Sweetwater Branch Inn
Last inspected: Jan 16, 2026
61
Score
Across the available record, Sweetwater Branch Inn has 10 inspections on file, the first dated 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Jan 16, 2026. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
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 four times.
Compared to other Gainesville restaurants (averaging 75), there's room to close the gap. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
10
Inspections
1
Critical latest
2
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 16, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
61
Jul 10, 2025
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
58
Apr 22, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed: raw Shell eggs stored over brownies and prepped cranberries. The eggs were moved to the lower shelf in another reach-in cooler. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed in the office/storage room, liquid hand soap stored over gloves used for food preparation. Staff was asked to rearrange the shelves. **Corrective Action Taken**
41-10-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed lack of a test kit for the chlorine sanitizer.
16-37-1
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed an employee drink on the kitchen(B) prep table. The spill from this cup was cleaned up.
12B-07-4
64
Sep 16, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shell eggs over stock and dairy products in reach in cooler on cooks line. Raw shrimp over potatoes in walk in cooler. Raw shell eggs over canned beverages in walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Butane fuel stored on shelf next to seasonings, liquid butter, and oil on cooks line, employee moved fuel over to the chemical rack. Sanitizer spray bottle on prep table near cutting board and brownies, employee moved. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on prep table heavily stained. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on prep table near cutting board and wrapped brownies, employee moved drink to the bottom. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact equipment exposed to splash/spillage not constructed of materials that are corrosion resistant, non-absorbent, smooth and easily cleanable. Wooden shelf above prep table in corner of kitchen across from reach in cooler.
14-47-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Dry storage container lid is starting to crack/pieces fall apart. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone on top of box containing mayo packets, employee moved phone. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
55
Mar 6, 2024
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Food with mold-like growth. See stop sale. 4 onions in walk in cooler.
01B-07-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shell eggs over cream in reach in cooler across from ovens. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Ricotta and mozzarella balls opened Tuesday of last week.
01B-24-5
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Air freshener on same shelf as seasonings in kitchen, operator moved air freshener. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ 2 manager certificates expired 10/2023.
53A-03-7
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on prep table stained.
22-02-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Establishment using quaternary ammonia tablets.
16-37-1
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. 2 bottles hanging on chemical rack.
41-17-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Wooden cutting board cracked, operator discarded. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Box of paper towels on floor in dry storage area.
25-05-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Bag of sugar on floor in dry storage room. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
32
Oct 20, 2023
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Oct 9, 2023
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw Chicken in the reach in cooler stored over Ready-To-Eat cheese and chimichurri container in the the reach in cooler located between the air conditioning unit and hand wash sink in the Mc Kenzie House kitchen. Observed raw repackaged Chicken stored offer repackaged roast beef and diced apples in the reach in freezer by the back door.
08A-02-6
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed vacuum breaker not attached to the hose Bibb on the right side of the back steps to the kitchen that is next to the outside walk-in-cooler of the McKenzie house **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
29-34-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed raw Chicken at 50F, cooked Chicken at 50F, butter at 51F in the reach in cooler located between the air conditioning unit and hand wash sink in the McKenzie House . All the items had been stored over night in the reach in cooler. Reach in cooler ambient temperature was at 53F **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed raw Chicken at 50F, cooked Chicken at 50F, butter at 51F in the reach in cooler located between the air conditioning unit and hand wash sink in the McKenzie House . All the items had been stored over night in the reach in cooler. Reach in cooler ambient temperature was at 53F **Warning**
01B-02-5
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed missing paper towel and soap dispenser by the hand wash sink in the dry goods storage area/office. Manager placed soap and towels at hand wash sink **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting board on flip-top make table with grooves and stained with mold like substance in kitchen.
14-09-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed two boxes of oil stored on the floor on the back covered porch next to the reach in freezer . Manager picked up oil from floor **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed hole in wall in the dry goods storage area and next to the chemical storage area, and missing cove molding in the dry goods storage area **Repeat Violation**
36-24-5
43
Jun 14, 2023
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Mar 24, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 6 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed hose bibb under deck with hose on the right side of the steps across from outside walk-in-cooler entering the back of the large kitchen.
29-34-4
Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Observed person in charge at establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Inspector provided vomitting and diarrhea procedure. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-27-4
Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Observed No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. Five employees were working at the establishment.
53A-05-6
Intermediate - No measuring device available for measuring utensil surface temperature when using hot water as sanitizer in a dishmachine. Observed no measuring device available for measuring utensil surface temperature when using hot water as sanitizer in a dishmachine.
16-62-1
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. Observed No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
53B-02-5
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. Observed person in charge cannot provide verifiable proof 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.
11-26-1
Intermediate - Whole fruit displayed for self-service not wrapped and no utensils provided. Observed apples available for self serve not wrapped on counter
08B-15-4
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Observed unwashed produce (mushrooms) stored over ready-to-eat food ( bread ) in walk in cooler
08B-17-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters in large kitchen soiled with grease and air conditioner filter cover with accumulated dirt.
23-03-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed hole in wall in the back room approaching chemical storage area in the large kitchen.
36-24-5
Basic - Establishment using sponges on cleaned and sanitized, or in-use food-contact surface. Observed establishment using sponge on in-use food-contact surface at three-compartment sink.
21-23-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed establishment displaying an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license dated 6/1/2017 **Repeat Violation**
50-09-4
Basic - Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing. Observed missing cove molding in dry goods storage area in the back of the large kitchen.
36-03-4
Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Observed commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that product is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package.
06-09-1
33
Nov 17, 2022
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 4 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 20 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. tomatoes (55F - Cold Holding); chicken (54F - Cold Holding) employees had food items out while prepping sandwiches, items placed back in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Sanitizer not used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Observed Compass cleaner mixed with water in sanitizer buckets, employees say they use it as a sanitizer to wipe prep areas. The product is to be used for washing dishes or hands not sanitizing prep areas.
41-28-4
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. Raw bacon over peach cobbler inside outside reach in freezer. Raw beef over shrimp.
08A-17-6
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken over raw fish in reach in cooler next too door to event space.
08A-20-5
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray cleaner bottles on table next too and above dried foods/spices.
41-10-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. 1 cutting board on cooks line with stains. Can opener blade. **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Handwash sink in dry storage room.
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. 2 residential brushes used to brush pastries.
14-14-4
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. One employee working in kitchen, other 2 employees are less than 60 days employed.
53B-13-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Fan over main prep area soiled.
36-34-5
Basic - Clean equipment/utensils not stored at least 6 inches above the floor. Mixer on floor in dry storage room.
24-26-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Displayed license from 2017. **Repeat Violation**
50-09-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. 2 drinks on table next to coffee makers.
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. 2 employees eating brownies at the prep table.
12B-02-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Phone and glasses on shelf next to spices.
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. White cutting boards on prep table with deep cut marks. Food racks in walk in cooler with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-11-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact equipment exposed to splash/spillage not constructed of materials that are corrosion resistant, non-absorbent, smooth and easily cleanable. Wooden shelf above coffee maker area.
14-47-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. All bulk container lids soiled (panko, flour, and sugar.) Small reach in cooler on cooks line gaskets soiled. Can opener holder attached to prep table.
23-03-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Rolls on the floor in the side storage cupboard.
25-05-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. White powder in small container on dry storage rack, black powder on shelf at coffee maker area.
02D-01-5
18
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Sweetwater Branch Inn last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Sweetwater Branch Inn on file is from Jan 16, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Sweetwater Branch Inn?
Across the inspection record, “toxic substance/chemical improperly stored” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Sweetwater Branch Inn.
How does Sweetwater Branch Inn compare to other restaurants in Gainesville?
Sweetwater Branch Inn most recently scored 61 out of 100, which is lower than the Gainesville average of 75.
Has Sweetwater Branch Inn's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Sweetwater Branch Inn have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Sweetwater Branch Inn 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 Sweetwater Branch Inn inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Sweetwater Branch Inn is inspected around three times per year on average.
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