CHECKERS DRIVE IN REST # 161
5140 W CORTEZ RD UNIT 161, Bradenton FL 34210 · (941)798-3585
Last inspected Jul 28, 2026 · 8 visits since October 2023
JUL 24
MAR 25
AUG 25
DEC 25
JUL 26
▼ IMPROVING
5 inspections trending up, 42 points better than where it started.
Food with mold-like growth. See stop sale. Observed shredded cheddar cheese under make table with visible mold. Employee voluntarily discarded cheese.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
4 cases · $1,480
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2019059043 | Oct 11, 2019 | Dec 20, 2019 | $200 |
| 7--2017047022 | Aug 12, 2017 | Oct 17, 2017 | $400 |
| 7--2015054728 | Dec 15, 2015 | Dec 30, 2015 | $400 |
| 7--2015033242 | Jul 22, 2015 | Aug 6, 2015 | $480 |
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Jul 28, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 3 findings
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. Observed no employee agreement. Operator printed them out and had the employees sign.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Observed no written plan for their marked 4hr cold foods. Operator printed out and filled out the plan.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water underneath the soda machine. Operator states it's a drainage issue with the ice machine.
Dec 22, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed cut lettuce on cook line at 62F. Operator stated that the lettuce had been there over 6 hours. Operator voluntarily discarded lettuce.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cut lettuce on cook line at 62F. Operator stated that the lettuce had been there over 6 hours. Operator voluntarily discarded lettuce.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed ice scoop handle in ice. Operator removed scoop.
Aug 12, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at handwashing sink across from flat top grill. Operator replaced paper towels.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employees cell phone on shelf above food preparation line. Employee removed cell phone.
Floor not cleaned when the least amount of food is exposed. Observed floors under soda syrup along wall with food debris and soil.
Mar 5, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 2 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee engaged in food prep without a hair restraint. Employee put on hair restraint.
No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Observed no choking poster. E-mailed copy to operator who printed and hung up choking poster.
Aug 1, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Jul 31, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 9 recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Educated employee on proper handwashing. Employee washed hands and then put on gloves.
Food with mold-like growth. See stop sale. Observed shredded cheddar cheese under make table with visible mold. Employee voluntarily discarded cheese.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed beef patties 46F, chili 46F, hot dogs 49F, chocolate shake mix 46F. vanilla shake mix 46F, shredded cheddar 46F, chopped lettuce 50F. Operator stated products have been in walk in cooler since 7/29/24. Operator voluntarily discarded products.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed beef patties 46F, chili 46F, hot dogs 49F, chocolate shake mix 46F. vanilla shake mix 46F, shredded cheddar 46F, chopped lettuce 50F. Operator stated products have been in walk in cooler since 7/29/24. Operator voluntarily discarded products.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed spray bottle of degreaser on food prep surface next to handwashing sink across from make table. Operator removed bottle of degreaser and cleaned and sanitized table.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed stacked pans with moisture in between. Operator removed for proper cleaning and sanitizing.
Food stored on floor. Observed bucket of pickles stored on walk-in cooler floor. Operator moved pickles to shelf. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed ice scoop handles in both ice bin. Operator removed scoops.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed containers of pie filling and graham cracker in unlabeled containers. Employe placed labels on containers.
Mar 13, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
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. Educated Person in charge and emailed Person in charge a copy of the handout. Person in charge had employees on duty read and sign. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Emailed Person in charge charged a copy of form. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee.
Drain cover missing on floor drain in front of ice machine.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer next to Handwashing sink.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed over grill hood filters soiled with grease.
Pickle bucket stored on floor in Walk in cooler Person in charge removed from floor.
Oct 13, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled beverage dispensing machine nozzles at drive thru window.
Bathroom facility not clean. Female restroom.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed through out kitchen.
Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed accumulation on wall next to Ice machine.
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.