Inspections: Rodent droppings temporarily close Sarasota, Bradenton area restaurants
Our digital database of restaurant health inspections is updated regularly with the latest information on which Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice area restaurants passed or failed.
You can use the database to search by Sarasota or Manatee County or by restaurant name. You can see which restaurants were fined and which were forced into temporary closure.
Disclaimer: The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation describes an inspection report as “a ‘snapshot’ of conditions present at the time of the inspection." On any given day, an establishment may have fewer or more violations than noted in their most recent inspection. An inspection conducted on any given day may not be representative of the overall, long-term conditions at the establishment.
Please note that some more recent, follow-up inspections may not be included here.
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The following restaurants, food trucks or caterers, listed in alphabetical order, passed their inspections Jan. 21-27 with zero violations:
Chili's Grill & Bar, 6125 Exchange Way, Bradenton
Fire Taco 2, 6369 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota
Fresh Start Cafe, 1322 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Gulf Breeze Cafe, 6024 Airport Circle, Sarasota
Hilton Garden Inn Sarasota-Bradenton Airport, 8270 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Island Fin Poke Company Sarasota, 5844 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota
Nunn Better BBQ and Catering, 3242 17th St., Sarasota
Pee Wee's Canteen, 502 Third Ave. W. 2 Flr, Bradenton
Pier 22, 1200 First Ave. W. #200, Bradenton
Pokehub, 1693 U.S. 41 Bypass S. Unit A, Venice
Sands on Miami, 239 Miami Ave. W., Venice
Sharky's on the Pier, 1600 Harbor Drive S., Venice
Smokin Chippers #2, 3412 Clarinda St., Sarasota
Tropical Smoothie Cafe, 8477 Cooper Creek Blvd., University Park
Wendy’s, 11727 State Road 70 E., Bradenton
Sarasota County restaurant inspections with high-priority violations:
The following restaurants, listed in alphabetical order, were issued warnings, recommended for administrative complaints or were temporarily closed due to failed inspections Jan. 21-27:
Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill
1500 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota
Jan. 24
Follow-up needed: Administrative complaint recommended.
Seventeen total violations, with one high-priority violation:
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked chicken (47F - cold holding); shredded cheese (49F - cold holding); cooked rice (48F - cold holding); cooked potatoes (50F - cold holding) above the container fill line in the reach-in cooler at the end of the cook line. The operator stated the above food items have been held for approximately one hour. The operator placed half of the contents in another container and placed in the bottom half of the reach in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill
1500 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota
Jan. 25
Call back — complied. Met inspection standards.
Chayhana Vostok Uzbek Cuisine
4242 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Jan. 25
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
Nine total violations, with three high-priority violations:
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed the seating license expired 12/1/2023.
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored above raw beef in the walk-in cooler. The operator properly stored the raw foods. **Corrected On-Site**
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed a spray bottle of peroxide stored near clean dishware in the kitchen. The operator properly stored the spray chemical. **Corrected On-Site**
Drift Kitchen & Bar
700 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Sarasota
Jan. 22
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
Five total violations, with two high-priority violations:
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. All the following items were stored on ice in the the cook line area Pooled eggs (55F - Cold Holding); Cooked beef (52F - Cold Holding); Sausage (50F - Cold Holding); Ham (54F - Cold Holding); Salsa (54F - Cold Holding) chef stated the items had been stored on ice for approximately 1 hour. Chef placed bags of ice on top of the items, chef placed the pooled in the reach in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle containing cleaning fluid stored next to food on a shelf on the cook line. Chef removed the bottle. **Corrected On-Site**
Drift Kitchen & Bar
700 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Sarasota
Jan. 24
Call back — complied. Met inspection standards.
Flavio's on Main
1766 Main St., Sarasota
Jan. 24
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
Ten total violations, with three high-priority violations:
High Priority - Employee dried hands on soiled towel after washing. Employee rewashed their hands and used paper towels to dry. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
High Priority - Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee handled their phone then clean equipment. Employee washed their hands and removed the equipment to be sanitized. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
High Priority - Employee washed hands with no soap. Employee rewashed their hands using soap. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
Flavio's on Main
1766 Main St., Sarasota
Jan. 25
Call back — complied. Met inspection standards.
Mademoiselle Paris
1605 Main St., Sarasota
Jan. 26
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
Eight total violations, with two high-priority violations:
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw chicken stored over pooled eggs in the reach-in cooler on the cook line. Manager removed the chicken. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
High Priority - Shell eggs not immediately placed in refrigeration maintaining an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less upon receipt. Raw shell eggs stored at room temperature on the cook line. Manager stated the eggs had been stored at room temperature for approximately two hours. Manager placed the eggs in the reach-in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
Ritz-Carlton Beach Club
1234 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Sarasota
Jan. 22
Emergency order recommended: Facility temporarily closed.
Eleven total violations, with three high-priority violations:
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw scallops stored over cooked rice and cooked vegetables in the reach-in cooler on the cook line. Chef removed the scallops. **Warning**
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 30 rodent droppings on the floor under shelves in the first floor dry storage area. Observed approximately 50 rodent droppings in a box of plates in the first floor dry storage area. The kitchen is located on the second floor of the establishment, there are both food products, glassware, plates and single service items in the first floor dry storage area. **Warning**
High Priority - Stop sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. No shell tags for fresh mussels stored in the reach-in cooler on the cook line. Chef discarded the mussels. Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged mahi stored in the walk-in cooler not removed from the packaging after thawing. **Warning**
Ritz-Carlton Beach Club
1234 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Sarasota
Jan. 23
Emergency order callback complied. Met inspection standards.
SandBar Tiki and Grille
1975 Beach Road, Englewood
Jan. 24
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
Eight total violations, with three high-priority violations:
High Priority - Stop sale issued due to food originating from an unapproved source. Observed 49 raw shell oysters in walk-in cooler stored without or tag. Operator voluntarily disposed of oysters. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
High Priority - Stop sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed the following temperature at prep area tall cooler: beef sloppy joe (57F - cold holding); diced tomatoes (54F - cold holding); ricotta cheese (53F - cold holding); diced onions (55F - cold holding). All items were prepared more than 24 hours. Operator voluntarily disposed of all items. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed the following temperature at prep area tall cooler: beef sloppy joe (57F - cold holding); diced tomatoes (54F - cold holding); ricotta cheese (53F - cold holding); diced onions (55F - cold holding). All items were prepared more than 24 hours. Operator voluntarily disposed of all items. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
SandBar Tiki and Grille
1975 Beach Road, Englewood
Jan. 25
Call back — complied. Zero violations.
The Serving Spoon
1825 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota
Jan. 22
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
Nine total violations, with two high-priority violations:
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. Observed dishwashing machine chlorine at 0ppm. Service was performed during inspection corrected to 50 ppm. **Corrected On-Site**
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed smoked salmon over beans in walk-in cooler. Manager rearranged food items to prevent cross-contamination. **Corrected On-Site**
TJ Carney's
231 W. Venice Ave., Venice
Jan. 22
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
Fourteen total violations, with four high-priority violations:
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. Observed 20 quarts of beef shepherd's pie filling in walk-in cooler at 57F. Operator stated it was made the day before more than 24 hours prior and placed into walk-in cooler. Observed operator voluntarily dispose of beef shepherd's pie filling. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
High Priority - Dishmachine at bar 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. Instructed operator to use kitchen dishwasher till bar dishwasher is repaired. **Warning**
High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed one live roach on wall near hand wash sink by dishwasher area. **Warning**
High Priority - Stop sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed 20 quarts of beef shepherd's pie filling in walk-in cooler at 57F. Operator stated it was made the day before more than 24 hours prior and placed into walk-in cooler. Observed operator voluntarily dispose of beef shepherd's pie filling. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
TJ Carney's
231 W. Venice Ave., Venice
Jan. 23
Call back — complied. Met inspection standards.
Venice Yacht Club Restaurant
1330 Tarpon Center Drive, Venice
Jan. 23
Follow-up needed: Administrative complaint recommended.
Ten total violations, with three high-priority violations:
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken and beef over cheese and vegetables in reach-in cooler draw at cooks line. Observed operator arrange items for proper storage. Repeat 10-17-23 **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw beef over raw fish in reach-in cooler draw at cooks line. Observed operator arrange item for proper storage. **Corrected On-Site**
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 and the time removed from temperature control cannot be determined. See stop sale. Observed container of butter and garlic butter at cooks line not time marked. Observed operator correctly mark appropriate time on butters. **Repeat Violation**
Wendy's
8037 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Jan. 23
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
Seven total violations, with two high-priority violations:
High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed an employee wearing gloves touch clothing then handle ready-to-eat hamburger buns without changing gloves. The operator discarded the hamburger buns. **Corrected On-Site**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cut tomatoes (45F - cold holding); blue cheese crumbles (48F - cold holding); cut lettuce (49F - cold holding) in the reach-in cooler on the front line. The operator stated the above food items have been held for approximately two hours. The operator placed the items in the reach-in cooler. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
Wendy's
8037 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Jan. 24
Call back — complied. Met inspection standards.
Wingstop
4035 Clark Road Unit J, Sarasota
Jan. 23
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
Four total violations, with one high-priority violation:
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed no vacuum breaker at hose side of splitter. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the manager. **Repeat Violation**
Manatee County restaurant inspections with high-priority violations:
The following restaurants, listed in alphabetical order, were issued warnings, recommended for administrative complaints or were temporarily closed due to failed inspections Jan. 21-27:
Chen’s Gourmet
6086 14th St. W., Bradenton
Jan. 23
Follow-up needed: Administrative complaint recommended.
Nine total violations, with two high-priority violations:
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed in walk-in cooler raw chicken, soy sauce, milk and cooked seafood. Educated person in charge on safe refrigerator storage and emailed person in charge a copy of the handout in Chinese. Person in charge removed raw chicken. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in main kitchen area on food preparation table: cooked chicken (70F - cold holding); raw garlic in oil (68F - cold holding.) Person in charge stated that both foods had been out at room temperature for approximately one hour and returned both items to reach-in cooler on cooks line. **Corrective Action Taken**
China One
5627 14th St. W. Unit I, Bradenton
Jan. 22
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
Twelve total violations, with five high-priority violations:
High Priority - Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. Observed in walk-in cooler cooked noodle (48F - cold holding.) Person in charge stated they were placed in the walk-in cooler on 1/21/24. Educated person in charge on cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. Person in charge voluntarily discarded noodles. **Warning**
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed in walk-in cooler raw shell eggs over soy sauce buckets. Educated person in charge on raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Person in charge removed raw shell eggs. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed in walk-in cooler raw chicken over raw beef steak. Educated person in charge on safe refrigerator storage and emailed person in charge a copy of the handout in Chinese. Person in charge removed raw chicken. Observed in walk-in cooler raw chicken over raw shell eggs. Educated person in charge on safe refrigerator storage and emailed person in charge a copy of the handout in Chinese. Person in charge removed raw chicken. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
High Priority - Stop sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed in walk-in cooler cooked noodle (48F - cold holding.) Person in charge stated they were placed in the walk-in cooler on 1/21/24. Educated person in charge on cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within six hours. Person in charge voluntarily discarded noodles. **Warning**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on cooks line garlic in oil 72F, cooked noodles 68F and cooked chicken 62F. Person in charge stated all products had been out at room temperature for approximately one hour and placed all items in walk-in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
China One
5627 14th St. W. Unit I, Bradenton
Jan. 24
Call back — administrative complaint recommended. Follow-up needed.
Three total violations, with one high-priority violation:
High Priority - From follow-up inspection 2024-01-24: Garlic in oil 62F. Person in charge stated the garlic in oil had been out for approximately one hour. Person in charge put back in reach-in cooler. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Admin Complaint**
Gulf Drive Cafe
900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach
Jan. 23
Emergency order recommended: Facility temporarily closed.
Seven total violations, with two high-priority violations:
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed one rodent dropping on the toast station counter top. Approximately five on the floor in the prep kitchen. Observed one on top of the ice machine at the server station. Operator has cleaned and sanitized the areas. **Warning**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Yogurt holding at 46F and soup holding at 44F in prep area cooler. **Warning**
Gulf Drive Cafe
900 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach
Jan. 24
Emergency order callback complied. Zero violations.
Hibachi Express Bradenton
4533 14th St. W., Bradenton
Jan. 24
Follow-up needed: Administrative complaint recommended.
Fifteen total violations, with two high-priority violations:
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. Observed in back kitchen area Dishwasher (chlorine 000ppm); Person in charge discontinued use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Three compartment sink 100ppm. **Warning**
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed in walk-in cooler in back kitchen area raw chicken over raw beef. Educated person in charge on safe refrigerator storage and emailed person in charge a copy of the handout. Person in charge removed raw chicken. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
Pizzano’s Pizza and Grinderz
5627 14th St. W., Bradenton
Jan. 22
Follow-up needed: Administrative complaint recommended.
Seven total violations, with two high-priority violations:
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed three small flying insects in food preparation area. **Warning**
High Priority - Stop sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed in main kitchen area flying insect on pizza sauce. Pizza sauce was discarded by manager. **Warning**
Salem's Fresh Eats
5635 14th St. W., Bradenton
Jan. 22
Follow-up needed: Administrative complaint recommended.
Seven total violations, with two high-priority violations:
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed in main kitchen area employee put on hair net, put on gloves, grabbed food storage container contact surface and failed to wash hands before putting on gloves. Educated person in charge on glove use and handwashing. Employee put container in dish area, removed soiled gloves, washed hands and put on clean gloves. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in front kitchen area butter blend (71F - cold holding.) Person in charge stated that it had been out for approximately one hour and placed back in to reach-in cooler. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
Subway
6507 State Road 64 E., Bradenton
Jan. 23
Follow-up needed: administrative complaint recommended.
Eight total violations, with four high-priority violations:
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee touch cell phone and put on gloves and grab a unwrapped meat sandwich. Educated person in charge on glove use and handwashing. Person in charge discarded sandwich. Employee removed soiled gloves, washed hands and put on clean gloves. **Admin Complaint**
High Priority - Stop sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed employee touch cell phone and put on gloves and grab a unwrapped meat sandwich. Educated person in charge on glove use and handwashing. Person in charge discarded sandwich. Employee removed soiled gloves, washed hands and put on clean gloves. **Warning**
High Priority - Stop sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed in reach-in cooler across from bread rack: grilled chicken (47F - cold holding); cheese (48F - cold holding); tuna salad (47F - cold holding); sliced roast beef (46F - cold holding); cooked beef steak (48F - cold holding). Person in charge stated that the above food product had been in the reach-in cooler overnight. Educated person in charge on time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Person in charge voluntarily discarded all food items. **Warning**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in reach-in cooler across from bread rack: grilled chicken (47F - cold holding); cheese (48F - cold holding); tuna salad (47F - cold holding); sliced roast beef (46F - cold holding); cooked beef steak (48F - cold holding). Person in charge stated that the above food product had been in the reach-in cooler overnight. Educated person in charge on time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Person in charge voluntarily discarded all food items. **Warning**
Subway
6507 State Road 64 E., Bradenton
Jan. 24
Call back — complied. Met inspection standards.
Subway
3517 53rd Ave. W., Bradenton
Jan. 25
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
Ten total violations, with one high-priority violation:
High Priority - Chlorine sanitizer used to sanitize clean in place equipment not at proper minimum strength. Do not use equipment not properly sanitized. Observed knife sanitizer at 0 ppm. Employee corrected to 100 ppm. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
Subway
5016 Manatee Ave., Bradenton
Jan. 26
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
Seven total violations, with two high-priority violations:
High Priority - Stop sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed tuna salad (50F - cold holding); roast beef (50F - cold holding); ham (49F - cold holding); chicken (49F - cold holding); sliced cheese (49F - cold holding); bologna (53F - cold holding); fresh mozzarella (50F - cold holding) **Warning**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed tuna salad (50F - cold holding); roast beef (50F - cold holding); ham (49F - cold holding); chicken (49F - cold holding); sliced cheese (49F - cold holding); bologna (53F - cold holding); fresh mozzarella (50F - cold holding) **Warning**
Zafritas 2
5108 15th St. E. Unit 94 & 95, Bradenton
Jan. 25
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
Four total violations, with three high-priority violations:
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed in white upright cooler raw chicken over cheese. Educated person in charge on safe refrigerator storage and emailed person in charge a copy. Person in charge removed raw chicken. **Corrected On-Site**
High Priority - Stop sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed in reach-in cooler across from grill: beef (50F - cold holding); pork (49F - cold holding); chicken (47F - cold holding.) Educated person in charge on time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Person in charge voluntarily discarded all above food items. **Warning**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in reach-in cooler across from grill: beef (50F - cold holding); pork (49F - cold holding); chicken (47F - cold holding.) Educated person in charge on time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Person in charge voluntarily discarded all above food items. **Warning**
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Inspections Rodent droppings close Sarasota Bradenton area restaurants
