HUNGRY HOWIES #257
5912 18TH ST E, Ellenton FL 34222 · 941.981.3814
Last inspected Jan 7, 2026 · 9 visits since July 2023
JUL 23
OCT 23
AUG 24
FEB 25
NOV 25
▲ GETTING WORSE
5 inspections, one direction. The current grade is the worst on record.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed hard cooked eggs 57f, cut lettuce 59f, cheese 55f, ham 53f and macaroni salad on buffet line. Manager stated products had only been on buffet about 2 hours. Manager removed product and placed in reach in cooler.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
3 cases · $1,500
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2026013096 | Jan 7, 2026 | Apr 16, 2026 | $1,100 |
| 7--2025091354 | Nov 7, 2025 | Feb 4, 2026 | $200 |
| 7--2021043874 | Aug 19, 2021 | Oct 19, 2021 | $200 |
Inspection history
9 visits, newest first
Jan 7, 2026Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 5 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 5 findingsThe state's own report →
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle containing cleaning fluid stored next to food on a dry storage rack in the back kitchen area. Employee removed the bottle.
No certified food manager for establishment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling tiles and ceiling vents in the dishwasher and pizza make line area soiled.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable Several cutting boards in the kitchen..
Show the remaining 1 finding ▾
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Fan covers in the walk in cooler soiled.
Nov 10, 2025Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
2 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Bottle of employee medicine stored on a dry storage rack next to food in the back kitchen area. Employee removed the medicine.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle containing cleaning fluid stored next to food on a dry storage rack in the back kitchen area. Employee removed the bottle.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Mixer head on the floor mixer in the preparation area soiled. Ice chute on the soda machine in the dining room soiled.
No certified food manager for establishment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling tiles and ceiling vents in the dishwasher and pizza make line area soiled.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable Several cutting boards in the kitchen..
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Fan covers in the walk in cooler soiled.
Nov 7, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 13 violations recorded, 6 high priority.
6 High priority4 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Bottle of employee medicine stored on a dry storage rack next to food in the back kitchen area. Employee removed the medicine.
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Open box of raw formed beef stored over ready to eat frozen desserts in the stand up reach in freezer in the salad preparation area. Operator removed the beef.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw ground beef stored over processed spinach in the walk in cooler. Operator removed the ground beef.
Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. Server handled dirty dishes the clean dishes without washing their hands. Server removed the dishes to be sanitized and washed their hands.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. All the following items were stored in the salad buffet top load reach in cooler Cooked Eggs (47F - Cold Holding); Ham (55F - Cold Holding); Mozzarella (51F - Cold Holding); Cut Lettuce (50F - Cold Holding); Processed Peas (50F - Cold Holding); Processed Beets (50F - Cold Holding); Leafy Green (53F - Cold Holding); Macaroni Salad (57F - Cold Holding); Processed Chickpeas (58F - Cold Holding);. The operator stated the items were stored in the buffet reach in cooler for approximately 2 hours. Operator removed all the items and placed them in the walk in cooler. Operator placed new items in the buffet reach in cooler and iced them down.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle containing cleaning fluid stored next to food on a dry storage rack in the back kitchen area. Employee removed the bottle.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Mixer head on the floor mixer in the preparation area soiled. Ice chute on the soda machine in the dining room soiled.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Food cart blocking the hand wash sink in the back kitchen area. Employee removed the food cart.
No certified food manager for establishment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test strips for the dish machine.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling tiles and ceiling vents in the dishwasher and pizza make line area soiled.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable Several cutting boards in the kitchen..
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Fan covers in the walk in cooler soiled.
Feb 21, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority2 Intermediate1 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. Observed no proof of any training on site.
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 with no written plan.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed grooved cutting boards on line on reach in cooler.
Feb 20, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 8 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority3 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed hard cooked eggs 57f, cut lettuce 59f, cheese 55f, ham 53f and macaroni salad on buffet line. Manager stated products had only been on buffet about 2 hours. Manager removed product and placed in reach in cooler.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed rear hand sink blocked with sanitizer bucket and scrubber pad. Manager removed items.
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 any training on site.
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 with no written plan.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed grooved cutting boards on line on reach in cooler.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed food handling employees wearing bracelets with bracelet on. Employee removed.
In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensils in 77f water on food line. Manager removed utensils.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed light fixture in dishroom not shielded.
Oct 29, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed grooved cutting board on back flip top cooler.
Aug 27, 2024Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 6 recorded.
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. Observed no written plan on site.
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. Observed some employees with no proof of training on site.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed grooved cutting board on back flip top cooler.
Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. Observed employee drink with no straw.
Food stored on floor. Observed five gallon tubs of marinara on floor in walk in cooler. Manager put on rack.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed knife in between flip top cooler lids. Manager removed.
Oct 25, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority3 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed back hand wash sink with several hand towels and stainless steel scrubber in it. Manager removed.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed dough scraper in hand sink. Manager removed.
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 with no written plan in place.
Ceiling tile missing. Observed missing ceiling tile in dish room.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed no current license displayed.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed stacked wet pans on shelf in dish room.
Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Observed missing lite shield in dish room.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed spice bottles and squeeze bottles not labeled. Manager labeled bottles.
Jul 24, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Ceiling tile missing. Missing ceiling tile in dish room.
Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Container of buffet tongs stored with handles both ways. Operator turned all one way.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed stacked wet pans on shelf in dish room.
Food stored on floor. Observed buckets of marinara stored on walk in cooler floor. Manager moved sauce off the floor.
Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Observed missing light shield in dish room.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed alfredo sauce thawing in prep sink with no running water. Manager turned cold water on product.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Squeeze bottles not labeled. Shaker bottles 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.