Venice Gardens, Sarasota County

CHECKER'S DRIVE IN #356

1721 S TAMIAMI TRL, Venice Gardens, FL 342931636

FoodSeating
Latest violations
1
1 Basic
May 26, 2026
City
Venice Gardens
County
Sarasota
Status
Current / Active
Inspections
13

Violation history

Florida violations grouped by priority level over time.

Inspection history

Florida inspections are violation-priority based, with high priority, intermediate, and basic counts shown separately.

May 26, 2026

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

Basic: 1Total: 1

14-17-4

Detail 24592582

Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Repeat Violation

Nov 24, 2025

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

Intermediate: 2Basic: 5Total: 7

31A-09-4

Detail 24210458

Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed dirty scrub pads in he's by mop sink.

03F-10-5

Detail 24210461

Intermediate - No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Observed written Time control sheet plan not available at time of inspection. Repeat from last inspection 3-24-25 Repeat Violation

36-73-4

Detail 24210455

Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floors soiled in kitchen and walk-in cooler. Repeat from last inspection 3-24-25 Repeat Violation

35B-02-4

Detail 24210457

Basic - Insect control device installed over food preparation area by soft serve ice cream machine.

22-16-4

Detail 24210456

Basic - Walk-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Repeat from last inspection 3-24-25 Repeat Violation

14-17-4

Detail 24210460

Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Repeat from last inspection 3-24-25 Repeat Violation

36-27-5

Detail 24210459

Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust.

Mar 24, 2025

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 1Intermediate: 3Basic: 6Total: 10

03F-02-5

Detail 23654460

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking and the time removed from temperature control cannot be determined. See stop sale. Observed cheese, cut onions, cut tomatoes, shredded lettuce and mayonnaise at make table were all not time marked. Operator move soap stated items had been placed out for use 1 hour prior and then properly marked times on all items. Operator corrected above issues to meet inspection standards. Corrected On-Site

31B-02-4

Detail 23654456

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink by mop sink.

31B-03-4

Detail 23654459

Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink by mop sink.

03F-10-5

Detail 23654453

Intermediate - No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Establishment did not have Time control sheet at time of inspection.

36-73-4

Detail 23654452

Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris in walk-in cooler, walk-in freezer and under kitchen equipment. Repeat 8-1-24

33-20-4

Detail 23654457

Basic - Grease on the ground and/or pad around grease receptacle.

33-29-4

Detail 23654454

Basic - Grease receptacle lid open.

22-16-4

Detail 23654455

Basic - Reach-in cooler under make table at cooks line interior/has accumulation of soil residues. Repeat 8-1-24 Repeat Violation

29-49-6

Detail 23654458

Basic - Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler.

14-17-4

Detail 23654451

Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.

Dec 16, 2024

Complaint Full

Call Back - Complied

Intermediate: 5Basic: 5Total: 10

11-07-5

Detail 23426491

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food, clean equipment and utensils, and single-service items. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-16: Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food, clean equipment and utensils, and single-service items. Time Extended

11-05-4

Detail 23426494

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of reporting responsibilities for exclusions and restrictions. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-16: Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of reporting responsibilities for exclusions and restrictions. Time Extended

11-27-4

Detail 23426487

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-16: Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Time Extended

31A-11-4

Detail 23426489

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Handwashing sink by mop sink being use as dump sink. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-16: Handwashing sink by cooks line being use as dump sink. Time Extended

31B-02-4

Detail 23426495

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at handwashing sink by mop sink. Repeat 8-1-24 Repeat Violation Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-16: No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at handwashing sink by mop sink. Time Extended

36-73-4

Detail 23426488

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floors soiled under and around equipment and main areas with heavy grease buildup. Observed walk-in-cooler soiled. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-16: Observed floors soiled under and around equipment and main areas with heavy grease buildup. Observed walk-in-cooler soiled. Time Extended

35B-02-4

Detail 23426496

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Insect control device installed over food preparation area. Observed bug control device on all by slushy machine and single service cups. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-16: Observed bug control device on all by slushy machine and single service cups. Time Extended

51-18-6

Detail 23426492

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No copy of latest inspection report available. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-16: No copy of latest inspection report available. Time Extended

22-16-4

Detail 23426493

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed bottom of reach-in-cooler and gasket soiled with mold-like-substance. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-16: Observed bottom of reach-in-cooler and gasket soiled with mold-like-substance. Warning Time Extended

36-27-5

Detail 23426490

Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed multiple soiled walls throughout kitchen and dish area. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-16: Observed multiple soiled walls throughout kitchen and dish area. Time Extended

Oct 16, 2024

Complaint Full

Warning Issued

Intermediate: 8Basic: 7Total: 15

11-07-5

Detail 23263146

Intermediate - Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food, clean equipment and utensils, and single-service items. Warning

11-05-4

Detail 23263142

Intermediate - Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of reporting responsibilities for exclusions and restrictions. Warning

11-27-4

Detail 23263145

Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Warning

31A-09-4

Detail 23263147

Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Handwashing sink by mop area block by boxes, mop bucket and equipment in sink. Warning

31A-11-4

Detail 23263144

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Handwashing sink by mop sink being use as dump sink. Warning

31B-02-4

Detail 23263143

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at handwashing sink by mop sink. Repeat 8-1-24 Repeat Violation Warning

53B-01-5

Detail 23263135

Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Warning

11-26-1

Detail 23263139

Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Warning

36-73-4

Detail 23263148

Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floors soiled under and around equipment and main areas with heavy grease buildup. Observed walk-in-cooler soiled. Warning

35B-02-4

Detail 23263136

Basic - Insect control device installed over food preparation area. Observed bug control device on all by slushy machine and single service cups. Warning

51-18-6

Detail 23263140

Basic - No copy of latest inspection report available. Warning

33-16-4

Detail 23263141

Basic - Open dumpster lid. Warning

22-16-4

Detail 23263137

Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed bottom of reach-in-cooler and gasket soiled with mold-like-substance. Warning

21-44-1

Detail 23263134

Basic - Sanitizer bucket stored with food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Observed sanitizer bucket on counter at burger assembly area. Observed operator correct issue to meet standards for inspection. Corrected On-Site Warning

36-27-5

Detail 23263138

Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed multiple soiled walls throughout kitchen and dish area. Warning

Aug 1, 2024

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

Intermediate: 1Basic: 5Total: 6

31B-02-4

Detail 23026404

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink at cooks line. Employee replaced paper towels. Repeat 10-30-23 Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

36-34-5

Detail 23026407

Basic - Ceiling vents soiled with dust and mold-like-substance.

36-73-4

Detail 23026403

Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floors soil under equipment and behind ice machines. Repeat 10-30-23 Repeat Violation

08B-38-4

Detail 23026405

Basic - Food stored on floor. Observe pickle buckets on the floor and walk in cooler.

14-69-4

Detail 23026402

Basic - Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.

22-16-4

Detail 23026406

Basic - Reach-in cooler shelves have accumulation of soil residues.

Oct 30, 2023

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

Intermediate: 1Basic: 2Total: 3

31B-02-4

Detail 22405656

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed paper towel dispenser at hand wash sink by mop sink broken and no paper towels available.

50-09-4

Detail 22405658

Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Repeat 7-17-23 Repeat Violation

36-73-4

Detail 22405657

Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris around and behind equipment. Repeat 7-17-23

Jul 17, 2023

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

Basic: 3Total: 3

36-34-5

Detail 22127226

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed fan cover in Walk-in cooler with buildup of mold-like substance.

50-09-4

Detail 22127225

Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.

36-73-4

Detail 22127224

Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor around behind and along side ice machine soiled. Repeat 11-10-22

Nov 10, 2022

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

Intermediate: 2Basic: 1Total: 3

22-02-4

Detail 21566023

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting boards on lid of reach-in freezer by grill with buildup of mold-like substance.

31A-09-4

Detail 21566024

Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand sink by mop sink blocked by mop bucket and mops. Observed employee move bucket and mops. Repeat 7-15-22 Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

36-73-4

Detail 21566022

Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed buildup of food debris and soil around base of equipment at cooks line, ice machine and Walk-in cooler floor.

Jul 18, 2022

Routine - Food

Call Back - Complied

Intermediate: 1Total: 1

53B-13-5

Detail 21199589

Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Warning - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-18: Observed operator has training for some staff and has order training for remaining staff. Time Extended

Jul 15, 2022

Routine - Food

Warning Issued

High Priority: 1Intermediate: 2Basic: 1Total: 4

03F-02-5

Detail 21195702

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking and the time removed from temperature control cannot be determined. See stop sale. Observed sliced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced cheese and sliced onions all being held on time with no time marked and unable to determine time. Observed operator remove items and dispose of, then replace with fresh items and time mark. Warning

31A-09-4

Detail 21195701

Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand sink blocked by equipment in sink. Observed operator remove items from sink. Corrected On-Site Warning

53B-13-5

Detail 21195703

Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Warning

12B-07-4

Detail 21195700

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee beverage on self above burger reach-in cooler. Observed employee remove beverage. Corrected On-Site Warning

Mar 16, 2022

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

Basic: 3Total: 3

13-04-4

Detail 20936721

Basic - Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation.

24-08-4

Detail 20936719

Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting above the three compartment sink.

23-03-4

Detail 20936720

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.

Aug 9, 2021

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

Intermediate: 3Basic: 3Total: 6

22-02-4

Detail 20411597

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime inside soda nozzles at the soda dispenser next to the drive thru window.

31A-09-4

Detail 20411594

Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times by the mob bucket stored in front of the hand washing sink. Operator removed the mop bucket from in front of the hand washing sink. Corrected On-Site

02C-02-5

Detail 20411596

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked hamburger meat on wire shelf inside the walk in cooler not date marked. Operator placed date mark on the container 08/08/2021. Corrected On-Site

36-32-5

Detail 20411599

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling leaking walk in the hallway in front of the computer desk.

36-73-4

Detail 20411598

Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris under the fryer and grill top.

23-03-4

Detail 20411595

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust at the reach in coolers.