Benchwarmers Cafe

3560 Philips Hwy, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Café / Breakfast
Last inspected: Feb 4, 2026
58
Score
Medium Risk

Across the available record, Benchwarmers Cafe has 10 inspections on file, the first dated 2022. The latest inspection on file is from Feb 4, 2026. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.

Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around nine violations to closer to 11 violations per visit.

The pattern that stands out is “nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease”, which has been cited five times.

By comparison, the average Jacksonville facility scores 74, putting Benchwarmers Cafe on the weaker side. The record is unremarkable in either direction.

10
Inspections
1
Critical latest
1
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 4, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
58
Aug 20, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Sewage and Wastewater Properly Disposed
FL-27
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Insects, Rodents, and Animals Not Present
FL-38
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
37
Jan 15, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw hamburger on shelf above milk, operators rearranged **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety, commercially processed food reheating for hot holding not heated to a minimum temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit in all parts. 122f corn beef hash, placed here 2 hrs ago, explained to him and operators mixed it, got to 155f **Corrective Action Taken**
03E-03-5
High Priority - Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. +400ppm quat in bucket, test strip bluish, employee diluted it to 300 ppm **Corrected On-Site**
41-27-4
Intermediate - Probe thermometer not used to ensure proper food temperatures. Where reheating
05-10-4
Intermediate - Water pressure lacking at fixtures that require the use of water. Hot side in hand sink by triple sink **Repeat Violation**
27-17-4
Intermediate - Chemical test kit not used to ensure proper sanitization of equipment and utensils when using a chemical sanitizer. For bucket
16-33-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Hand sink by cook line, operator placed some **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Above customer food in freezer, employee rearranged **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. Jacket and purse above soda syrup, operator moved them, gun above sauces in reach in cooler, operator moved it **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. On sugar, employee moved it **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Walk in cooler shelves **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Unwashed fruits/vegetables stored with ready-to-eat food. Unwashed tomatoes on shelf above chili in walk in cooler, employee rearranged **Corrected On-Site**
08B-17-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. By slicer **Repeat Violation**
36-27-5
32
Aug 15, 2024
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Aug 12, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 5 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 15 violations
High Priority - Food prepared in a private home. Coleslaw, owner said he stored it at home lasting nigh, he wrote employee food on it **Corrected On-Site**
01A-03-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw hamburgers on shelf above tomatoes, in walk in cooler, raw bacon on shelf above cheese in upright cooler by cook line, employee prearranged **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. 50f milk, ham, sausage, coleslaw, cheeses, less than 4 hrs, employee moved them to walk in cooler **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Around nozzles, cleaned by employee **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Bowl open hand sink by cook line, employee removed it **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. In hand sink by triple sink and employee restroom, open dispensers **Corrected On-Site**
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. Chili made on Friday, walk in cooler, employee wrote date on **Corrected On-Site**
02C-02-5
Intermediate - Water pressure lacking at fixtures that require the use of water. Hot water side in hand sink at triple sink room n **Repeat Violation**
27-17-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Above prep area, one open can by front counter, removed **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Gun above sauces in cooler, employee moved it to bottom shelf **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Front counter
38-07-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Shelves in upright cooler by triple sink **Repeat Violation**
22-16-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. To go cups in bag on floor, front counter, employee placed the on shelf **Corrected On-Site**
25-06-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. By prep table with slicer **Repeat Violation**
36-27-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Shelves in walk con cooler **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
27
Jan 11, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Hans sanitizer above bread, cook line, employee moved it **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
High Priority - Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Cracked eggs then changed gloves and grabbed cooked bacon, explained to mgr and he washed hands **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
12A-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Around nozzle and ice chute, employee cleaned them **Corrected On-Site**
22-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Hand sink close to triple sink, employee placed some **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Two expired on 1-4 and 1-10, 2024
53B-14-5
Intermediate - Water pressure lacking at fixtures that require the use of water. On hot water side, hand sink by triple sink **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
27-17-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Jacket above soda syrup boxes, employee moved them **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Emailed one **Repeat Violation**
51-13-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Exterior of bulk sugar container, gasket in box freezer by hand sink in back area **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Interior part of door in cooler by triple sink and shelves, employee cleaned it **Corrected On-Site**
22-16-4
Basic - Single-service items for customer self-service not properly protected to prevent contamination. Knives and spoons overfilled so they are exposed, employee rearranged **Corrected On-Site**
25-09-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. By table where slicer is at **Repeat Violation**
36-27-5
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Employee placed it in **Corrected On-Site**
21-12-4
35
Aug 17, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Sewage and Wastewater Properly Disposed
FL-27
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
37
Mar 8, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 15 violations
High Priority - Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Observed employee on cook line crack raw shell eggs with gloves on hands and then handled to go plate without washing hands. Reviewed with employee on proper procedure
12A-27-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw frozen beef stored over frozen fries and ice in white upright reach in freezer. Employee properly stored Raw shell eggs stored over batter mix in upright reach in cooler on cook line. Moved by manager. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
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. Provided operator with Clean-Up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events handout **Corrective Action Taken**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Slicer on back kitchen prep table soiled with food debris **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
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. Discussed and provided the Employee Health Reporting Agreement form during the inspection. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-26-1
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Ceiling tiles near soda bib area and reach in freezer
36-37-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Ceiling tile in back kitchen area near reach in freezers in disrepair
36-32-5
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. In employees shared restroom in kitchen area
32-12-5
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee clothing stored on top of soda bib box
40-06-5
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Employee preparing food with bracelet on wrist
13-07-4
Basic - Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Employee with facial beard preparing food with no beard guard
13-04-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Make table reach in cooler with torn gasket Walk in cooler with torn gasket Walk in freezer door in disrepair
14-11-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Make table reach in cooler with soiled gasket **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Case of to go cups stored on floor in back dry storage room
25-05-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. To go catering pans stored on shelf in dry storage room not inverted
25-06-4
33
Nov 8, 2022
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Black mold like substance on ice chute in dining area **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gasket soiled with debris on cooks line
23-03-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Repeat Violation**
33-16-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall soiled near meat slicer
36-27-5
78
Jul 7, 2022
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. No plans on file for this establishment, a pizza oven and large mixer have been removed from the establishment. Please submit updated plans to Tallahassee. Email dhr.planreview@myfloridalicense.com **Warning** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-06-07: Called plan review they explained they needed to submit a form 7005, plans and a menu. Per operator he sent all forms in two separate emails. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-07: Per manager revised plans have been submitted to Tallahassee on 6/8/22 they are waiting for approval **Admin Complaint**
51-16-7
90

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Benchwarmers Cafe last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Benchwarmers Cafe on file is from Feb 4, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Benchwarmers Cafe?

Across the inspection record, “nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Benchwarmers Cafe.

How does Benchwarmers Cafe compare to other restaurants in Jacksonville?

Benchwarmers Cafe most recently scored 58 out of 100, which is lower than the Jacksonville average of 74.

Has Benchwarmers Cafe's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Benchwarmers Cafe have averaged around 11 violations per visit, up from roughly nine earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

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

How often is Benchwarmers Cafe inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Benchwarmers Cafe is inspected around three times per year on average.