Willows Cafe

436 Central Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

Café / Breakfast

Last inspected: Mar 28, 2024

Score

Medium Risk

Across the available record, Willows Cafe has four inspections on file, the first dated 2022. Willows Cafe was last inspected on Mar 28, 2024. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent. Note that Willows Cafe's inspection history hasn't been updated since Mar 28, 2024; current conditions may have shifted from what the file shows.

Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near four violations per visit.

The most common issue across all inspections has been “raw animal food stored over canned/bottled drinks”, showing up two times.

The city-wide average sits at 81, which Willows Cafe's 70 doesn't quite reach. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Mar 28, 2024

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.

View 4 violations

Hands Clean and Properly Washed

FL-08

Food Received at Proper Temperature

FL-12

Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored

FL-41

Sewage and Wastewater Properly Disposed

FL-27

Oct 20, 2023

Routine - Food

2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.

View 4 violations

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over canned/bottled drinks. Raw shell eggs stored over cans of soda in the glass door reach in cooler across from the cook line. Owner removed the eggs. **Corrected On-Site**

08A-11-5

High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken stored over raw bacon in the stand up reach in cooler across from the cook line. Owner removed the chicken. **Corrected On-Site**

08A-20-5

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked vegetables stored in the reach in cooler across from the cook line with no date mark. Owner stated the vegetables were cooked on 10/18. Owner placed a date mark on the vegetables. **Corrected On-Site**

02C-02-5

Basic - Uncovered food stored near sink exposed to splash. Uncovered container of potatoes stored next to the hand washing sink on the cook line. Employee removed the potatoes. **Corrected On-Site**

08B-54-4

Feb 1, 2023

Routine - Food

2 critical violations. 3 minor violations.

View 5 violations

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over canned/bottled drinks. Raw shell eggs stored over canned drinks in the stand up reach in cooler across from the cook line. Owner removed the eggs. **Corrected On-Site**

08A-11-5

High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle containing cleaning fluid stored next to food on a shelf next to the cook line. Owner removed the bottle. **Corrected On-Site**

41-10-4

Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Floors in the back preparation area. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Repeat Violation**

36-11-4

Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Walls across from the cook line and below the three compartment sink soiled.

36-27-5

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. 3x2 foot hole in the wall next to the air handler in the back kitchen area. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Repeat Violation**

36-32-5

Sep 7, 2022

Routine - Food

1 major violation. 5 minor violations.

View 6 violations

Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Spray bottle containing cleaning fluid not labeled. Owner labeled the bottle. **Corrected On-Site**

41-17-4

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink stored on a cutting board in the preparation area. Owner removed the drink. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Corrected On-Site** **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 stored on the top of a roll top reach in cooler next to single service items on the cook line. Owner removed the phone. **Corrected On-Site**

40-06-5

Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Floors in the back preparation area of the kitchen. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Repeat Violation**

36-11-4

Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Lights under the exhaust hood on the cook line have no covers.

38-07-4

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. 3x2 foot hole in the ceiling next to the air handler. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Repeat Violation**

36-32-5

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Willows Cafe last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Willows Cafe on file is from Mar 28, 2024. The public record contains four inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Willows Cafe?

Across the inspection record, “raw animal food stored over canned/bottled drinks” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Willows Cafe.

How does Willows Cafe compare to other restaurants in Sarasota?

Willows Cafe most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Sarasota average of 81.

Has Willows Cafe's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Willows Cafe have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Willows Cafe means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.

Nearby Restaurants

Green Zebra Cafe

1377 Main St

Score: 70 — Medium Risk

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Explore More

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