HICKORY HOLLOW
4705 US 301 N., Ellenton FL 34222 · 941-722-3932
Last inspected Aug 12, 2026 · 10 visits since October 2023
OCT 24
APR 25
NOV 25
MAR 26
AUG 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between B and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
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. Observed no written plan in place.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
3 cases · $2,360
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2026002535 | Nov 20, 2025 | May 15, 2026 | $800 |
| 7--2025038549 | Apr 16, 2025 | Sep 4, 2025 | $400 |
| 7--2016041058 | Aug 16, 2016 | Sep 20, 2016 | $1,160 |
Inspection history
10 visits, newest first
Aug 12, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 1 finding
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed fan guards in walk in cooler soiled.
Aug 7, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 8 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority0 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed the following items in reach in cooler next to cook line above 41F: Ribs (59F - Cold Holding); Potato Salad (52F - Cold Holding); Beef (49F - Cold Holding); Turkey (54F - Cold Holding); Coleslaw (55F - Cold Holding); Puller Pork (52F - Cold Holding); Crab Cake (64F - Cold Holding); Caramelized Onions (60F - Cold Holding); Chicken Wings (62F - Cold Holding); Chicken (59F - Cold Holding); Ground Beef (60F - Cold Holding). Items were placed in reach in cooler 2 hours prior to inspection per Operator. Operator placed all items on ice.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed sanitizer spray bottle stored next to sauces and seasoning on bottom shelf of prep table near dry storage shelf in back of kitchen. Operator removed spray bottle.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed Carbon Dioxide tank not secured in outside storage area. Operator secured tank.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed floor under dish machine soiled.
Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. Observed hood filter missing from hood above cook line.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed single service cups stored on floor of dry storage closet. Operator corrected storage.
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 utility flashlight stored on top of single service food handler gloves box. Operator removed flashlight.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed fan guards in walk in cooler soiled.
Mar 5, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed a chemical spray bottle stored on top of the cook line. Operator removed it.
Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine. Observed lime buildup inside the dish machine.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee personal items stored with bottle wine in the dry storage are. Operator moved them into a labeled box.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed an employee wearing a watch while rocking the cook line. Operator had them remove it.
Food stored on floor. Observed cases of food product that fell onto the floor of the walk in freezer. Operator placed them on a shelf.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed grease buildup on the hood filters.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed an employee water bottle in a customer reach in cooler. Operator removed the bottle.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed dust buildup on the walk in cooler fan covers.
Nov 20, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 8 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in reach in cooler fish 50F, and held overnight pork stew at 47F. Operator iced fish and discarded stew. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting boards on cook line soiled. Operator made aware.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl with no handle in carrots container in reach in cooler on the cook line. Chef made aware and removed bowls and replaced with handled utensil
Food stored in a location that is exposed to splash/dust. Observed outside reach in cooler dripping water onto produce stored inside unit.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed grease buildup on hood filters.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed soufflé cups and napkins stored in boxes on the dry storage floor.
Stored food not covered. Observed beef marrow bones uncovered in chest freezer.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed dust on walk in cooler fan guard.
Apr 16, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 14 violations recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority3 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed two cases of medicine stored above their back food prep table.
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw seafood stored over unwashed vegetables in the reach in cooler. Operator removed the veggies.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed a bag of raw bacon stored on top of butter and cheese in the walk in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observe on their back server counter: Butter chips (83F - Cold Holding). Operator stated it had been out for approximately 3hrs. Operator placed it in a reach in cooler.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed a container of comet spray stored with their wine bottles in the back storage area.
Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed a server wash their hands in a dump sink. Instructed the operator about its proper use.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed black build up on the can opener and its holder. Operator washed the can opener.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed discarded straws in their server hand sink. Operator removed the straws.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed black build up in their ice machine.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed the two cutting boards on the cook line grooved.
Food stored on floor. Observed a pan of hotdogs on the floor of the walk in cooler and a bag of dry jello mix on the floor of the storage area.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed a missing sign for their back kitchen hand sink.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed multiple opened employee drinks stored inside coolers.
Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Observed building debris and unused equipment stored behind the building.
Jan 2, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Fifty (50) foot-candles of light not provided at a food working surface or where safety is a factor. Observed: Fifty (50) foot-candles of light not provided at a food working surface or where safety is a factor. Observed 4 light bulbs not working over food line.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water on the floor in front of dish machine.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed: Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Missing 2 shields in kitchen area.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no sign at handwashing sink rear of kitchen.
Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Observed: Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Observed several unused items in back storage area.
Oct 25, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 13 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority3 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw chicken stored over raw beef, stored over ready to eat ice cream, cooked hot dogs, cooked chicken.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed shell eggs stored over ready to eat stew, cooked potatoes and corn stuffing.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed a soiled can opener and cutting boards with deep grooves and not easily cleanable.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked chicken, sausage, gravy, sauces without dates, ready to eat and held more than 24 hours.
Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
Fifty (50) foot-candles of light not provided at a food working surface or where safety is a factor. Observed: Fifty (50) foot-candles of light not provided at a food working surface or where safety is a factor. Observed 4 light bulbs not working over food line.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water on the floor in front of dish machine.
Food stored on floor. Observed pans and food stored on the walk in freezer and walk in cooler floor.
Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. Observed a hood filter missing.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs stored on oven door handle.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed: Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Missing 2 shields in kitchen area.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no sign at handwashing sink rear of kitchen.
Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Observed: Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Observed several unused items in back storage area.
Apr 18, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 5 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 written plan for some employees.
Fifty (50) foot-candles of light not provided at a food working surface or where safety is a factor. Observed 4 light bulbs not working over food line.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no sign at handwashing sink rear of kitchen.
Outer openings of establishment cannot be properly sealed when not in operation. Observed back screen door opening with screen that is not properly securing opening.
Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Observed several unused items in back storage area.
Feb 16, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 15 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority4 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed opened case of raw hamburgers stored over opened case of pie crusts. Operator moved burgers to bottom shelf.
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. Observed no written plan in place.
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. Observed no proof of food handler training. Owner has at other location.
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 written plan for some employees.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed items in 2 door reach in cooler in kitchen not date marked.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed portion cup in cut potatoes under flip top cooler. Operator removed.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed customer drink cups stacked wet.
Fifty (50) foot-candles of light not provided at a food working surface or where safety is a factor. Observed 4 light bulbs not working over food line.
Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Observed broken lid on cornmeal container.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Missing 2 shields in kitchen area.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no sign at handwashing sink rear of kitchen.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed cornmeal bin heavily soiled.
Outer openings of establishment cannot be properly sealed when not in operation. Observed back screen door opening with screen that is not properly securing opening.
Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Observed several unused items in back storage area.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar bin not labeled.
Oct 19, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 14 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate11 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw eggs stored over star fruit plantains and pineapple. Owner moved eggs to lower shelf.
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 some employees without written plan in place.
Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Inspector provided consumer advisory.
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed two small c02 tanks not secured next to soda syrup rack.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed heavily grooved cutting boards on flip top reach in coolers.
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed open employee drink cup on food prep table.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic drink cups wet stacked at servers station.
Fifty (50) foot-candles of light not provided at a food working surface or where safety is a factor. Observed three missing light bulbs in food prep/line area.
Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed floor in front of walk in cooler not smooth and durable.
Food stored on floor. Observed several cases of food stored on the floor in walk-in freezer.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed two employee drinks in server area reach in cooler.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed one case of take out boxes and two cases of portion cup lids stored on the floor in front storage room.
Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Observed several unused equipment pieces stored outside rear of building.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed unlabeled sauce bottles at server station. Observed sugar bin and cornstarch bins not labeled.
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.