KOJO
1289 N PALM AVE, Sarasota FL 34236 · 941.536.9717
Last inspected Aug 24, 2026 · 8 visits since July 2023
SEP 24
FEB 25
SEP 25
MAR 26
AUG 26
— STEADY
5 inspections within 13 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw ground beef stored over raw shrimp in the drawer reach in cooler prepared area of the kitchen. Manager removed the beef.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
8 visits, newest first
Aug 24, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 3 findings
Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee touched the garbage can then clean equipment without washing their hands. Employee removed the equipment to be sanitized and washed their hands.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Interior of the ice machine next to the walk in cooler soiled.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No hand washing sign provided at the hand wash sink on the sushi line.
Mar 11, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw ground beef stored over cooked beef in the stand up reach in cooler in the back hallway area. Chef removed the ground beef.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottles containing cleaning fluid stored next to food on a shelf in the cook line area. Chef removed the bottle.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can open blade soiled. Chef replaced the can opener with a new can opener.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Interior of the small ice machine in the preparation area soiled.
Sep 25, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall in the dishwasher area behind the sprayer hose soiled. Employee cleaned the wall.
Sep 15, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 4 recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Dish machine hot water sanitizer reading 135F at plate level.. Establishment stoped using the dish machine called the technician and set up the three component sink to properly sanitizer dishes and equipment.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from one another based upon minimum required cooking temperature when stored in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Raw fish removed from the commercial packaging stored over cooked chicken in the walk in freezer. Chef placed the fish below the chicken.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Wall in the dishwasher area behind the sprayer hose soiled. Employee cleaned the wall.
Feb 25, 2025Inspection 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 ▾
Pesticide-emitting strip present in food prep area. Pest strip stored next to liquor bottles in the bar area in the kitchen. Chef removed the pest strip.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw tuna stored over washed and cut scallions in the walk in cooler. Employee removed the tuna.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at the hand washing sinks in the front kitchen area. Chef placed towels at the hand washing sinks.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone stored on a preparation table/reach in cooler in the front counter area. Employee removed the phone.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Ice scoop stored in a soiled holder. Chef removed and sanitized the scoop and holder.
Wiping cloth quaternary ammonium compound sanitizing solution not at proper minimum strength. Wiping cloth sanitizer reading 00ppm quaternary. Chef replaced the sanitizer new reading 300ppm quaternary.
Sep 9, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw salmon stored over tofu in the pantry reach in cooler. Chef removed the tofu.
Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Speaker stored on a cutting board in the preparation area of the kitchen. Employee removed the speaker.
In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Ice scoop stored in a solid holder. Chef removed and sanitized the holder and scoop.
Feb 7, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Displayed food not properly protected from contamination. Dried fruit stored on the bar uncovered within approximately 2 feet of the customers at the bar. Manager removed the fruit.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener soiled. Employee removed and sanitized the can opener.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. 1 ceiling tile above the dishwasher damaged.
Jul 24, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 3 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw ground beef stored over raw shrimp in the drawer reach in cooler prepared area of the kitchen. Manager removed the beef.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employees wallet stored on a preparation table in the preparation area. Employees phone stored on a make table in the service bar area in the kitchen. Manager removed the items.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Fan guards in the walk-in cooler soiled.
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.