Lake Wales — Food Safety Records: DBPR & FDACS
Lake Wales, Florida has 142 food establishments with 1,293 inspections on record. The pass rate is 90.9%, above the state average of 86%. Inspections average 3.4 violations per visit.
Largest fine: $400 assessed to Market Cafe in Lake Wales on December 15, 2025.
Data from Florida DBPR (restaurants) and FDACS (retail food). Updated May 2026.
Most-Inspected Facilities
| Business | Inspections | Violations | Closures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grriffins Restaurant Dining Sports Bar-banquet | 41 | 222 | 6 |
| Beef 'o' Brady's | 40 | 330 | 2 |
| Vinny's Smoke-n-grill | 26 | 130 | 2 |
| Woodys BBQ | 23 | 171 | 1 |
| Cherry Pocket Steak N Seafood Shak | 33 | 168 | 1 |
Lake Wales Restaurants: Comparison to Florida State Averages
Lake Wales Restaurants: Recent Inspections (Last 30 Days)
| Date | Business | Violations | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burger King #22451 | 0 | Inspection Completed - No Further Action | |
| Crazy Fish Seafood Shack | 5 (1 high) | Inspection Completed - No Further Action | |
| Cherry Pocket Steak N Seafood Shak | 4 (1 high) | Inspection Completed - No Further Action | |
| Kentucky Fried Chicken | 3 | Inspection Completed - No Further Action | |
| Lake Wales Cheese Shoppe and Deli | 1 | Call Back - Complied | |
| Holy Cannoli Italian-american Kitchen | 0 | Call Back - Complied |
Lake Wales Restaurants: Most Common Health Violations
| Code | Violation | Citations |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | Consumer advisory | 9,367 |
| 08 | Proper hand/arm washing | 9,118 |
| 14 | Food contact surfaces | 9,110 |
| 36 | Proper ventilation | 6,453 |
| 31 | Clean multi-use utensils | 6,155 |
Lake Wales Restaurants: Disciplinary Actions & Fines
Largest Fines (Past 12 Months)
| Date | Business | Fine | Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 15, 2025 | Market Cafe | $400 | 3--2025070984 |
| Feb 23, 2026 | Grriffins Restaurant Dining Sports Bar-banquet | $200 | 3--2025086699 |
| Oct 15, 2025 | Ranch Taproom and Coffeehouse | $200 | 3--2025069707 |
| Oct 29, 2025 | El Buen Taco LLC | $160 | 3--2025065306 |
Lake Wales Restaurants: Fire Safety Violations
Most Common Fire Safety Issues
| Issue | Citations |
|---|---|
| Other fire safety violation | 4 |
| Fire extinguisher in red zone | 4 |
| Exit blocked or locked | 2 |
Lake Wales Retail Food: FDACS Inspection Records
In addition to restaurants, Florida's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) inspects grocery stores, markets, gas station food sections, and other retail food establishments. Lake Wales has 66 FDACS-regulated facilities with 121 inspections on record and 9 stop-sale orders issued.
Lake Wales FDACS: Recent Stop-Sale Orders
A stop-sale order prohibits a retail food establishment from selling specific products found to be unsafe, improperly stored, mislabeled, or non-compliant with Florida food code. Products may be embargoed, destroyed, or returned to the distributor.
| Date | Facility | Product | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dunkin-donuts-345745-191167 | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500.04; FS 500.10 Adulterated.* Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food: Pro… | |
| Dunkin-donuts-345745-191167 | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500.04; FS 500.10 Adulterated.* Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food: Pro… | |
| Terry-vending-services-INC-ven6300129 | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500.04; FS 500.10 Adulterated.* Sanitary Operations | |
| Terry-vending-services-INC-ven6300129 | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500.04; FS 500.10 Adulterated.* Sanitary Operations | |
| Terry-vending-services-INC-ven6300129 | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500.04; FS 500.10 Adulterated.* Sanitary Operations | |
| Terry-vending-services-INC-ven6300129 | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500.04; FS 500.10 Adulterated.* Sanitary Operations | |
| Terry-vending-services-INC-ven6300129 | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500.04; FS 500.10 Adulterated.* Sanitary Operations | |
| Terry-vending-services-INC-ven6300129 | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500.04; FS 500.172 Unsanitary Equipment.* Sanitary Operations | |
| Terry-vending-services-INC-ven6300129 | Brand Name: (Lot #:) | FS 500.04; FS 500.172 Unsanitary Equipment.* Sanitary Operations |
Browse all FDACS stop-sale order categories →
Lake Wales FDACS: Most Cited Code Violations
Browse all FDACS violation codes →
Lake Wales Retail Food Chains (FDACS)
| Chain | Locations | Stop-Sale Orders | Citations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dollar General | 4 | 57 | 2,871 |
| Aldi | 2 | 2 | 310 |
| Publix | 2 | 30 | 875 |
| Citgo | 1 | 41 | 143 |
| Dollar Tree | 1 | 9 | 1,084 |
| Family Dollar | 1 | 316 | 950 |
| Starbucks | 1 | 77 | 1,170 |
| Circle K | 1 | 102 | 1,574 |
Lake Wales: Notable Restaurants
Grriffins Restaurant Dining Sports Bar-banquet
Beef 'o' Brady's
Vinny's Smoke-n-grill
Cherry Pocket Steak N Seafood Shak
Crazy Fish Seafood Shack
Burger King #22451
Lake Wales: Restaurant Chains (DBPR)
| Chain | Locations | Violations | Closures |
|---|---|---|---|
| McDonalds | 3 | 155 | 0 |
| Wendys | 2 | 203 | 0 |
| Taco Bell | 2 | 139 | 0 |
| Subway | 2 | 59 | 0 |
| Bob Evans | 1 | 131 | 0 |
| Dairy Queen | 1 | 84 | 0 |
| Hungry Howies | 1 | 89 | 0 |
| Panera Bread | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Chipotle | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Holiday Inn | 1 | 27 | 0 |
Lake Wales Restaurant Inspections: FAQ
- How many restaurants are in Lake Wales?
- Lake Wales, Florida has 142 food establishments tracked by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
- What is the restaurant inspection pass rate in Lake Wales?
- The current pass rate for food establishments in Lake Wales is 90.9%. The Florida state average is 86%.
- What are the most common health violations in Lake Wales?
- The most frequently cited violations in Lake Wales are: Consumer advisory, Proper hand/arm washing, Food contact surfaces.
- Which restaurant chain has the most locations in Lake Wales?
- McDonalds has the most locations in Lake Wales with 3 establishments.
- How does Lake Wales compare to the Florida state average?
- Lake Wales has a pass rate of 90.9%, which is 4.9 percentage points above the state average of 86%. The average violations per inspection is 3.4 compared to the state average of 4.67.
- How often are restaurants inspected in Lake Wales?
- Food establishments in Lake Wales have an average of 9.1 inspections on record. Florida DBPR conducts routine inspections based on facility type and risk level.
- How much in fines have restaurants in Lake Wales been assessed?
- Food establishments in Lake Wales have been assessed $14,910 in fines across 39 disciplinary actions. The average fine is $403 and the largest single fine was $1,100.
- How many fire safety violations have been found in Lake Wales restaurants?
- 10 fire safety violations have been documented across 5 food establishments in Lake Wales. The most common issue is other fire safety violation.
- Are grocery stores and retail food stores in Lake Wales inspected?
- Yes. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) inspects retail food establishments — grocery stores, gas station food sections, markets, and convenience stores. Lake Wales, Florida has 66 FDACS-regulated retail food facilities with 121 inspections on record.
- How many FDACS stop-sale orders have been issued in Lake Wales?
- FDACS has issued 9 stop-sale orders at retail food establishments in Lake Wales. A stop-sale order prohibits a facility from selling specific products found to be unsafe, mislabeled, or non-compliant with Florida food code.
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Lake Wales Restaurants & Food Establishments (140)
Slim Chickens
23260 HWY 27, Lake Wales
6 inspections · 20 violations · Last: Feb 2026Ranch Taproom and Coffeehouse
247 E PARK AVE, Lake Wales
10 inspections · 20 violations · Last: Aug 2025Kegel Deli
1951 LONGLEAF BLVD, Lake Wales
16 inspections · 20 violations · Last: Jan 2026Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
23525 US HWY 27, Lake Wales
5 inspections · 10 violations · Last: Jan 2026Smokin' Dj's
122 N 1 ST UNIT 5, Lake Wales
3 inspections · 5 violations · Last: Feb 2026Drip Jar Cafe'
698 E SR 60 WEST, Lake Wales
5 inspections · 5 violations · Last: Aug 2025Holy Cannoli Italian-american Kitchen
67108 NALCREST RD, Lake Wales
3 inspections · 4 violations · Last: Apr 2026Lake Wales Cheese Shoppe and Deli
224 E BULLARD AVE, Lake Wales
4 inspections · 4 violations · Last: Apr 2026Y'all Come Back Saloon Bar and Restaurant
3230 STATE ROAD 60 E, Lake Wales
7 inspections · 3 violations · Last: Aug 2025El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant
740 STATE RD 60 W, Lake Wales
2 inspections · 2 violations · Last: Feb 2026Panera Bread
23720 US HWY 27, Lake Wales
3 inspections · 2 violations · Last: Jan 2026Resort at Canopy Oaks
16950 COUNTY RD 630, Lake Wales
5 inspections · 2 violations · Last: Aug 2025Chipotle Mexican Grill INC 5541
23230 US HWY 27, Lake Wales
2 inspections · 1 violations · Last: Feb 2026Harvest Meat Market FDACS Retail
1350 State Road 60 E, Lake Wales
FDACS Retail Food · Meat Market RetailKona Ice of Winter Haven & Lake Wales FDACS Retail
2424 Burns Ave, Lake Wales
FDACS Retail Food · Mobile VendorAutozone #6388 FDACS Retail
24172 Hwy 27, Lake Wales
FDACS Retail Food · Minor Outlet/Prepackaged/No PHFDollar Tree #07934 FDACS Retail
301 Eagle Ridge DR, Lake Wales
FDACS Retail Food · Minor Outlet with PerishablesWalgreens # 4380 FDACS Retail
1903 State Road 60 E, Lake Wales
FDACS Retail Food · Minor Outlet with PerishablesCherry Pocket Fish Cmp FDACS Retail
3100 Canal Rd, Lake Wales
FDACS Retail Food · Packaged Ice Self VendingBeall's # 0343 FDACS Retail
126 State Road 60 E, Lake Wales
FDACS Retail Food · Minor Outlet/Prepackaged/No PHF/TCS