BEGONIA'S RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA INC
2215 WINKLER AVE STE C, Fort Myers FL 33901 · 239.288.6349
Last inspected Aug 6, 2026 · 9 visits since November 2023
DEC 24
APR 25
AUG 25
APR 26
AUG 26
▲ GETTING WORSE
5 inspections trending down, 18 points off where it started.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license as expired as of 12-01-2024.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
4 cases · $1,320
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2025024685 | Feb 17, 2025 | Apr 2, 2025 | $160 |
| 7--2019041494 | Jul 8, 2019 | Sep 20, 2019 | $700 |
| 7--2018008538 | Jan 16, 2018 | Mar 14, 2018 | $300 |
| 7--2017006729 | Jan 30, 2017 | Feb 28, 2017 | $160 |
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
Aug 6, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority3 Intermediate6 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 12 findingsThe state's own report →
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Chef changed gloves to work on cook line, no hand wash. Educated about proper glove usage and proper method used.
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed pork in reach in freezer stored directly in contact with grocery bag.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs over cooked pork and bread. Reviewed proper storage with chef and emailed storage poster.
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Chef began washing hands in 3 compartment sink, educated on proper handwash sink usage and proper sink was used.
Show the remaining 8 findings ▾
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink at kitchen entrance.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink at kitchen entrance.
Bathrooms located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. - above prep area near kitchen entrance.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Emailed a copy to operator during inspection.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood system grease buildup.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed multiple containers of food and seasonings unlabeled.
container of oil stores on floor, the chef relocated the item.
Apr 3, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority4 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Observed employee wash dishes in 3 compartment sink and begin to prep food. Operator stopped employee and had them wash hands and change gloves.
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Raw chicken stored over plantains in reach in freezer.
Shell eggs not stored at an ambient air temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Observed raw shell eggs at room temperature at cook line. The operator states they were out less than an hour and relocated to reach in cooler.
Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Observed employee wash dishes in 3 compartment sink and begin to prep food. Operator stopped employee and had them wash hands and change gloves.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed handwash sink at front counter blocked by prep table.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink at kitchen entrance.
No soap provided at handwash sink near kitchen entrance, the operator replaced soap.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Observed beef empanada 94F at front display. The operator states has been in less than 2 hours and he discards them after 4 hours. Provided operator with form during inspection.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. - above prep area near kitchen entrance.
Hole in or other damage to wall near dry storage.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Still frozen shrimp thawing in open air, the operator relocated to reach in cooler.
Aug 20, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 11 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans. Observed 2 cans of sweetened evaporated cream severely dented or dented at seam. Operator had a box separated prior to arrival of same product to be returned. Operator placed 2 cans with other returns. See Stop Sale.
Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Observed baked bread covered by black garbage bags on rack in storage area.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken stored over raw beef in reach in cooler on cooks line. Operator moved chicken to bottom shelf.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels near hws across from prep area. Observed no paper towels near hand sink in storage area Operator replaced paper towels while on site.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Observed butter, eggs, croquettes as time as a public health control but no written plan on site. Provided operator with form and explained how to fill out. Operator stated all 3 items at room temperature for less than 1 hour.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed door to both men's and women's restrooms not able to self close.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl sitting in salt and rice used as scoop. Operator removed bowls from salt and rice.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed non smooth ceiling tiles not easily cleanable above prep area at entrance of kitchen.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed hand washing sink in storage area and men's restroom with no designated sign.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed styrofoam containers not inverted at front counter. Operator inverted containers.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed flour in metal container with lid, no label.
Aug 20, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Apr 1, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 5 recorded.
0 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
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. The Manager has experienced a family emergency and is working on correcting the violation.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gasket on reach in freezer in back room.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup in 2 reach in freezer units.
Water draining onto floor surface. Observed water draining on to wall then floor behind 3 compartment sink.
Feb 17, 2025Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 3 violations recorded.
0 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
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.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed damaged ceiling tiles in kitchen above 3 compartment sink.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup in reach in freezer chest by hand wash sink in prep room.
Dec 16, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 5 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority2 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license as expired as of 12-01-2024.
Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification.
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.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed damaged ceiling tiles in kitchen above 3 compartment sink.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup in reach in freezer chest by hand wash sink in prep room.
Mar 13, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 6 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed license as expired as of 12-1-2023.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at hand wash sink in kitchen and in storage area.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed acoustic style ceiling tiles in kitchen and storage areas.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed missing ceiling tiles in kitchen and storage area. Operator states roof is undergoing repairs.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup in white chest style reach in freezer units.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed scoop handle touching sugar in bulk container by espresso machine.
Nov 14, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority4 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Employee switched from working with raw food to ready-to-eat food without washing hands. Observed employee handle raw beef then handle utensils and ready to eat foods.
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 printed copy.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand wash sink in storage room as blocked. Operator moved items so sink is now accessible.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed employee rinse blender in hand was sink.
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. Provided Operator with printed copies and all staff on duty signed.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed water damage to multiple ceiling tiles in establishment.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup in two reach in freezer units.
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.