Dirty dining: Inspectors find moldy ceilings and ice machines at Bradenton restaurants

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, several restaurants were cited for moldy equipment, surfaces and ice machines.

Here is what inspectors found.

Chili’s Grill & Bar, 6125 Exchange Way, Bradenton

• There was an accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of an ice machine.
• Containers on a drying rack in the dishwashing area were soiled, according to an inspector.
• There was an encrusted material on a can opener blade.
• There was no test kit at hand to measure the strength of sanitizer in use for warewashing.
  
  
• A soda gun was soiled.
• Gaskets on reach-in coolers throughout the bar and kitchen were soiled with slime/mold-like buildup.
• There was an accumulation of grease over a fryer station.
• Ceiling vents throughout the kitchen were in disrepair.
• The ceiling and vents throughout the kitchen were soiled.
• There was an accumulation of debris on the exterior of a warewashing machine.
• The restaurant met inspection standards.

Cody’s Original Roadhouse, 895 Cortez Road W., Bradenton

• There was an accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of an ice machine.
• A soda gun in the bar area was soiled. Corrective action was taken.
  
  
• An employee was preparing food without a hair restraint. Corrective action was taken.
• There was a buildup of dust on the ceiling at a dish pit and near the cook line.
• The restaurant met inspection standards.

Hibachi Express Bradenton, 4533 14th St. W., Bradenton

• An ice chute on a self-service drink machine in a dining area was soiled with mold-like substance/slime. Egg rolls and french fries were stored uncovered in a reach-in freezer.
• Open containers of cut broccoli were stored on the floor at the cook line. Corrective action was taken.
• The restaurant met inspection standards.

Denny’s, 610 44th Ave. W., Bradenton

• After a previous citation for ceilings that were damaged with moisture and buildup of a mold-like substance, an inspector again observed the issue on site. The problem spots in the dining room and in a dishwashing area had not yet been repaired. A restaurant operator showed the inspector a payment authorization for the repairs.
• Another follow-up inspection was required.

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.

This story was originally published December 2, 2020 at 6:31 AM.