Lake Wales — Food Safety Records: DBPR & FDACS

Overview

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.

142Facilities
1,293Total Inspections
0Closures 2026
90.9%Pass Rate
3.4Avg Violations

Most-Inspected Facilities

BusinessInspectionsViolationsClosures
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 90.9% Pass Rate 90.9%
Florida Average 86% Pass Rate 86%
Lake Wales 3.4 Avg Violations / Inspection 3.4
Florida Average 4.7 Avg Violations / Inspection 4.7
Lake Wales 0 Closures per 100 Facilities 0
Florida Average 1.37 Closures per 100 Facilities 1.37

Lake Wales Restaurants: Recent Inspections (Last 30 Days)

DateBusinessViolationsResult
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

Lake Wales Restaurants: Disciplinary Actions & Fines

39Actions on Record
$14,910Total Fines
$403Avg Fine
$1,100Largest Fine
12Facilities Fined

Largest Fines (Past 12 Months)

DateBusinessFineCase
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

10Fire Violations
5Facilities Cited

Most Common Fire Safety Issues

IssueCitations
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.

66Retail Facilities
121FDACS Inspections
9Stop-Sale Orders

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.

DateFacilityProductReason
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)

ChainLocationsStop-Sale OrdersCitations
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

All Florida retail food chains →

About FDACS Retail Food Inspections →

Lake Wales: Notable Restaurants

Lake Wales: Restaurant Chains (DBPR)

ChainLocationsViolationsClosures
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.

In the News Lake Wales

Lake Wales Restaurants & Food Establishments (140)

Slim Chickens

23260 HWY 27, Lake Wales

6 inspections · 20 violations · Last: Feb 2026

Ranch Taproom and Coffeehouse

247 E PARK AVE, Lake Wales

10 inspections · 20 violations · Last: Aug 2025

Kegel Deli

1951 LONGLEAF BLVD, Lake Wales

16 inspections · 20 violations · Last: Jan 2026

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

23525 US HWY 27, Lake Wales

5 inspections · 10 violations · Last: Jan 2026

Smokin' Dj's

122 N 1 ST UNIT 5, Lake Wales

3 inspections · 5 violations · Last: Feb 2026

Drip Jar Cafe'

698 E SR 60 WEST, Lake Wales

5 inspections · 5 violations · Last: Aug 2025

Holy Cannoli Italian-american Kitchen

67108 NALCREST RD, Lake Wales

3 inspections · 4 violations · Last: Apr 2026

Lake Wales Cheese Shoppe and Deli

224 E BULLARD AVE, Lake Wales

4 inspections · 4 violations · Last: Apr 2026

Y'all Come Back Saloon Bar and Restaurant

3230 STATE ROAD 60 E, Lake Wales

7 inspections · 3 violations · Last: Aug 2025

El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant

740 STATE RD 60 W, Lake Wales

2 inspections · 2 violations · Last: Feb 2026

Panera Bread

23720 US HWY 27, Lake Wales

3 inspections · 2 violations · Last: Jan 2026

Resort at Canopy Oaks

16950 COUNTY RD 630, Lake Wales

5 inspections · 2 violations · Last: Aug 2025

Chipotle Mexican Grill INC 5541

23230 US HWY 27, Lake Wales

2 inspections · 1 violations · Last: Feb 2026

Harvest Meat Market FDACS Retail

1350 State Road 60 E, Lake Wales

FDACS Retail Food · Meat Market Retail

Kona Ice of Winter Haven & Lake Wales FDACS Retail

2424 Burns Ave, Lake Wales

FDACS Retail Food · Mobile Vendor

Autozone #6388 FDACS Retail

24172 Hwy 27, Lake Wales

FDACS Retail Food · Minor Outlet/Prepackaged/No PHF

Dollar Tree #07934 FDACS Retail

301 Eagle Ridge DR, Lake Wales

FDACS Retail Food · Minor Outlet with Perishables

Walgreens # 4380 FDACS Retail

1903 State Road 60 E, Lake Wales

FDACS Retail Food · Minor Outlet with Perishables

Cherry Pocket Fish Cmp FDACS Retail

3100 Canal Rd, Lake Wales

FDACS Retail Food · Packaged Ice Self Vending

Beall's # 0343 FDACS Retail

126 State Road 60 E, Lake Wales

FDACS Retail Food · Minor Outlet/Prepackaged/No PHF/TCS