ARE-PITA'S RESTAURANT
1727 W FLETCHER AVE, Tampa FL 33612 · 813-892-2402
Last inspected Feb 18, 2026 · 6 visits since February 2024
FEB 24
NOV 24
JUN 25
OCT 25
FEB 26
— STEADY
5 inspections within 34 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
1 case · $160
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2024029883 | Feb 23, 2024 | Dec 11, 2024 | $160 |
Inspection history
6 visits, newest first
Feb 18, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 7 findingsThe state's own report →
Container of medicine improperly stored. Medication stored on food preparation table on cooks line owner removed and properly stored medication.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at hand washing sink on cooks line.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee cell phone store on food preparation table on cooks line. Owner removed and properly stored phone.
Show the remaining 3 findings ▾
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of microwave on cooks line is soiled with old food debris.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters overtop grill have grease buildup.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Wet mop, sitting inside mop, sink preventing proper air drying.
Oct 28, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef stored overtop juice inside refrigerator next to reach in cooler. Owner removed and properly stored raw beef.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test kit at time of inspection.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Plates stored on shelves in kitchen area are not stored inverted.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink stored on food preparation table in kitchen area.
Food stored on floor. Sodas and water stored on floor inside walk in cooler. Owner removed and properly stored drinks.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
Raw fruits/vegetables not washed prior to preparation. Onions not washed before preparation. Owner washed onions.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Plastic bottles of sauces have no labeling of ingredients inside reach in cooler.
Jun 13, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionLicensing Inspection
Nothing was found. The inspector recorded no violations at all.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Nov 22, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Ice buildup in wall in freezer.
In-use utensil not stored with handle above the top of time/temperature control for safety food and rim of the container. Cup handle used to portion cheese. Operator moved to approved position at time of inspection.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gasket on soda reach in cooler. Gasket on upright freezer.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Oil pump, discussed with operator. Operator labeled at time of inspection.
Mar 4, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 4 violations recorded.
0 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Back handwashing sink next to oven in disrepair.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet nesting on dry storage rack next to dish machine.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No handwashing sign in back handwashing sink next to oven. Discussed with operator.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gasket on reach in cooler next to make line soiled. Discussed with operator. Gasket on reach in freezer next to fryers soiled.
Feb 23, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 11 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority2 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Dishwasher (Chlorine 0ppm); CORRECTED TO Dishwasher (Chlorine 50ppm)
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. FIRST TEMP Chicken (48F - Cold Holding); Italian Sausage (48F - Cold Holding); SECOND TEMP - CHICKEN 32F ITALIAN SAUSAGE 32F operator placed food into freezer at time of inspection.
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. Provided operator with education packet containing vomiting and diarrheal procedure.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Back handwashing sink next to oven in disrepair.
Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet nesting on dry storage rack next to dish machine.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor in back storage area soiled. Floor under dish washing machine soiled.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Provided operator with education packet containing choking poster.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No handwashing sign in back handwashing sink next to oven. Discussed with operator.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gasket on reach in cooler next to make line soiled. Discussed with operator. Gasket on reach in freezer next to fryers soiled.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Single service sauce cups stored on ground next to walk in cooler, operator moved at time of inspection.
This record follows the licence, not the owner. Restaurants change hands and the licence history normally does not, so an older entry may describe people who no longer run the place. Every inspection above links to the state's own report. Something wrong? Tell us.