Bonita Springs, Lee County

MEL'S DINER

28601 TRAILS EDGE BLVD, Bonita Springs, FL 34134

FoodSeating
Latest violations
13
5 High Priority
Sep 2, 2025
City
Bonita Springs
County
Lee
Status
Current / Active
Inspections
14

Violation history

Florida violations grouped by priority level over time.

Inspection history

Florida inspections are violation-priority based, with high priority, intermediate, and basic counts shown separately.

Sep 2, 2025

Complaint Full

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 5Intermediate: 2Basic: 6Total: 13

01B-01-4

Detail 24001804

High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Damaged/spoiled/recalled food not properly segregated. On a shelf in dry storage not seperated from other product there are one number 10 can of sliced apples and 4 number 10 cans of cranberry sauce all with dented rims. See stop sale.

12A-27-4

Detail 24001794

High Priority - Employee cracked raw shell eggs and then handled ready-to-eat food and/or clean equipment or utensils without washing hands. Remove glove then handle clean plate without washing hands. Educated the operator and employee on proper handwashing procedures. Corrective Action Taken

08A-05-6

Detail 24001803

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. In the walk in cooler raw shell eggs stored over prepared pancake batter. Operator moved items to proper storage order. Corrected On-Site

03B-01-6

Detail 24001798

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. In an pan on the flat top grill cooked potatoes 119F. Operator increased the temperature under the potatoes Corrective Action Taken

41-18-4

Detail 24001797

High Priority - Warewashing sanitizing solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed. Triple sink Quaternary over 440ppm; Sanitizer Bucket Quaternary over 440ppm. Operator adjusted the levels of the sanitizer chemicals. Ware washing and sanitizer buckets 220ppm. Corrected On-Site

02C-02-5

Detail 24001801

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. In the walk in cooler pot roast and pot roast gravy prepared in house more than 24 hours ago per operator. No date marking. Operator date marked pot roast and gravy. Corrected On-Site

53B-14-5

Detail 24001793

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. All employee training is expired except Jessica Giametta.

14-01-5

Detail 24001802

Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. In a make table cooler there is a plastic ramekin in a container of feta cheese. Operator removed ramekin. Corrected On-Site

14-05-4

Detail 24001795

Basic - Cardboard used to line food-contact shelves. There is cardboard lining shelves in walk in cooler. Operator removed cardboard. Corrected On-Site

08B-20-4

Detail 24001796

Basic - Damaged/spoiled/recalled food not properly segregated. On a shelf in dry storage not seperated from other product there are one number 10 can of sliced apples and 4 number 10 cans of cranberry sauce all with dented rims. See stop sale.

12B-07-4

Detail 24001800

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on prep table. Employee removed drink. Corrected On-Site

25-06-4

Detail 24001805

Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Coffee and iced tea filters in the servers side station not protected.

29-49-6

Detail 24001799

Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler on bottom of make table cooler across from the reach in freezer.

Jul 22, 2025

Complaint Full

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 1Intermediate: 1Basic: 6Total: 8

29-34-4

Detail 23891518

High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at outside hose bibb to the left of the front door. Educated Operator on the requirement for backflow devices.

31A-09-4

Detail 23891523

Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Handwashing sink on the cook line was blocked by a pan of bacon in front of the basin. Employee moved the pan away from the sink. Corrected On-Site

40-06-5

Detail 23891521

Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Personal bags and backpacks were stored on a dry storage shelf with biscuit mix boxes and above bags of onions. Reviewed requirements for personal item storage with the Operator.

13-07-4

Detail 23891522

Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee preparing eggs on the cook line wearing a wristwatch and an employee preparing food in the prep area wearing a beaded bracelet.

13-04-4

Detail 23891520

Basic - Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation on the cook line.

10-01-5

Detail 23891519

Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed scoop in bin of cinnamon sugar in the prep area stored with the handle touching the product. Operator removed the scoop. Corrected On-Site

10-03-4

Detail 23891517

Basic - In-use utensil used with moist food stored in running water with insufficient velocity to flush food particles away at the ice cream freezer. Operator increased velocity to proper strength. Corrected On-Site

08B-12-5

Detail 23891516

Basic - Stored food not covered. Two buckets of ice cream were stored uncovered in the reach-in freezer at the bar.

Dec 4, 2024

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 1Basic: 1Total: 2

22-41-4

Detail 23394885

High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly: Back room dish machine was not at proper ppm. Supply bucket was changed, machine primed and tested at proper ppm. Back Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm); Back Dishwasher (Chlorine 100ppm) Corrected On-Site

08B-49-4

Detail 23394884

Basic - Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Personal container of egg salad was stored in a beer reach-in cooler alongside beverages to be sold to the public.

Jul 31, 2024

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 1Intermediate: 1Basic: 4Total: 6

08A-20-5

Detail 23021376

High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw Philly steak was stored directly above raw fish in the walk-in cooler. Operator placed the sliced steak below the fish for proper food protection. Corrected On-Site

41-17-4

Detail 23021378

Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled on the server station.

12B-13-4

Detail 23021380

Basic - Employee beverages in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Operator removed. Corrected On-Site

40-06-5

Detail 23021377

Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Operator removed the items and placed in separate bin. Corrected On-Site

23-03-4

Detail 23021379

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Handle of large plastic ice scoop observed with buildup. Operator removed scoop to the dish area. Corrected On-Site

21-12-4

Detail 23021375

Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses at the kitchen handwashing sink. Operator removed and placed in sanitizer bucket. Corrected On-Site

Feb 14, 2024

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 2Basic: 2Total: 4

08A-05-6

Detail 22641737

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. On the cook line, raw chicken was above cooked ribs in the cooling drawer and raw ground beef was over cooked pasta. In the walk-in cooler, raw pork was directly above cooked chicken. Operator had all products moved to proper positions for food protection. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

03E-03-5

Detail 22641734

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. Mac and cheese and chili bags were in the hot holding box and both measured 91F. Bags were placed in the box less than 2 hours prior. Food handler removed all bags to boiling water kettle for rapid heating. mac and cheese (91F - Hot Holding)

06-09-1

Detail 22641735

Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Repeat Violation

31B-04-4

Detail 22641736

Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Printed sign for Operator. Corrected On-Site

Aug 4, 2023

Complaint Full

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 1Basic: 6Total: 7

41-10-4

Detail 22177281

High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Bucket of sanitizer on cook line next to food, on cut board. Sanitizer spray bottle over pass thru window on cook line. Operator moved chemicals to lower shelf for proper storage. Corrected On-Site

16-21-4

Detail 22177284

Basic - Accumulation of debris on top of both warewashing machines.

06-09-1

Detail 22177285

Basic - Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Packaged fish with label in main walk-in cooler, thawed, bags sealed. Operator opened the bag. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

14-09-4

Detail 22177279

Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable on cook line.

36-22-4

Detail 22177280

Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water in dish washing area and ice machines.

10-07-4

Detail 22177282

Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. On cook line, stored in water 109F. Operator turned up heat on grill to heat water. Repeat 5/17/2023 Corrective Action Taken Repeat Violation

16-46-4

Detail 22177283

Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Repeat 5/17/2023 Repeat Violation

May 18, 2023

Routine - Food

Call Back - Complied

No violations recorded for this inspection.

May 17, 2023

Routine - Food

Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority: 3Intermediate: 1Basic: 4Total: 8

22-41-4

Detail 22002075

High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm) after running three times on front line. Also Dishwasher chlorine 25ppm and temperature 117F after running three times in main dishwasher area. Operator called technician and set up manual sanitation in triple sink 300ppm quaternary. This is a repeat violation from 12/27/2022. Corrective Action Taken Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

35A-02-6

Detail 22002069

High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 12 small flying insects in back left dry storage area. 5 small flying insects in back dishwasher area. Warning

08A-05-6

Detail 22002070

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Tall reach-in cooler on cook line near fryer, raw fish and raw pork over ready-to-eat cooked chicken. In mail wic raw beef over cooked chicken. On cook line middle reach-in cooler across from flat top grill, raw shell eggs over ready-to-eat cheese. Operator rearranged all coolers for proper food storage. This is a repeat violation from 12/27/2022. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

41-17-4

Detail 22002073

Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. 2 in back dishwashing area. Warning

10-07-4

Detail 22002072

Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. On cook line utensils in standing water 101F, operator moved to hot part of grill for rapid heating. Corrected On-Site Warning

16-46-4

Detail 22002068

Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Warning

25-05-4

Detail 22002071

Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Coffee filters stored uncovered at both coffee service stations. This is a repeat violation from 12/27/2022. Repeat Violation Warning

08B-12-5

Detail 22002074

Basic - Stored food not covered. In walk-in freezer 5 trays uncovered shrimp. In attached produce walk-in cooler, 2 contain uncovered prepped lettuce. Operator covered all foods. Corrected On-Site Warning

Feb 27, 2023

Routine - Food

Call Back - Complied

Basic: 3Total: 3

36-34-5

Detail 21813691

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Dust on ceiling vents and surrounding tiles in front of kitchen, cook line. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2023-02-27: Time Extended

36-17-5

Detail 21813689

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed broken floor tiles on cook line, service line, dish machine area, expediting area. This is a repeat violation from 05/06/2021 and 7/20/2021, 5/26/2022. Repeat Violation Warning - From follow-up inspection 2023-02-27: Some floor tiles have been replaced. Time Extended

25-05-4

Detail 21813690

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Near dishwashing area storage area, boxes napkins and to go containers stored on floor. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2023-02-27: Time Extended

Dec 27, 2022

Routine - Food

Warning Issued

High Priority: 2Intermediate: 1Basic: 7Total: 10

22-41-4

Detail 21659332

High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Dishwasher Front (Chlorine 0ppm) after running and priming three times. Operator instructed staff to send dishes to back kitchen dishwasher for proper sanitation, chlorine 50ppm . Corrective Action Taken Warning

08A-05-6

Detail 21659337

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw pork over ready-to-eat soup in main walk-in cooler in center of kitchen. This is a repeat violation from 5/26/2022. Discussed with operator proper storage , operator moved raw items to proper storage, provided operator with safe refrigeration handouts in English and Spanish. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation Warning

02B-01-5

Detail 21659338

Intermediate - Menu does not identify which items contain raw or undercooked animal foods covered by the consumer advisory. On breakfast specials menu, asterisk is used to denote raw items, all items marked with asterisk - smoked salmon per operator served raw no properly designed as raw due to all items, raw and cooked, marked with asterisk. Warning

22-20-5

Detail 21659334

Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin in back of kitchen near dishwashing area, left side. Warning

36-34-5

Detail 21659331

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Dust on ceiling vents and surrounding tiles in front of kitchen, cook line. Warning

12B-07-4

Detail 21659336

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Two open employee beverages over prep tables in middle of kitchen. Operator moved both drinks. This is a repeat violation from 5/26/2022 Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation Warning

36-17-5

Detail 21659333

Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed broken floor tiles on cook line, service line, dish machine area, expediting area. This is a repeat violation from 05/06/2021 and 7/20/2021, 5/26/2022. Repeat Violation Warning

31B-04-4

Detail 21659339

Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Front line handwash sink, middle prep kitchen handwash sink. Printed sign for operator, operator hung signs. Warning

29-08-4

Detail 21659340

Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Handwash sink on front line hot water tap cannot turn. Warning

25-05-4

Detail 21659335

Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Near dishwashing area storage area, boxes napkins and to go containers stored on floor. Warning

May 31, 2022

Routine - Food

Call Back - Complied

Intermediate: 2Basic: 2Total: 4

53A-03-7

Detail 21114402

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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/ One food manager expired on 11/3/2021. - From follow-up inspection 2022-05-31: Time Extended

53B-02-5

Detail 21114405

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. 4 cooks and 2 servers handling food employed over 60 days no food handler training. - From follow-up inspection 2022-05-31: Time Extended

22-20-5

Detail 21114404

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of both ice machine/bins in back of kitchen. - From follow-up inspection 2022-05-31: Time Extended

36-17-5

Detail 21114403

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed broken floor tiles on cook line, service line, dish machine area, expediting area. This is a repeat violation from 05/06/2021 and 7/20/2021. Repeat Violation - From follow-up inspection 2022-05-31: Time Extended

May 26, 2022

Routine - Food

Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority: 4Intermediate: 2Basic: 3Total: 9

08A-05-6

Detail 21110541

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw chicken stored over raw ready-to-eat smoked salmon in walk-in cooler. Operator moved raw chicken to bottom shelf for proper food storage. Corrected On-Site

01B-02-5

Detail 21110540

High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. On far left of cook line reach-in cooler cut tomatoes (47F - Cold Holding); feta cheese (51F - Cold Holding); overnight per operator. This is a repeat violation from 7/20/2021 Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

03A-02-5

Detail 21110538

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. On far left of cook line reach-in cooler cut tomatoes (47F - Cold Holding); feta cheese (51F - Cold Holding); overnight per operator. Also raw eggs (50F - Cold Holding) for two hours per operator, operator moved raw eggs into walk-in cooler for quick cooling. This is a repeat violation from 7/20/2021 Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

41-15-5

Detail 21110535

High Priority - Wiping cloth solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed stored in a location that could result in the cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Sanitizer Bucket (Chlorine 200+ppm)stored under prep table in back of kitchen next to containers of oats and oil. Operator discarded the solution. Corrected On-Site

53A-03-7

Detail 21110542

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/ One food manager expired on 11/3/2021.

53B-02-5

Detail 21110534

Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. 4 cooks and 2 servers handling food employed over 60 days no food handler training.

22-20-5

Detail 21110536

Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of both ice machine/bins in back of kitchen.

12B-07-4

Detail 21110539

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Designated employee drink and personal item area in back of kitchen on wire rack over bags of onions and tomatoes. Operator will rearrange employee personal item storage area for proper food protection.

36-17-5

Detail 21110537

Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed broken floor tiles on cook line, service line, dish machine area, expediting area. This is a repeat violation from 05/06/2021 and 7/20/2021. Repeat Violation

Jul 21, 2021

Routine - Food

Call Back - Complied

Basic: 1Total: 1

36-17-5

Detail 20367476

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair and/or in disrepair. Observed broken floor tiles on cook line, service line, dish machine area, expediting area. This is a repeat violation from 05/06/2021 Repeat Violation Warning - From follow-up inspection 2021-07-21: Time Extended

Jul 20, 2021

Routine - Food

Warning Issued

High Priority: 3Intermediate: 2Basic: 4Total: 9

03D-02-5

Detail 20357464

High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed chicken noodle soup cooling at 48°F in walk-in cooler. Soup was from previous night. Not cooled from 135°F to 41°F within 6 hours. Warning

01B-02-5

Detail 20357463

High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed chicken noodle soup cooling at 48°F in walk-in cooler. Soup was from previous night. Not cooled from 135°F to 41°F within 6 hours. Warning

03A-02-5

Detail 20357459

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed American cheese 61°F and provolone 62°F on cook line in drop in cooler. Operator iced down cheese and put in cooler. Observed produce walk-in cooler with Swiss cheese 45°F, butter 45°F, sauerkraut 44°F. Operator called repair and left freezer door open to drop ambient temperature. Observed sour cream portion cups on Front Line cooler 53°F. Operator put bag of ice over top. Corrective Action Taken Warning

22-02-4

Detail 20357466

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed smaller ice machine with mold-like substance on sides of bin and ice shoot. Also observed buildup of mold-like substance on nozzle of drink dispenser across from restroom at service station. Warning

31A-09-4

Detail 20357460

Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed sanitizer bucket blocking handwash sink in bar area. Operator removed the bucket. Corrected On-Site Warning

13-03-4

Detail 20357462

Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed multiple employees without hair restraints. Operator gave hats to employees. Corrected On-Site Warning

36-17-5

Detail 20357467

Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair and/or in disrepair. Observed broken floor tiles on cook line, service line, dish machine area, expediting area. This is a repeat violation from 05/06/2021 Repeat Violation Warning

25-05-4

Detail 20357465

Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed to-go containers in box on floor in dry storage area. Operator moved off of the floor. Corrected On-Site Warning

02D-01-5

Detail 20357461

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed flour and sugar in unlabeled bins. Operator labeled them. Corrected On-Site Warning