Popular breakfast spot First Watch in Wildwood, Florida, cited for 19 Violations in Sumter County

First Watch Restaurant's mealPhoto byHayleyJean S./Yelp/Canva

First Watch, a popular breakfast and lunch spot at 5833 Seven Mile Drive in Wildwood, was cited for 19 violations during a Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation inspection on October 7, 2024.

The Sumter County eatery location received 5 high-priority, 3 intermediate, and 11 basic violations, according to state records. While First Watch was not ordered to close, a follow-up inspection is required to address these issues.

This is What Happened During The Inspection

The high-priority violations centered on food safety. Unsuitable cold storage temperatures for time/temperature management safety food items like sausages, and pancake batter surpassed the safe degrees of 41°F.

Additionally, fifteen pre-cooked sausages lacked proper date marking, leading to their removal. Essential handwashing procedure breaches were observed, with an employee touching dirty surfaces before handling clean dishes.

The inspector's note also revealed that the restaurant failed to properly date mark and store ready-to-eat food.

Basic infractions included equipment maintenance issues, such as a damaged cutting board and a dirty oven. Other issues involved employee personal items stored incorrectly, uncleaned floors and food left without being covered,

Intermediate violations included a handwashing sink used for purposes other than handwashing and the absence of soap and paper towels at a handwash sink. The inspection resulted in a notification and did not lead to immediate closure.

First Watch in Wildwood maintains a 4.5-star rating from 670 Google reviews, suggesting its popularity among locals.

Nan, a local guide and recent customer, shared their experience on Google reviews, saying:

This particular site has outdoor seating and is dog friendly. I highly recommend the Salmon frittata. I love that greens is the standard side for all breakfast entrees!

The restaurant, known for its healthy breakfast and lunch options, will need to rectify the identified issues to support food safety standards.

Meanwhile, diners should note that inspection reports provide a snapshot of conditions at the time of inspection. For the latest updates, patrons can check the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation website.

High Priority Violations:

• Employee touched dirty surface then engaged in food preparation without washing hands
• • Ready-to-eat, time/temperature management for safety food marked with a date surpassing 7 days after opening/preparation
• • Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition
• • Time/temperature management for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit