Denny's

3204 US 98 N, Lakeland, FL 33805 · Permanent Food Service · License 6302185

Official report

out of 100

Grade C

Safety score 75 of 100

Latest visit: Sep 22, 2026 (7 weeks ago)

What drove the grade

Live, small flying insects foundHigh priority · fixed on the spot · 11 other violations

How the score was calculated

Starting score100
Violations at the Sep 21 routine inspection
4 high priority (3 fixed by the Sep 22 follow-up, 1 fixed on the spot, 1 repeat), 2 intermediate (1 fixed on the spot), 6 basic
-25
Safety score75

Our own summary of the public record, not an official state rating. How grades work · Report an error

Inspection history

1 inspection · 2 visits

Sep212026

Routine inspection

12 violations found · Inspector came back once

Follow-up visitSep 22, 2026 Fixed at follow-up
The inspector came back and found the problems fixed.
3 earlier violations still noted, but not enough to need another visit:
- 3 Basic
What was still cited
Basic3
- Code 14, Food-contact surfaces designed and maintained: Ice buildup in walk-in freezer floor.
  ce buildup in walk-in freezer floor.
  More time given
- Code 36, Floors, walls, ceilings and ventilation: Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair.
  More time given
- Code 38, Lighting: Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers.
  More time given
Official report, on the Florida DBPR website
First visitSep 21, 2026 Warning issued
Problems were found that had to be fixed. The inspector will come back to check.
12 violations found:
- 4 High priority
- 2 Intermediate
- 6 Basic
What the inspector cited
High priority4
- Code 01, Approved source; food safe and unadulterated: Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse.
  Beef patties (46°F - Cold Holding); Beef patties (50°F - Cold Holding); Pork sliced (49°F - Cold Holding); Poultry breast (46°F - Cold Holding); sausage (46°F - Cold Holding); steaks (48°F - Cold Holding); steaks (49°F - Cold Holding); shredded beef (50°F - Cold Holding); sour cream (49°F - Cold Holding); yogurt (49°F - Cold Holding); Poultry (49°F - Cold Holding); Beef patties(47°F - Cold Holding)
- Code 03, Food out of temperature: Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41°F.
  Beef patties (46°F - Cold Holding); Beef patties (50°F - Cold Holding); Pork sliced (49°F - Cold Holding); Poultry breast (46°F - Cold Holding); sausage (46°F - Cold Holding); steaks (48°F - Cold Holding); steaks (49°F - Cold Holding); shredded beef (50°F - Cold Holding); sour cream (49°F - Cold Holding); yogurt (49°F - Cold Holding); Poultry (49°F - Cold Holding); Beef patties(47°F - Cold Holding)
  Repeat violation
- Code 29, Plumbing and backflow prevention: Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb.
  On cookline by hand washing sink.
- Code 35, Insects, rodents, pests and animals: Live, small flying insects found
  Observed 12 live flying insects flying and landing around juice machine and soda machine and clean cups on serviceline. Operator is re-washing, clean dishes and washing and sanitizing the area.
  Fixed on the spot
Intermediate2
- Code 41, Chemicals and toxic substances: Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled.
  Spray bottle with blue liquid on service line. Employee labeled bottle.
  Fixed on the spot
- Code 53, Manager certification and employee training: 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 & Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Basic6
- Code 08, Food protection and cross-contamination: Stored food not covered.
  Walk-in freezer chocolate chips
- Code 12, Handwashing and hygienic practices: Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers.
  Several employee drinks in ice cream cooler
- Code 14, Food-contact surfaces designed and maintained: Ice buildup in walk-in freezer floor.
- Code 23, Non-food contact surfaces clean: Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.
  Bottom of soda, heads on both soda, machine, machines on service line
- Code 36, Floors, walls, ceilings and ventilation: Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair.
  Cookline
- Code 38, Lighting: Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers.
  Cookline
Official report, on the Florida DBPR website

Reading this report

Priority levels

High priority The problems most likely to make someone sick directly.
Intermediate Could lead to a high-priority problem if not fixed.
Basic Best practices and general upkeep.

Terms in the inspectors’ reports

Time/temperature control for safety food: Food that has to be kept hot, at 135°F or above, or cold, at 41°F or below, to stay safe: meat, seafood, eggs, dairy, cooked rice and beans, cut melons and the like.
Nonfood-contact surface: Surfaces food doesn’t touch, such as the outsides of equipment, handles and door gaskets.
Stop sale: An order that the food can’t be sold or served.
Vacuum breaker, backflow: Plumbing parts that keep dirty water, such as from a mop sink hose, from flowing back into the clean water supply.