Denny's #7961
Last inspected: Jan 12, 2026
100
Score
Inspectors have visited Denny's #7961 15 times, with records going back to 2022. On Jan 12, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around eight violations per visit versus roughly three violations earlier in the record.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease”, showing up four times.
Restaurants in Ocala average 78, so Denny's #7961 is doing better than most peers. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
15
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 12, 2026
Complaint Full
No violations found.
100
Jan 8, 2026
Complaint Full
4 critical violations. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food prepared from/mixed with ingredient(s) at ambient temperature not cooled to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. Items stored in walk-in cooler: rehydrated hash browns (61F,49F,51F,50F - Cooling). Manager stated hash browns rehydrated seven hours prior to temperature being taken. **Warning**
03D-06-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from ambient temperature to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within four hours. See stop. Items stored in walk-in cooler: rehydrated hash browns (61F,49F,51F,50F - Cooling). Manager stated hash browns rehydrated seven hours prior to temperature being taken. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
01B-38-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking. Shell eggs stored on cook line. Manager stated eggs placed out at 11:00 am. Manager had employee place proper date mark on eggs. **Corrected On-Site**
03F-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Items stored in reach-in cooler across from cook line fryers: sausage (47F - Cold Holding); cream (44F - Cold Holding). Manager stated items placed in cooler 30 minutes prior to temperature being taken. Manager moved items to walk-in freezer to reduce temperature to 41F. Items stored in cook line reach-in cooler across from egg cooler: beef (45F - Cold Holding); cheese (46F - Cold Holding). Manager stated items placed in cooler one hour prior to temperature being taken. Manager moved items to walk-in freezer to reduce temperature to 41F. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Sanitizer bucket stored in cook line hand washing sink. Manager removed bucket during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
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 employee certificates expired.
53B-14-5
Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Employee eating on cook line. Employee moved food to break room.
12B-02-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Containers stored on shelf across from dish room.
24-08-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Floor tile missing on cook line.
36-17-5
Basic - Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. Hood filter above fryer missing. **Repeat Violation**
14-42-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwaves on cook line soiled with old food debris.
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters above cook line fryers greasy. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
33
Aug 27, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 9 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Food with mold-like growth. See stop sale. Two lemons stored in walk-in cooler. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
01B-07-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Items stored in cook line steam table: sausage (118F,127F - Hot Holding). Manager stated sausage placed in steam table thirty minutes prior to temperature being taken. Sausage was reheated and served during inspection. **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
Intermediate - 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 and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. One employee certificate available, manager stated there are 15 employees.
53B-13-5
Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Reach-in freezer across from dish area.
14-33-4
Basic - Screen in door or window torn/in poor repair. Vent in maintenance room across from mop sink.
35B-09-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Dumpster behind building.
33-16-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee Red Bull on shelf in dish area. Manager had employee removed drink during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Employee cans of energy drinks stored on shelf in walk-in cooler. Manager removed energy drinks from walk-in cooler. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-49-4
Basic - Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. Hood above fryers on cook line.
14-42-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Microwave on cook line.
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood vents above cook line greasy. Gaskets for cook line reach-in coolers.
23-03-4
Basic - Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Sanitizer bucket in wait station, 0 ppm. Manager had employee change sanitizer for dispenser. Manager changed sanitizer water, 200 ppm. **Corrected On-Site**
21-08-4
43
Jun 20, 2025
Complaint Partial
No violations found.
100
Apr 2, 2025
Complaint Partial
No violations found.
100
Jan 16, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food not consumed/sold within 7 days after opening/preparation. See stop sale. Container of onions and Pico de gallo dated more than 7 days earlier in walk-in-cooler . Manager discarded both items.
01B-24-5
High Priority - Employee dried hands on clothes/apron/soiled towel after washing. Cook wearing gloves, handled raw meat then washed hands and put on clean gloves, then pulled up pants then handled cooking utensils and serving plates for an order, without removing gloves, washing hands and putting on clean gloves. Discussed with Manager and she discussed with cook. **Corrected On-Site**
12A-18-4
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Container of onions and Pico de gallo dated more than 7 days earlier in walk-in-cooler . Manager discarded both items.
02C-01-5
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Scoops in standing water at 108F, Manager changed water to 160F. **Corrected On-Site**
10-07-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Ice buildup up on floor of walk-in-freezer
14-69-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Hole in wall in dry goods storage area
36-24-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee water bottle on prep table near silverware
12B-07-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Container of food removed ( powder sugar ) from original container not labelled with name of contents. Manager had label placed on container **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Standing water in reach in cooler at front server line.
29-49-6
47
Jul 10, 2024
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
74
Jan 19, 2024
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Nov 21, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed employee cooking on cook line leave the kitchen and grab walk-in-cooler handle, take container of pancake mix back to cookline and begin handling cooking utensils without washing their hands and changing gloves. Discussed with Manager and they spoke with employee **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-09-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed interior turntable in microwave soiled with food **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed manager in charge not able to provide any food handler certificates for any of the employees. **Warning**
53B-01-5
Basic - Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Observed floor soiled with oil and food on cookline and around fryer.
36-01-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed cracked ceiling above microwave and prep area on the cook line
36-32-5
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Observed wet mop stored on floor near mop sink
42-01-4
Basic - Standing water in floor drain/floor drain draining very slowly. Observed standing water on cookline by grill, also observed leaking water filter leaking water on server prep table next to orange juice machine. Manager had water removed **Corrective Action Taken**
29-19-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water in the bottom of the reach in cooler under the orange juice machine located in the server station. **Repeat Violation**
29-49-6
Basic - Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Observed spoons stored with food contact surface up. Manager removed spoons and placed in dishwash area. **Corrective Action Taken**
24-18-4
Basic - Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Observed cut produce ( avocado ) located in flip-top make table with produce stickers still on produce.
08B-39-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Observed dumpster lid left open with stick keeping it propped open.
33-16-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice build up on the floor rack and cooling unit in walk-in-freezer
14-69-4
45
Sep 6, 2023
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
45
Aug 15, 2023
Complaint Full
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
86
Jul 14, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
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 cook on cook line scratch his head with and did not wash hands and change gloves. Also Observed employee leave and take food item from walk-in-cooler and return to the kitchen and begin preparing food without washing hands and changing gloves. Manager was advised and they discussed with employee when to wash hands and had employee wash hands and change gloves. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-10-4
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed "Y" connector at mop sink with missing vacuum breaker on the non-chemical side of the "Y" connector. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
29-42-4
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/ Observed person in charge with expired food manager certificate. However they are scheduled for a class next Wednesday. Food manager present during inspection. **Corrective Action Taken**
53A-03-7
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed Carbon dioxide tanks not adequately secured in dry goods storage area
51-11-4
64
Jun 16, 2023
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed lack of back flow device on the non chemical side of the splitter in the mop sink.
29-42-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed hash browns stored in a reach-in cooler on the cook line, 51F. Time as a public health control was discussed.
03A-02-5
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. Observed a new person has been hired, is not working today, and does not have knowledge of employee reporting responsibilities. A blank form was emailed.
11-26-1
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/ Observed Michelle with an expired card, May 2023.
53A-03-7
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Observed a ceiling tile missing in the dining area. ALSO, ceiling areas have been patched with boards to facilitate controlled drainage from the ceiling. Ceiling tiles have been brought in for replacing. Per area manager Emma, in the next quarter, the whole restaurant is due and scheduled for a remodel, including roof. **Corrective Action Taken**
36-36-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water in front of the mop sink. This was removed. **Corrected On-Site**
36-22-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed on the cook line floor tiles missing with water accumulation in those spots.
36-17-5
Basic - Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. Observed 1 hood filter missing on the cook line.
14-42-4
Basic - Worn, torn and/or soiled floors/carpeting. Observed the floor under the storage shelves room has debris, on the back wall.
36-10-4
47
Feb 7, 2023
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed multiple chemical sprays and sanitizers stored over or next to prep surfaces on the wait station line. All were moved below. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed batter in the cook line reach-in cooler 56 . The batter had been out to filled customer orders. This was then placed in the walk-in freezer for quick cooling. **Corrective Action Taken* ALSO, pooled eggs on the cook line 46F. This was reduced to 43F in 4 minutes. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw chicken over raw beef in the upright reach-in freezer. The items were switched. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-17-6
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed lack of back flow device on the non chemical side of the splitter in the mop sink.
29-42-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed the cook line hand wash sink had a tray in it. The tray was removed. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Observed lack of a certificate for a certified food manager, 5+ employees on site.
53A-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. Observed the forms were not completely filled out. The manager of the day signed them and dated them. **Corrected On-Site**
11-26-1
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed 2 drinks stored on prep surfaces. These were moved below. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed multiple floor tiles cracked/chipped in the kitchen area.
36-17-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed the juice machine dispensing area, right side, has dried splash up behind the nozzles.
23-03-4
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed over the dish wash machine, clear water dripping from the ceiling onto the clean end drain shelf. ALSO, on the wait station line, water dripping from the ceiling.
29-11-4
33
Jul 6, 2022
Routine - Food
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Some mold like debris on inside right corner of ice bin located at server station near hot chocolate station. **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed reach in coolers throughout kitchen cook line with broken handles and not in working condition. **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed debris on hood system outside and vents located at fry station in kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in freezer interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed some debris on bottom shelves of reach in freezer located across from ware washing area. **Repeat Violation**
22-16-4
Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Observed standing water in reach in coolers located in front bar serving area. Also observed standing water in reach in cooler located next to hand washing sink on cook line.
29-49-6
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Denny's #7961 last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Denny's #7961 on file is from Jan 12, 2026. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Denny's #7961?
Across the inspection record, “nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Denny's #7961.
How does Denny's #7961 compare to other restaurants in Ocala?
Denny's #7961 most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Ocala average of 78.
Has Denny's #7961's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Denny's #7961 have averaged around eight violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Denny's #7961 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 Denny's #7961 inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Denny's #7961 is inspected around four times per year on average.
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