DARRELLS RESTAURANT
215 TAMIAMI TRAIL SOUTH, Venice FL 34285 · 941-485-9900
Last inspected Jul 29, 2026 · 8 visits since October 2023
AUG 24
JAN 25
DEC 25
MAY 26
JUL 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed 15 rodent droppings on top of dishwasher in prep area. Observed employee wash, rinse and sanitize top of dishwasher machine to remove rodent droppings.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Jul 29, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 21 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority6 Intermediate11 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 21 findingsThe state's own report →
Cooked/heated time/temperature control for safety food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed mashed potatoes in walk-in cooler at 51F prepared the prior day more than 6 hours. Operator voluntarily disposed of all above items.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell eggs in walk-in cooler over cheeses, soups and mashed potatoes.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed hard boiled cinnamon honey butter on dry storage shelf in prep area at 73F prepared the morning prior. Observed mashed potatoes in walk-in cooler at 51F prepared the prior day. Operator voluntarily disposed of all above items.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed hard boiled cinnamon honey butter on dry storage shelf in prep area at 73F prepared the morning prior. Observed mashed potatoes in walk-in cooler at 51F prepared the prior day. Operator voluntarily disposed of all above items.
Show the remaining 17 findings ▾
Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/. Observed one of the managers Adrian Garcia expired.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed gaskets on reach-in cooler at cooks line and reach-in freezer at prep area soiled. Observed microwave at cooks line heavily soiled.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand wash sink by dishwasher area full of pans. Operator corrected above issues to meet inspection standards.
No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/
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. Jolene Lavalley Aiden Toth Joe Ruiz
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed mashed potatoes, cinnamon butter, and gumbo. Employee stated the above items had been prepare onsite more than 24 hours prior.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed paint on inside of microwave chipped.
Food stored in a location that is exposed to splash/dust. Observed no splash guard on handwashing sink next to fryer station exposing food to splashing risk.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer at prep area and walk-in freezer.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees at bar area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed fan in reach-in cooler soiled with dust and mold-like substance.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Ripped/worn tin foil used as shelf cover on bottom of prep table.
Stored food not covered. Observed pan of corn meal on shelf at fryer station no5 covered or protected.
Walk -in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Worn, torn and/or soiled floors/carpeting. Observed paint on con floor in kitchen worn and exposed.
May 29, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed debris buildup on their can opener.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed their dish bar hand sink with a sanitizer bucket inside. Operator removed the bucket.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed an employee's bag and jacket stored over potatoes in the back storage area.
Insect control device installed over food preparation area. Observed a bug control device stored over clean dishes. Operator removed it.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed a missing sign in the men's restroom.
Storage of maintenance equipment/tools in areas that may result in cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens and/or single-service and single-use articles. Observed an electric saw stored over spices in the prep area. Operator removed it.
Stored food not covered. Observed food in the walk in freezer not covered.
Dec 5, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 12 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority5 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
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.
Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of reporting responsibilities for exclusions and restrictions. Repeat from last inspection 1-13-25
Handwash sink by dishwasher area not accessible for employee use at all times, sink full of pans. Operator corrected above issues to meet inspection standards.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink by wait staff area. Operator corrected above issues to meet inspection standards.
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. Only able to provide proof of training for Kenna Grimes, Evan Waite, and Gina Bergeron. Repeat from last inspection 1-13-25
Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Operator corrected above issues to meet inspection standards. Repeat from last inspection 1-13-25
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board at cooks line. Repeat from last inspection 1-13-25
Observed floor at cooks line and dishwasher area is worn.
Stored food not covered. Observed working containers container of collard greens in walk-in cooler not covered or protected from soiled shelves and items above it.
Walk-in cooler shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Jan 14, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Floors not maintained smooth and durable at cooks line. Repeat 8-6-24
Open dumpster lid. Observed dumpster lid open on shared dumpster.
Jan 13, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 19 recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority4 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 19 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed Advil on shelf at wait staff area over single serve items. Observed operator correct issue to meet standards for inspection.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw shell over cheese and cooked pasta. Observed operator correct issue to meet standards for inspection.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed 15 rodent droppings on top of dishwasher in prep area. Observed employee wash, rinse and sanitize top of dishwasher machine to remove rodent droppings.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cut tomatoes (50F - Cold Holding); cinnamon butter (54F - Cold Holding); coleslaw (57F - Cold Holding) in reach-in-cooler at cooks line. Employee stated items had been placed in cooler 2 hour prior. All items were removed from cooler and returned not walk-in-cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food reheated for hot holding not reaching 165 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds within 2 hours. Observed pulled pork (79F - Reheating); mashed potatoes (69F - Reheating). Employee stated items had been put into steam well to reheat 2.5 hours prior. Employee removed all items from containers and place on stove to reheat to proper temperature.
Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of reporting responsibilities for exclusions and restrictions.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Handwashing sink at bar used as dump sink.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed in walk-in-cooler and cooks line,collard greens, pasta, cut steaks, cooked chicken and sour cream portions in wait staff cooler. All prepared onsite more then 24 hours prior as per employee statement, items were not properly date marked. Repeat 8-6-24
Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee beverages on counters at cooks line and waitstaff station. Observed operator correct issue to meet standards for inspection.
Floors not maintained smooth and durable at cooks line. Repeat 8-6-24
Food stored on floor. Observed buckets of sauce on floor in walk-in-cooler. Observed operator correct issue to meet standards for inspection.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment at cooks line. Observed operator correct issue to meet standards for inspection.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board at cooks line and prep area.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
Open dumpster lid. Observed dumpster lid open on shared dumpster.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination at cooks line. Observed operator correct issue to meet standards for inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed frozen turkey breast defrosting 3 compartment sink counter in standing water. Observed operator correct issue to meet standards for inspection.
Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Aug 6, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Home made hot sauce made with butter blend (71 - Cold Holding). Cook stated it was made 2 days prior and keep out at room temperature. Observed operator voluntarily disposed of item. Observed operator correct issue to meet standards for inspection.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Home made hot sauce made with butter blend (71 - Cold Holding). Cook stated it was made 2 days prior and keep out at room temperature. Observed operator voluntarily disposed of item. Observed operator correct issue to meet standards for inspection.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cut steaks and cooked chicken prepared onsite more then 24 hours prior as pre employee statement, items were not properly date marked. Repeat 1-16-25
Ceiling vents soiled with dust throughout kitchen.
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed floors at cooks line with chipped paint no long smooth and durable
Ice buildup in reach walk-in freezer.
Jan 16, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed steaks prepared onsite more then 24 hours prior as per employee statement not date marked
Carbon dioxide tanks not adequately secured. Observed operator secure tanks.
Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling. Observed build of grease on cooks line hood and on wall next to hood above fry station.
Interior of oven has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris.
Oct 16, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed hand wash sink by dishwasher area with pans in it. Employee removed pans.
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. Email operater Employee Health Agreement.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Repeat 11-29-22
Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses.
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.