Rodent droppings, other violations temporarily close Sarasota County 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 and food trucks, listed in alphabetical order, passed their inspections Jan. 14-20 with zero violations:
Blue Pineapple Ice Cream Mobile, 3973 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota
Chipotle, 6020 U.S. Highway 301 N., Ellenton
Deep Dish Pizza Co., 13001 Tamiami Trail, North Port
Ed's Tavern, 1305 108th St. E., Bradenton
Home2 Suites by Hilton Sarasota Bradenton Airport, 8260 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Opita Burgers, 3401 14th St. W., Bradenton
Papa Joes Sports Bar, 1242 Whitfield Ave., Sarasota
Purple Belle Ice Cream Truck, 4725 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota
Snead Island Trading Post, 2802 10th St. W., Palmetto
Sofia's Restaurant, 8130 Main St. Unit 104, Lakewood Ranch
TK Grill & Barbecue, 4927 96th St. E., Palmetto
T&T Hibachi, 8003 U.S. Highway 301 N., Parrish
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. 14-20:
Art Caffe
390 Nokomis Ave S., Venice
Jan. 16
Emergency order recommended: Facility temporarily closed.
Fourteen total violations, with seven high-priority violations:
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed tube of first aid cream on shelf over make table by microwave. Observed employee remove medication. **Warning**
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 chlorine sanitizer at 000 parts per million. Observed operator attempt multiple times to test and run dishwasher machine without getting proper sanitizer levels. Establishment does not have a three compartment sink for wash, rinse and sanitizing. Establishment has a household size two compartment sink. **Warning**
High Priority - Employee dried hands on soiled towel after washing. **Warning**
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 employee touch hair and face while engaged in food prep. **Warning**
High Priority - Employee touched soiled apron/clothes and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee touching dirty clothing without washing hands or changing gloves. **Warning**
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. **Warning**
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken over cooked shrimp and cut vegetables. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
Connors Steak & Seafood
3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Jan. 16
Follow-up needed: Administrative complaint recommended.
Nine total violations, with three high-priority violations:
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed two #10 cans tomato paste dented on sides approximately 1" 1 #10 can beans dented on top rim.
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed in walk-in cooler bacon over macaroni and cheese and shell eggs over milk. Chef rearranged food items to prevent cross-contamination. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the manager. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed kitchen reach-in cooler: shredded cheese (69F - cold holding); sour cream (69F - cold holding), at bar reach-in cooler: half and half 60F - cold holding.) Observed next to grill reach-in cooler top: fish (49F - cold holding); steak beef (50F - cold holding); reach-in cooler end of bar: crab (46F - cold holding.) Chef iced proteins. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
Connors Steak & Seafood
3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Jan. 17
Call back — complied. Met inspection standards.
Hot Diggity Dog
5666 Swift Road, Sarasota
Jan. 17
Emergency order recommended: Facility temporarily closed.
Nineteen total violations, with two high-priority violations:
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed 12 rodent droppings underneath an out of service ice machine at the front counter. **Warning**
High Priority - Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Observed chlorine wiping cloth solution over 200ppm. The operator diluted the solution to 100ppm. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
The Mable
2831 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Jan. 16
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
Ten total violations, with one high-priority violation:
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed a spray bottle of oven cleaner stored over food in the kitchen. Operator removed the bottle. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
Mad Moe's Pub & Grill
106 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey
Jan. 17
Follow-up needed: Administrative complaint recommended.
Nineteen 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 stored over sliced onions in the reach-in cooler at the end of the cook line. The operator properly stored the chicken. **Corrected On-Site**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed sliced cheese (52F - cold holding) on top of the containers in the reach-in cooler at the entrance to the cook line. The operator stated the cheese has been held for approximately one hour. The operator placed the cheese inside the reach-in cooler. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb on the south wall of the building.
Pinchers
900 Venetia Bay Blvd., Venice
Jan. 18
Follow-up needed: Administrative complaint recommended.
Eight total violations, with one high-priority violation:
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw soft shell crab over sliced cheese and tortillas in cooks line refrigerator draw. Observed operator rearrange food for proper storage. Repeat 10-17-23 **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
Super Buffet
5471 Fruitville Road, Sarasota
Jan. 16
Follow-up needed: Administrative complaint recommended.
Six total violations, with four high-priority violations:
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed a container of painkiller stored over the cook line make table. Operator removed the container. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken eggs stored over ready-to-eat vegetables in the hibachi area reach-in cooler. Operator placed eggs on the iced cook line. **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 raw beef stored over raw salmon in the the right side reach-in cooler on the cook line. Operator removed the beef. 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 the left standing reach-in cooler on the cook line: chicken (54F - cold holding); shrimp (54F - cold holding); beef (52F - cold holding); ambient (54F - cold holding). Operator stated the food had been put there approximately one hour ago. Operator placed food into the walk-in cooler and called a repairman. Observed on the counter of the kitchen: cooked noodles (52F - cold holding.) Operator stated it has been out for approximately 45 minutes. Operator placed the noodles in the make table 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**
Super Buffet
5471 Fruitville Road, Sarasota
Jan. 17
Call back — complied. Zero violations.
Sushi Ramen
935 N. Beneva Road Suite 401, Sarasota
Jan. 16
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
Four total violations, with three high-priority violations:
High Priority - Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Observed a container of insecticide labeled for household use only in the chemical storage area. Operator willingly disposed of the container. **Corrected On-Site**
High Priority - Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed on the cook line: ambient shell eggs (65F - cold holding.) Operator stated it had been out for approximately two hours. Operator placed food in a reach-in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in the right side make table reach-in cooler: kimchi (60F - cold holding); curry (60F - cold holding.) Operator stated the food had been there for approximately 2 hours. Operator placed food in a different reach-in cooler. Observed in the walk-in cooler: chicken (45F - cold holding); pork (46F - cold holding); butter (46F - cold holding). Operator stated they recently had a food shipment and has kept it open for the shipment, approximately 1 hour ago. Operator lowered the temperature and kept the walk-in freezer open to help lower the temperature. **Corrective Action Taken**
Sushi Ramen
935 N. Beneva Road Suite 401, Sarasota
Jan. 17
Call back — complied. Zero violations.
Tripletail Seafood & Spirits
4870 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Jan. 18
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
Seven total violations, with two high-priority violations:
High Priority - Hot time/temperature control for safety food received at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked potatoes (121F - hot holding) in the steam table on the cook line. The operator heated the potatoes to 167F. **Corrected On-Site**
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw shell eggs stored over unwashed carrots in the walk-in cooler. The operator properly stored the raw shell eggs. **Corrected On-Site**
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. 14-20:
Blue Dolphin Cafe
5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key
Jan. 19
Follow-up needed: Administrative complaint recommended.
Eight total violations, with four high-priority violations:
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed container of medicine stored on shelf next to food in the preparation area. Employee removed medicine. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. French toast batter containing raw eggs stored over ready-to-eat dressings in reach-in cooler on cooks line. Employee removed French toast batter. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
High Priority - Stop sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. All the following items were stored in the reach-in cooler in the wait station area: milk (50F - cold holding); half and half (51F - cold holding); whipped cream (54F - cold holding.) Manager stated the items had been stored in the reach-in cooler overnight. Manager discarded the items. **Warning**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. All the following items were stored in the top section of the make reach-in cooler on the cook line: guacamole with tomatoes (49F - cold holding); sour cream (47F - cold holding); cheddar cheese (48F - cold holding); Monterey cheese (49F - cold holding); cut tomatoes (47F - cold holding.) Manager stated the items had been stored in the reach-in cooler for approximately two hours. Manager placed the items in the bottom section of the reach-in cooler. All the following items were stored in the reach-in cooler in the wait station area: milk (50F - cold holding); half and half (51F - cold holding); whipped cream (54F - cold holding.) Manager stated the items had been stored in the reach-in cooler overnight. Manager discarded the items. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
Cortez Cafe
12108 Cortez Road W., Cortez
Jan. 17
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
Ten total violations, with two high-priority violations:
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license as expired as of 12/01/23 **Warning**
High Priority - Warewashing sanitizing solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed. Observed three compartment sink sanitizer 200ppm. Chlorine. **Warning**
Ellenton Cafe
7044 US-301 N., Ellenton
Jan. 16
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
Ten total violations, with two high-priority violations:
High Priority - Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed dish machine not sanitizing properly. 25ppm. Operator will call for service. Three part sink set up to sanitize dishes until machine is repaired. **Warning**
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed pancake batter containing egg and milk out at 70F. Operator stated batter had only been out for 30 minutes. Placed in cooler. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
Peach's Restaurant
3240 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach
Jan. 18
Follow-up needed: Administrative complaint recommended.
Eight total violations, with three high-priority violations:
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shell eggs stored over deli ham in the reach-in cooler on the cook line. Employee placed the eggs below ham. **Corrected On-Site**
High Priority - Server handled soiled dishes and then picked up plated food without washing hands. Employee washed their hands. **Corrective Action Taken**
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. No time marks placed on the butter and rehydrated hash browns listed on time as a public health control form. Items were stored on the cook line, manager stated the items had been on time for approximately three hours. Manager placed time marks on the items. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
Sonny’s BBQ
631 67th St Circle E., Bradenton
Jan. 16
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
Seven total violations, with three high-priority violations:
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed in main kitchen area by office two door reach-in cooler raw chicken over sliced onions. Educated person in charge and emailed person in charge a copy of safe refrigerator storage. 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 reach-in cooler across from fountain beverage machine: cole slaw (56F - cold holding); milk (51F - cold holding); hard-boiled eggs (55F - cold holding); cheddar cheese (53F - cold holding); cut lettuce (57F - cold holding.) Person in charge stated that all food was in reach-in cooler from 1/15/24. 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 fountain beverage machine: cole slaw (56F - cold holding); milk (51F - cold holding); hard-boiled eggs (55F - cold holding); cheddar cheese (53F - cold holding); cut lettuce (57F - cold holding.) Person in charge stated that all food was in reach-in cooler from 1/15/24. 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. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
Sonny’s BBQ
631 67th St Circle E., Bradenton
Jan. 18
Call back — complied. Met inspection standards.
Taste of China
1783 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton
Jan. 17
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
Twenty-one total violations, with three high-priority violations:
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed nonfood-grade bags used for direct food contact storage in the walk-in cooler, walk-in freezer and reach-in cooler.
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken and beef stored over ready-to-eat food in the walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer.
High Priority - Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. Observed employees handling soiled dishware and then preparing food without handwashing or glove use.
Waffle House
603 67th St. Circle E., Bradenton
Jan. 16
Follow-up needed: Warning issued.
Five 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. **Warning**
High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed in main kitchen on grill line employee cracked raw shell egg with gloves on and touched two plate surfaces and failed to remove soiled gloves and wash hands. Person in charge educated employee on glove use and handwashing. Employee placed both plates in dish area, removed soiled gloves, washed hands and put on clean gloves. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Rodent droppings, more temporarily close Sarasota County restaurants
