and must drop below 70f within 30 minutes. Emailed cooling handout. **Corrected On-Site**
03D-15-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed front counter handsink is used to clean coffee making utensils. Observed scrubber sponges and brushes stored in handsink. Employee states items are cleaned in sink.
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. At front counter handsink observed roll of paper towels standing on end in plastic container with plastic pitcher stored on top of roll of paper towels.
31B-05-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloths stored on counter beside handsink at front counter.
21-12-4
Basic - Food stored in a location that is exposed to splash/dust. Observed small paper bag of sugar stored beside handsink in splash zone.
08B-36-4
58
Sep 29, 2023
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed handsink at dishwash area blocked by speedrack.
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink at front counter. Operator added towels. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed pastries in freezer not covered.
08B-12-5
78
Dec 2, 2022
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed beef meat pies (117F - Hot Holding); ham croquettes (120F - Hot Holding); potatoes balls (125F - Hot Holding)at front counter display. Manager stated foods have been in display less than 2 hours. Foods must be discarded if not sold by 1230pm. Manager states they will use time as a public health control , form provided at inspection via email. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw beef stored in open pan over unwashed vegetables. Operator moved vegetables above meat. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08A-04-5
High Priority - Employee washed hands with cold water as evidenced by inspector washing hands right after and water was cold.
12A-19-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed handsink blocked by speed rack at 3 bay prep area. Manager removed speedrack. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed employee washing coffe equipment in handsink at front counter. Manager retrained employee. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed boxes of food stored on floor in walk-in freezer.
08B-38-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed large pork roast sitting directly on cooler shelf with no covering or pan. Observed ham and raw beef uncovered in cooler. Manager wrapped foods. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
Basic - Trash receptacles not provided where needed in establishment. Observed no trash cans in vicinity of ant handsink. Observed employee carrying paper after washing hands and return to cookline with paper in hand. Inspector could not locate garbage to dispose of paper after washing hands. Manager located a receptacle and positioned at cookline handsink. **Corrected On-Site**
33-06-4
45
Aug 17, 2022
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Item stored in hand washing sink. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance in kitchen.
36-34-5
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Sophie's Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Sophie's Cafe on file is from Apr 14, 2026. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Sophie's Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “toxic substance/chemical improperly stored” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Sophie's Cafe.
How does Sophie's Cafe compare to other restaurants in Sebring?
Sophie's Cafe most recently scored 50 out of 100, which is lower than the Sebring average of 74.
Has Sophie's Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Sophie's Cafe have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Sophie's Cafe 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 Sophie's Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Sophie's Cafe is inspected around three times per year on average.
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