Health inspectors temporarily close Bradenton restaurant by UTC mall after roaches found
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, a restaurant in the University Park area near Bradenton and Sarasota was temporarily shut down after roach activity was observed on site.
Here is what inspectors found:
Pei Wei Asian Kitchen, 8511 Cooper Creek Blvd., Bradenton
- An inspector ordered that Pei Wei Asian Kitchen be temporarily closed on Nov. 17 after roach activity was observed on site.
- An inspector observed five live roaches in different areas of the establishment, including two in the the cook line area. A restaurant operator showed proof of upcoming pest control appointments.
An inspector observed two dead roaches in a front service area and two dead roaches in the cook line area.
There was standing water in the bottom of two reach-in coolers.
Floors were soiled underneath equipment on the cook line.
Floor drains throughout the establishment were soiled.
The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit on Nov. 19 and was allowed to reopen.
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.