Inspectors temporarily close Bradenton-area wing restaurant after live 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 recent inspections, a wing and burger restaurant in Bradenton was temporarily shut down after inspectors found signs of roach activity.

Wings ‘N Things Cortez, 7814 Cortez Road W., Bradenton — Inspected and temporarily shut down March 6

• High priority: An inspector observed approximately four live roaches in a handwashing area and six roaches caught in a sticky trap near a reach-in cooler and fryers.
• Intermediate: A food container on the cook line was soiled with a buildup of soil, food debris and grease.

• Intermediate: A manager or person in charge lacking proof of Food Manager Certification.

• Intermediate: There was no proof of required food safety training for an employee hired more than 60 days prior.

• Basic: An inspector observed dead roaches throughout the restaurant: Six in the kitchen area, seven along a wall near a dining room doorway, one in a bar area, three in a dry storage area, one in a women’s restroom and one in a corner near a dry storage area.

• Basic: An inspector noted eight other basic violations, including soiled reach-in cooler shelves and fryer oil stored on the floor.

• The restaurant met inspection standards during a follow-up visit on March 7 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.