Southern Grounds Coffee House

695 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Café / Breakfast

Last inspected: Feb 3, 2026

Score

High Risk

There aren't many inspections to draw from yet: just two so far. Southern Grounds Coffee House was last inspected on Feb 3, 2026. A high risk tier suggests the facility had a rough recent inspection, with multiple violations on record.

Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around 12 violations per visit versus roughly zero violations earlier in the record.

By comparison, the average St. Petersburg facility scores 77, putting Southern Grounds Coffee House on the weaker side. Taken together, the history suggests a facility that has struggled with consistency.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Feb 3, 2026

Routine - Food

2 critical violations. 6 major violations. 4 minor violations.

View 12 violations

High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Expired on 2/1/2026.

50-17-3

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Containers of raw shelled egg whites, raw shelled pulled eggs, French toast egg wash, and raw shelled eggs stored above hard boiled eggs, white rice, and coleslaw inside reach in cooler on cook line across from stove top burners. Container of raw lamb and raw ground beef stored over container of portioned cooked chicken stored inside walk in cooler. Discussed with kitchen employee and items we moved. **Corrected On-Site**

08A-05-6

Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Unlabeled spray bottles of dark pink and light pink liquid substance stored at three compartment sink in front counter area. Dark pink liquid substance stored at mop handsink. Bottles were labeled. **Corrected On-Site**

41-17-4

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Plastic pitcher stored inside hand handsink at end of cook line across from walk in cooler. Inspector removed item and discussed with employee. **Corrected On-Site**

31A-11-4

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Missing at hand handsink at end of cook line across from walk in cooler. Roll of paper towels stocked. **Corrected On-Site**

31B-02-4

Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Missing at hand handsink at end of cook line across from walk in cooler. Bottle of soap stocked. **Corrected On-Site**

31B-03-4

Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed training certificate for Lucas L. Completion date of 7/23/2025 through FLRA SafeStaff. No other training could be provided for the other two employee present engaging with food or in food preparation.

53B-13-5

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

22-02-4

Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Missing at hand handsink next to three compartment sink. Missing at hand handsink at end of cook line across from walk in cooler. Employee posted sign at both hand sinks. **Corrected On-Site**

31B-04-4

Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of turbo chef soiled with burnt food debris.

22-08-4

Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.

16-21-4

Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Interior soiled with pink mold like substance.

22-20-5

Aug 7, 2025

Food-Licensing Inspection

No violations found.

100

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Southern Grounds Coffee House last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Southern Grounds Coffee House on file is from Feb 3, 2026. The public record contains two inspections in total.

How does Southern Grounds Coffee House compare to other restaurants in St. Petersburg?

Southern Grounds Coffee House most recently scored 33 out of 100, which is lower than the St. Petersburg average of 77.

Has Southern Grounds Coffee House's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Southern Grounds Coffee House have averaged around 12 violations per visit, up from roughly zero earlier in the record.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at Southern Grounds Coffee House 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.

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