Dirty dining: Rodent poop found at Bradenton sports bar. Inspectors shut it down

Restaurants in Manatee County have reopened for dine-in service, and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Hotels and Restaurants has resumed routine inspections for public health and cleanliness issues.

During the most recent inspections in Manatee County, a WingHouse location in Bradenton was ordered to temporarily shut down after an inspector found dozens of rodent droppings on site.

Other area restaurants were cited for issues that include improper storage of toxic substances and unsafe food temperatures.

Here is what inspectors found.

The WingHouse Bar & Grill, 5105 14th St. W., Bradenton

• An inspector ordered that The WingHouse Bar & Grill be temporarily shut down on Oct. 1 after signs of rodent activity were found at the restaurant.
• An inspector observed approximately 50 rodent droppings at a dry storage area on the cook line near a wing sauce station.
• An employee did not rub hands together for the required 10-15 seconds during handwashing, according to an inspector. The inspector discussed proper handwashing procedure with a restaurant operator. Corrective action was taken.
• Sour cream was cold held at a temperature greater than 41 degrees. Corrective action was taken.
• No soap was provided at an employee handwash sink.
• Proof of required training was not available for some employees.
• A soap dispenser at a handwash sink near the wing sauce station was not working. Corrective action was taken.
• There were holes in the ceiling and exposed rafters due to damaged ceiling tiles.
• The ceiling was soiled throughout the kitchen and warewashing area.
• There was grease accumulated underneath and behind fryers and a flat top grill.
• A cutting board had cut marks and was no longer cleanable.
• The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit the next day and was allowed to reopen.

Pizza Pros, 653 10th St. E., Palmetto

• Marinara, feta cheese, pasta, sour cream, deli meat, cheese and shell eggs were cold held at temperatures greater than 41 degrees. A stop sale was issued for the items due to temperature abuse.
• There was an accumulation of encrusted food debris on/around a mixer head.
• A handwash sink was used for purposes other than handwashing. An inspector observed an employee filling a water bottle at the sink. Corrective action was taken.
• Walls near a pizza oven were soiled.
• Shelves in multiple reach-in coolers were pitted with rust.
• The interior of a microwave was soiled with encrusted food debris.
• A kitchen exit door that opened to the outside had a gap at the threshold.
• Ceiling tiles in the dining area were in disrepair.
• A follow-up inspection was required. The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit.

Wendy’s, 606 East 10th Ave. W., Palmetto

• A toxic cleaning substance was stored over an ice bin at a takeout window, according to an inspector. Corrective action was taken.
• A gas can was stored in a walk-in freezer with fresh buns. Corrective action was taken.
• The ice chute on a self-service drink machine in the dining area was soiled with mold-like substance/slime.
• No test strips were at hand to measure the strength of sanitizer in use for warewashing.
• Single-service items were stored on the floor of a storage area.
• Cases of food were stored on the floor of a walk-in freezer. Corrective action was taken.
• The ceiling and vents throughout the kitchen area and dining room were soiled, according to an inspector.
• There was rusting on a ceiling grid throughout the kitchen.
• The restaurant met inspection standards.

Editor’s Note: According to the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation, these reports are a “snapshot” of the conditions present at the time of the inspection and are public record. The agency is required to inspect every licensed restaurant at least once per year, but new and “high-risk” establishments tend to be inspected more frequently.

When an emergency shutdown order is given by an inspector, it must first be reviewed and approved by agency supervisors. In order for a business to reopen, an inspector will continue visiting the establishment daily until compliance is met. Some citations may include a financial penalty. Inspectors may also respond to complaints, which can be filed here.