3 Bradenton restaurants shut down briefly after health inspectors find signs of rodents

Florida’s Division of Hotels and Restaurants routinely inspects restaurants, food trucks and other food service establishments for public health and cleanliness issues.

The reports are public information.

During the most recent inspections in Manatee County, two restaurants in Bradenton and one in Palmetto were temporarily shut down after inspectors observed signs of rodent activity and other issues on site.

Here is what inspectors found:

Robin’s Downtown Cafe, 428 12th St. W., Bradenton

• An inspector ordered that Robin’s Downtown Cafe be temporarily closed on Nov. 9 after signs of rodent activity were observed on site.
• An inspector observed more than 100 rodent droppings throughout various areas of the restaurant, including approximately 50 rodent droppings around a water heater and stand-up freezer in a back kitchen area, 20 rodent droppings under a dishmachine and approximately 30 rodent droppings under equipment on the cook line.

• An employee handled dirty dishes and then failed to wash hands before handling clean dishes. An inspector advised the employee and a manager on proper handwashing procedure.

• Raw bacon was stored over ready-to-eat cut tomatoes and ham in a reach-in cooler. Corrective action was taken.

• Raw shell eggs were stored at room temperature on the cook line. Corrective action was taken.

• Swiss cheese was cold held at a temperature greater than 41 degrees. Corrective action was taken.

• Floors were soiled under all equipment on the cook line.

• The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit on Nov. 10 and was allowed to reopen.

El Sombrero, 1330 N.E. U.S. 301, Palmetto

• An inspector ordered that El Sombrero be temporarily closed on Nov. 9 after signs of rodent activity were observed on site.
• An inspector observed more than 100 rodent droppings throughout various areas of the restaurant, including approximately 60 in dry storage areas and approximately 50 in a bar area.
• Non-food-grade bags were used to line a pan holding rice and garbage bags were used to line containers storing tortilla chips. Corrective action was taken.
• Wiping cloth sanitizing solution exceeded the maximum concentration allowed. Corrective action was taken.
• There was no proof of required food safety training for any employees.
• Fan guards in a walk-in cooler were soiled.
• Hood filters were missing from the automatic fire suppression/exhaust system throughout the cook line.
• There was standing water on the floor in a dishwashing room.

• An exterior kitchen door had a gap at the threshold that opened to the outside.

• There was an accumulation of debris inside of a warewashing machine.

• During a follow-up inspection on Nov. 10, no further signs of rodent activity were recorded. Other issues remained unresolved. The restaurant was allowed to reopen, but a follow-up inspection was required.

Taqueria Mi Rancho, 3603 15th St E., Bradenton

• An inspector ordered that Taqueria Mi Rancho be temporarily closed on Nov. 8 after signs of rodent activity were observed on site.
• An inspector observed approximately 20 rodent droppings behind a chest freezer in the kitchen and approximately 30 rodent droppings in a dry storage area.

• An inspector observed signs of rodent nesting in a dry storage area. Wood chips were used for nesting material and a strong urine odor was present.

• Ground beef and fresh salsa that were being held for future use were not date-marked. Corrective action was taken.

• Required food safety training was expired for all employees.

• During a follow-up inspection on Nov. 9, no further signs of rodent activity were recorded. Employee training remained expired. The restaurant was allowed to reopen, but a 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 at www.myfloridalicense.com.

The Bradenton Herald’s weekly dirty dining reports list restaurants where inspectors found issues that might concern the average diner — such as unsafe food temperatures, employee hand-washing issues or moldy drink machines — regardless of whether or not the businesses passed inspection.

This story was originally published November 14, 2022 at 11:56 AM.