Tijuana Flats
Last inspected: Jan 30, 2026
41
Score
Across the available record, Tijuana Flats has 10 inspections on file, the first dated 2022. The most recent visit was on Jan 30, 2026. A high risk tier suggests the facility had a rough recent inspection, with multiple violations on record.
The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around 10 violations to closer to 13 violations.
“Employee personal items stored” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing six times across the record.
Tijuana Flats' latest score of 41 falls below the Riverview average of 69. There are enough flags in the record to merit a second thought.
10
Inspections
0
Critical latest
6
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 30, 2026
Routine - Food
6 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Intermediate - Food service manager not certified within 30 days of employment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ manager John Ruszkowski
53A-04-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on steam table.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Employee bag blocking hand wash sink on cook line. Removed at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31A-09-4
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 4 employees working with no certified food manager on site.
53A-05-6
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. At hand wash sink near 3 compartment sink, manager replaced at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Chemical spray bottle not labeled. Manager labeled at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
41-17-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl with no handle in sugar, manager removed at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Ice bucket not inverted, manager inverted at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
24-05-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Cutting board on steam table.
14-09-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee bag hanging next to tortillas. Manager removed at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
40-06-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Container of chips on floor.
08B-38-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid.
33-16-4
41
Oct 15, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Beef 45 F in walk in cooler, manager closed walk in cooler door. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-15:
03A-02-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Sanitizer bucket in handwash sink across from 3 compartment sink, manager removed at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-15:
31A-09-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Manager replaced at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-15:
31B-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Portion cup in seasoning. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-15:
14-01-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on prep table. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-15:
12B-07-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee head phones on cutting board, manager removed at time of inspection. Employee hats on soda boxes. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-15:
40-06-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Containers wet nesting above 3 compartment sink. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-15:
24-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back door. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-15:
35B-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Container lids not inverted in dry storage. Manager inverted at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-15:
25-06-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. In mop sink. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-15:
42-01-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Container of seasoning not labeled. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-15:
02D-01-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. In ice bin next to register. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-10-15:
10-08-5
45
Sep 22, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Beef 45 F in walk in cooler, manager closed walk in cooler door. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Sanitizer bucket in handwash sink across from 3 compartment sink, manager removed at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-09-4
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. Manager provided one food handler certification at time of inspection. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
53B-13-5
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location. Manager Jovanne R. **Warning**
53A-02-7
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Manager replaced at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-02-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Portion cup in seasoning. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on prep table. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee head phones on cutting board, manager removed at time of inspection. Employee hats on soda boxes. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Containers wet nesting above 3 compartment sink. **Warning**
24-08-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back door. **Warning**
35B-01-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. In ice bin next to register. **Warning**
10-08-5
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Container lids not inverted in dry storage. Manager inverted at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
25-06-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. In mop sink. **Warning**
42-01-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Container of seasoning not labeled. **Warning**
02D-01-5
37
Feb 12, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
50
Sep 12, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Sour cream 59 F in reach in cooler on cook line. Manager placed sour cream to the bottom of cooler. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-12: Sour cream 47 F in reach in cooler. **Time Extended**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. At handwash sink on cook line. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-12: **Time Extended**
31B-05-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on shelf with portion cups. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-12: **Time Extended**
12B-07-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Speaker on shelf with plastic bowls. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-12: **Time Extended**
40-06-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Containers wet nesting next to 3 compartment sink. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-12: **Time Extended**
24-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. Scoop handle in cheese in reach in cooler on cook line. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-12: **Time Extended**
10-06-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-12: **Time Extended**
33-11-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Sanitizer bucket stored with food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Sanitizer bucket stored next to plates. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-09-12: **Time Extended**
21-44-1
58
Jul 15, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
43
Jan 11, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed employee pick up plate off the floor and began making a burrito without changing gloves and washing hands.
12A-09-4
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/ manager Matthew Gautier expired 12/6/2023.
53A-03-7
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Glove in handwash sink on cook line. Employee removed at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Chemical spray bottle not labeled next to steam table.
41-17-4
Intermediate - Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed employee wash hands in prep sink.
12A-03-4
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. Sent to operator at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
11-27-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on prep table. **Repeat Violation**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone and changer above prep table. **Repeat Violation**
40-06-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back door.
35B-01-4
Basic - Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster.
33-19-4
Basic - Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. Hood filters are removed to be cleaned.
14-42-4
Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster.
33-11-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Container of seasoning not labeled above prep table, operator labeled at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
37
Aug 8, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Splitter on the wrong location at faucet. **Repeat Violation**
29-42-4
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. Operator printed and had employees sign at time of inspection. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-26-1
Intermediate - Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. No consumer advisory. Steak is cooked to customer liking. Operator posted consumer advisory at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
02B-02-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Bowl with no handle in container of sugar.
14-01-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on shelf above onions.
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone on shelf above onions.
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Containers wet nesting above 3 Compartment Sink. **Repeat Violation**
24-08-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Gap at the bottom of back door. **Repeat Violation**
35B-01-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs on fryer door handle, employee removed at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-20-4
Basic - In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. Scoop handle in cheese. **Repeat Violation**
10-06-5
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No hand wash sign at handwash sink next to ice machine.
31B-04-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Portion cup lids not inverted at sauce station. **Repeat Violation**
25-06-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
42-01-4
43
Feb 21, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Splitter missing vacuum breaker. **Repeat Violation**
29-42-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. At handwash sink at front counter. **Repeat Violation**
31B-03-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Tongs on fryer handle, operator removed at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Plastic containers wet nesting above 3 Compartment Sink.
24-08-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Reach in cooler door won't stay closed.
14-11-5
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Gap at the bottom of back door.
35B-01-4
Basic - In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. Scoop handle in cheese, operator removed at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-06-5
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Portion cups lids at service area not inverted, operator inverted at time of inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
25-06-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Containers of chips not covered.
08B-12-5
55
Oct 25, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
43
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Tijuana Flats last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Tijuana Flats on file is from Jan 30, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Tijuana Flats?
Across the inspection record, “employee personal items stored” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Tijuana Flats.
How does Tijuana Flats compare to other restaurants in Riverview?
Tijuana Flats most recently scored 41 out of 100, which is lower than the Riverview average of 69.
Has Tijuana Flats' inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Tijuana Flats have averaged around 13 violations per visit, up from roughly 10 earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Tijuana Flats 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 Tijuana Flats inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Tijuana Flats is inspected around three times per year on average.
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