MR EMPANADA
4836 N ARMENIA AVE, Tampa FL 33603 · 8138796232
Last inspected Sep 30, 2025 · 4 visits since July 2023
JUL 23
AUG 24
SEP 25
▲ GETTING WORSE
3 inspections, one direction. The current grade is the worst on record.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 20 rodent droppings around water heater near 3 compartment sink. Employee discarded, cleaned and sanitized the area.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $385
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2025072966 | Sep 30, 2025 | Feb 11, 2026 | $225 |
| 3--2021038695 | Jun 30, 2021 | Sep 28, 2021 | $160 |
Inspection history
4 visits, newest first
Sep 30, 2025□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
1 High priority0 Intermediate6 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 7 findingsThe state's own report →
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed hose bib next to mop sink outside with missing vacuum breaker
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed mold-like substance inside of ice machine in back of house near employee bathroom
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Reach in coolers cutting board in front of house
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup inside of walk in freezer.
Show the remaining 3 findings ▾
Interior of ice machine/bin with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed rust inside of ice machine located in back of house near employee bathroom.
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled with grease.
Sep 30, 2025■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 14 violations recorded, 2 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
2 High priority3 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 14 findings ▾
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 20 rodent droppings around water heater near 3 compartment sink. Employee discarded, cleaned and sanitized the area.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed hose bib next to mop sink outside with missing vacuum breaker
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board on front reach in coolers stained with old food debris.
No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Cuban sandwiches being held on time, no written plan. Provided form helped operator fill out.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed spray bottle containing pink liquid not label underneath 3 compartment sink. Employee labeled
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed mold-like substance inside of ice machine in back of house near employee bathroom
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Reach in coolers cutting board in front of house
Dead roaches on premises. Observed 5 dead roaches in office area. Employee discarded, cleaned and sanitized the area.
Employee personal food not properly identified and segregated from food to be served to the public. Observed employee personal food in walk in cooler on shelf with portion cup condiments and olives to be served to the public.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup inside of walk in freezer.
Interior of ice machine/bin with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed rust inside of ice machine located in back of house near employee bathroom.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed microwaves in kitchen soiled with grease.
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled with grease.
Aug 22, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed stored on chemical shelves
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. In back kitchen office area
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
Employee with ineffective hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Long ponytails observed with head visors.
Food not stored at least 6 inches off of the floor. Pickle bucket on floor in walk-in-cooler
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters soiled with dust and grease
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Frozen empanadas, packaged chicken and Spanish bean soup thawing on rack at room temperature in back kitchen area. Discussed with operators proper ways to safely thaw frozen foods. Operator placing frozen foods in walk-in-cooler
Jul 31, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Near 3 compartment sink
Bathroom door left open other than during cleaning or maintenance. Employees restroom
Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. In kitchen near back kitchen door.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Employees restroom in back kitchen area
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry.
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.