Will's Cafe Creole Restaurant
Last inspected: Mar 24, 2026
86
Score
Across the available record, Will's Cafe Creole Restaurant has 14 inspections on file, the first dated 2022. Will's Cafe Creole Restaurant was last inspected on Mar 24, 2026. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around 10 violations per visit versus roughly three violations earlier in the record.
Across the inspection history, “time/temperature control for safety food cold held” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded four times.
Will's Cafe Creole Restaurant's latest score of 86 sits above the North Lauderdale average of 76. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
14
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 24, 2026
Routine - Food
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - In kitchen ,Interior of white chest freezer has rust that has pitted the surface - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-22: Observed observed at callback same **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-24: Observed at callback as,e **Time Extended**
14-34-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. In kitchen, white chest freezer lid in disrepair. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-22: Observed at callback same **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-24: Observed at callbackmsame **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Observed in kitchen, white chest freezer interior has insulation exposed. - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-22: Observed at callback same **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2026-03-24: Observed at callback same **Time Extended**
14-36-5
86
Jan 22, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Establishment license expired since December 1st , 2025 - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-22: Observed at callback same time extended until March 22 2026 **Time Extended**
50-17-3
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - In kitchen ,Interior of white chest freezer has rust that has pitted the surface - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-22: Observed observed at callback same **Time Extended**
14-34-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Observed ceiling tile missing over reach in cooler at cook line - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-22: Observed at callback same **Time Extended**
36-36-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. In kitchen, white chest freezer lid in disrepair. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-22: Observed at callback same **Time Extended**
14-11-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Observed in kitchen, white chest freezer interior has insulation exposed. - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-22: Observed at callback same **Time Extended**
14-36-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Emailed poster to operator. - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-22: Observed at callback same **Time Extended**
51-13-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters at cook line and around all cooking equipment soiled with grease. - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-22: Observed at callback same **Time Extended**
23-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water in reach in cooler next to cook line. - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-22: Observed at callback same **Time Extended**
29-49-6
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed in triple sink , raw chicken and beef improperly thawing at room temperature. Educated manager on proper thawing procedures manager placed in the refrigerator to properly thaw. **Corrected On-Site** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-22: Observed at callback same. Operator ran water **Time Extended** **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
58
Jan 21, 2026
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 2 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 17 violations
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. One live roach seen inside of electrical panel next to hand wash sink in kitchen. Observed roach crawl inside of hole in electrical panel. **Admin Complaint**
35A-05-4
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Establishment license expired since December 1st , 2025
50-17-3
High Priority - Employee touched bare body part and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed operator licked her palm to taste the food then continued to engage in food preparation. Advised operator to stop and properly wash her hands . Operator properly washed her hands during the inspection . **Corrected On-Site**
12A-10-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in reach in cooler at cook line - Cooked pork (62F - Cold Holding); cooked beef (53 - Cold Holding); cooked rice (62F - Cold Holding); cooked turkey (54F - Cold Holding); cooked legume (47F - Cold Holding); pikiliz (53F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (59F - Cold Holding); plantain porridge (50F - Cold Holding). Per operator items were not prepared or portioned today. Items were left in cooler over night exceeding 6 hours. See stop sale.
03A-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in reach in cooler at cook line - Cooked pork (62F - Cold Holding); cooked beef (53 - Cold Holding); cooked rice (62F - Cold Holding); cooked turkey (54F - Cold Holding); cooked legume (47F - Cold Holding); pikiliz (53F - Cold Holding); cooked chicken (59F - Cold Holding); plantain porridge (50F - Cold Holding). Per operator items were not prepared or portioned today. Items were left in cooler over night exceeding 6 hours.
01B-02-5
Intermediate - Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of employee health policy and health requirements. Emailed poster to operator.
11-03-5
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. Emailed poster to operator.
11-27-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Observed pipe under triple sink in kitchen is leaking.
29-08-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water in reach in cooler next to cook line.
29-49-6
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed in triple sink , raw chicken and beef improperly thawing at room temperature. Educated manager on proper thawing procedures manager placed in the refrigerator to properly thaw. **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
Basic - In kitchen ,Interior of white chest freezer has rust that has pitted the surface
14-34-4
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Observed ceiling tile missing over reach in cooler at cook line
36-36-4
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. 1. Approximately 5 dead roaches on floor next to both sides of white chest freezer in kitchen. 2. Observed 3 dead roaches to the side of green cabinet at front counter of restaurant. Operator cleaned and sanitized both areas during the inspection. **Corrected On-Site** **Admin Complaint**
35A-03-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. In kitchen, white chest freezer lid in disrepair. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Interior of refrigerator or freezer in disrepair/has exposed insulation. Observed in kitchen, white chest freezer interior has insulation exposed.
14-36-5
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Emailed poster to operator.
51-13-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters at cook line and around all cooking equipment soiled with grease.
23-03-4
23
Nov 18, 2025
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. In kitchen, white chest freezer lid in disrepair. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: White chest freezer lid in disrepair **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2025-11-18: Observed same. **Time Extended**
14-11-5
95
Sep 19, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. One employee hired more than 60 days no proof if training. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: **Time Extended**
53B-02-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. In kitchen, white chest freezer lid in disrepair. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-19: White chest freezer lid in disrepair **Time Extended**
14-11-5
86
Sep 18, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. In reach in two door cooler, sweet plantain (57F - Cooling); cooked chicken (56°F - Cooling); cooked pork (51F - Cooling); cooked turkey (56°F - cooling); porridge (52°F - Cooling); beef legumes (56°F - Cooling ). Operator stated not prepared or portioned today. Held over night in cooler. See stop sale **Warning**
03D-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. In reach in two door cooler, sweet plantain (57F - Cooling); cooked chicken (56°F - Cooling); cooked pork (51F - Cooling); cooked turkey (56°F - cooling); porridge (52°F - Cooling); beef legumes (56°F - Cooling ). Operator stated not prepared or portioned today. Held over night in cooler **Warning**
01B-13-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels provided at handwashing sink in kitchen and front counter handwashing sink. Operator provided paper towels **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-02-4
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. One employee hired more than 60 days no proof if training. **Warning**
53B-02-5
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. In reach in cooler in kitchen, chicken, pork, beef, sweet plantain. Not date marked. **Warning**
02C-02-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. In kitchen, white chest freezer lid in disrepair. **Warning**
14-11-5
52
May 28, 2025
Routine - Food
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Toilet/urinal not flushing/functioning properly. Observed urinal not flushing. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-28: **Time Extended**
32-23-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler in kitchen not operating and used for storage. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-05-28: **Time Extended**
14-11-5
90
May 22, 2025
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on counter in kitchen - turkey (75F - Hot Holding); chicken (73F - Hot Holding) as per operator items held out of temperature for approximately 1 hour. Observed on top of microwave in kitchen - tilapia gravy (105F - Hot Holding) as per operator items held out of temperature for approximately 30 minutes. **Warning**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at reach in cooler (glass door) in lobby - cooked chicken (65F - Cold Holding); pork (67F - Cold Holding) as per operator items held out of temperature overnight. Items not portioned or prepared today. See stop sale. **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed at reach in cooler (glass door) in lobby - cooked chicken (65F - Cold Holding); pork (67F - Cold Holding) as per operator items held out of temperature overnight. Items not portioned or prepared today. See stop sale. **Warning**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed at chest freezer in front of triple sink - raw turkey (not commercially packaged) stored over raw beef (not commercially packaged). Operator stored correctly. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-02-6
Intermediate - Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Observed at reach in cooler in kitchen - beans (55F - Cooling at 1035am, cooling since 9:00am - 56F at 1135am) **Warning**
03D-15-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in cooler in kitchen not operating and used for storage. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-11-5
Basic - Toilet/urinal not flushing/functioning properly. Observed urinal not flushing. **Warning**
32-23-5
45
Feb 20, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
74
Feb 26, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed raw beef in contact with a key food t shirt bag in reach in freezer chest. Observed raw meat in contact with black garbage bag in freezer chest.
14-31-5
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. License expired on December 1 2023 **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs over cooked chicken in single glass door reach in Observed raw fish over rice and peas in True single door reach in.
08A-05-6
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. Two new employees hired with out training. Emailed bulletin to operator.
11-26-1
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet mop wet nesting in mop bucket.
42-01-4
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed beef and chicken defrosting in three compartment sink without running water on items.
06-01-5
Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed light shield missing in the warewashing area
38-07-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed gaskets on true reach in cooler torn. Observed reach in freezer chest top one side is broken off the hinges.
14-11-5
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee cell phones stored on top of microwave in kitchen.
40-06-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed pot and pans on shelves in ware washing area not stored inverted or in a protected manner.
24-05-4
41
Nov 7, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 10 violations
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. Observed employee handle cell phone than engaged in food preparation.
12A-29-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed liver (119-125F - Hot Holding); pasta (90-95F - Hot Holding) sitting on counter at room temperature per employee held since 8:00. Employee placed items on stove to reheat to 165F **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
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/ Ganelle Noel.
53A-03-7
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink in kitchen Observed no paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink at front counter.
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink in kitchen.
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed multiple items in true refrigerator not dated marked.
02C-02-5
Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed light by three compartment sink missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers.
38-07-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee cell phone on top of microwave.
40-06-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed license displayed expired December 1 2020
50-09-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Observed at hand washing sink drain pipe is not connected to hand washing sink water drains on floor
29-08-4
41
Aug 30, 2023
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Jun 22, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. At 10:30am, Observed pot of Stewed vegetables 53°F cooling since last night. Operator disposed of. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed at 10:30am, pot of Stewed vegetables cooling since last night at 53°F. Operator discarded. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
01B-02-5
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
53B-05-5
Intermediate - Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink in kitchen not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Operator provided towels **Corrective Action Taken**
31B-05-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Multiple containers prepared more than 24 hrs ago, with no date marks. **Repeat Violation**
02C-02-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed cup with no handle inside MSG container. Operator removed. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
14-01-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair in dry storage room.
36-32-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. **Repeat Violation**
50-09-4
47
Nov 3, 2022
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed sauce made with garlic and oil (44°-45°F - Cold Holding) in reach in cooler across from 3 compartment sink. Per operator foods were in unit more than 24 hours ago. Foods were not prepared or portioned today. See stop sale.
03A-02-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed sauce made with garlic and oil (44°-45°F - Cold Holding) in reach in cooler across from 3 compartment sink. Per operator foods were in unit more than 24 hours ago. Foods were not prepared or portioned today. See stop sale.
01B-02-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw fish over cooked vegetables in reach in freezer across from 3 compartment sink. Operator stored properly.
08A-02-6
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at hand wash sink next to 3 compartment sink. Operator provided soap. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed Beef made 48hrs ago in reach in cooler in kitchen across from 3 compartment sink. Operator date marked. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-02-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed small pan in salt container with no handle in kitchen prep area. Operator removed pan. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation. Observed in kitchen prep area.
36-37-5
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Observed missing ceiling tile in dining area.
36-36-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling. Observed in kitchen.
36-68-5
41
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Will's Cafe Creole Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Will's Cafe Creole Restaurant on file is from Mar 24, 2026. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Will's Cafe Creole Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “time/temperature control for safety food cold held” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Will's Cafe Creole Restaurant.
How does Will's Cafe Creole Restaurant compare to other restaurants in North Lauderdale?
Will's Cafe Creole Restaurant most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is higher than the North Lauderdale average of 76.
Has Will's Cafe Creole Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Will's Cafe Creole Restaurant have averaged around 10 violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Will's Cafe Creole Restaurant means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Will's Cafe Creole Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Will's Cafe Creole Restaurant is inspected around four times per year on average.
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