PIONEERS PIZZA
4560 TAMIAMI TRL STE 7, Port Charlotte FL 33980 · 941.235.2424
Last inspected May 8, 2026 · 17 visits since July 2023
MAY 25
JUN 25
AUG 25
DEC 25
MAY 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and D. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 2 small flying insects in kitchen and bar area.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
3 cases · $1,200
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2026032434 | May 7, 2026 | Jun 8, 2026 | $400 |
| 7--2024027392 | Mar 28, 2024 | Jun 6, 2024 | $400 |
| 7--2024013522 | Mar 5, 2024 | Mar 28, 2024 | $400 |
Inspection history
17 visits, newest first
May 8, 2026□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 2 findings
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand washing sign at hand washing sink in employee bathroom.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed unsealed concrete on cook line.
May 7, 2026■ Emergency order recommendedComplaint Investigation
Ordered shut on the spot. 8 violations recorded, 3 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
3 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Employee touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands - food was not being heated as a sole ingredient to 145 degrees F or immediately added to other ingredients to be cooked/heated to the minimum required temperature to allow bare hand contact. Establishment has no approved Alternative Operating Procedure. Observed employee on cell phone, place phone back in pocket lift ready to eat pizza with bare hand on pizza peel then grab seasoning and spread over pizza, no hand washing sign. Discussed proper glove use and hand washing with Operator.
Pesticide/insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Observed can of RAID on shelf above hand washing sink next to entry of cook line. Operator removed can.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 3-5 rodent droppings on expo pass through window, 5-7 under dishwasher, 3-5 under canned goods shelf in dry storage area and 3-5 under empty shelf in center of prep kitchen.
Dead roaches on premises. Observed 2 dead roaches end of cook line on floor next to reach in cooler. Observed 1 dead roach by back door of kitchen.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed two employees working on cook line no hair restraint.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed wet towel under cutting board on cook line.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no hand washing sign at hand washing sink in employee bathroom.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed unsealed concrete on cook line.
Dec 1, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking. Observed multiple pizzas with no time marking displayed behind sneeze guard not time marked. Operator time marked the food item.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles with grease buildup at various locations at kitchen.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee cell phone at pizza station. Operator removed the item away from food preparation area.
Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee with no beard guard at cookline.
Plumbing system in disrepair. Observed cold side Handle in disrepair at cookline handwash sink.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed unsealed concrete at cookline.
Aug 28, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed chlorine sanitizer 0ppm due to air in the sanitizer line. Operator primed the sanitizer line.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at kitchen handwash sink. Operator placed soap at kitchen handwash sink.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed multiple bathrooms doors not tight fitting.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed soiled ceiling tiles at various locations throughout the kitchen.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed interior of microwave soiled at cookline next to oven.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed unsealed concrete at various locations at kitchen.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed pipe leaking at cookline handwash sink.
Jun 6, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation (Partial)
Nothing was found. The inspector recorded no violations at all.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
May 15, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Employee touched soiled apron/clothes and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee wiping hands on soiled apron at cookline. Educated the employee to compliance by washing hands.
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed no vacuum breaker at hose bibb next to cookline handwash sink and back exterior hose bibs next to mop sink.
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Observed open gallon of milk not dated at beer walk in cooler. Operator date marked the food item.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed restroom doors not self closing/tight fitting.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed soiled ceiling tiles/vents at various locations throughout the kitchen.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed multiple wet cups stacked with no airflow at wait station soda fountain machine.
Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture. Observed cold side handle missing at cookline handwash sink.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed unsealed concrete at various locations throughout the kitchen.
May 9, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed multiple restrooms not tight fitting.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed soiled vents and ceiling tiles at various locations at kitchen.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture. Observed cold side handle missing at cookline handwash sink.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed unsealed concrete at cookline and prep area.
May 8, 2025Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 6 recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed 3 rodent droppings at dry storage area on the ground underneath storage rack. Operator cleaned and sanitized the area.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. Observed multiple restrooms not tight fitting.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed soiled vents and ceiling tiles at various locations at kitchen.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
Faucet/handle missing at plumbing fixture. Observed cold side handle missing at cookline handwash sink.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed unsealed concrete at cookline and prep area.
Feb 12, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Employee touched soiled apron/clothes and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee wiping hands on soiled apron and then engaging in touching clean utensils. Educated the employee to compliance by washing hands.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed employee dumping water at prep area handwash sink. Educated the operator of only use for handwashing.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at bar handwash sink. Operator placed soap at handwash sink.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed soiled vents at prep area.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed missing floor tiles at frontline of kitchen at Pizza Oven.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed unsealed concrete at various locations throughout the kitchen.
Dec 3, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 13 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
4 High priority2 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 13 findings ▾
Employee touched soiled apron/clothes and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed multiple employees at cookline. Education the employees to compliance by washing hands.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw chicken over cooked bacon at Reach in Drawers. Operator switched the food items.
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw ground beef at Reach in Drawers. Operator switched the food items.
No chlorine chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
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. Provided the document which was completed during inspection.
Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine.
Accumulation of lime scale on the inside of the dishmachine.
Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed multiple tiles missing at cookline.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed unsealed concrete at cookline.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed multiple shelves rusted at Walk in Cooler.
May 7, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed 0ppm on test strip due to empty container. Operator replaced the container and primed the sanitizer to 100ppm.
Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed sauce at Walk in Cooler. Operator date marked the food item.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed on handles at various cold holding units. Operator cleaned the handles.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed floor tiles missing at kitchen.
In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed knife between 2 cold holding units at kitchen. Operator removed the knife to wash, rinse, and sanitize.
Mar 29, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair in office.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom in employee restroom.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no handwashing sign at handwashing sink near pizza maker.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust cook line area.
Mar 28, 2024Administrative complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 17 violations recorded, 5 high priority.
5 High priority2 Intermediate10 Basic
Show 17 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 2 small flying insects in kitchen and bar area.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed two rodent dropping in dry storage area above containers of flour and one above dishwashing machine. The owner had areas cleaned and sanitized.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed sausage (57F - Cold Holding); grilled onions (49F); green peppers (50F - Cold Holding); ham (50F - Cold Holding; chicken (48F - Cold Holding) cheese (49F - Cold Holding) in reach-in cooler across from pizza maker. See Stop Sale.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed sausage (57F - Cold Holding); grilled onions (49F); green peppers (50F - Cold Holding); ham (50F - Cold Holding; chicken (48F - Cold Holding) cheese (49F - Cold Holding) in reach-in cooler across from pizza maker.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed marinara sauce (111F - Hot Holding) in steam table in kitchen. The operator placed on stove top to reheat. See reheating temperature.
Nonfood-grade basting brush used in food. The owner discarded brush.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed the handwashing sink in outside bar shut off. operator turned on the water.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair in office.
Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom in employee restroom.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair.
Food stored on floor. Observed container of calamari on floor in container in walk-in cooler.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice in bar. The ice scoop was removed from ice bin in bar.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no handwashing sign at handwashing sink near pizza maker.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. The operator removed open drink from stand up reach-in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed raw calamari thawing in standing water in walk-in cooler.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust cook line area.
Mar 5, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed multiple ice machines at liquor room.
Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster.
Open dumpster lid.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed at prep area.
Mar 5, 2024■ Emergency order recommendedComplaint Investigation
Ordered shut on the spot. 10 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 priority2 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw mussels at Reach in Drawers. Operator switched the food items.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed 5 rodent droppings above shelf at prep area, 10 above inoperable ice machine, and 11 at liquor room.
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed soap container at cookline handwash sink. Operator removed the soap container.
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 documents not having dates next to signatures. Operator dated the documents.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed multiple ice machines at liquor room.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed ice machine inoperable at prep area next to dish machine.
Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster.
Open dumpster lid.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed at prep area.
Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. Observed wiping cloth sanitizer solution on floor at cookline next to handwash sink.
Oct 6, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority4 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Employee touched soiled apron/clothes and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observation employee at cookline. Educated the employee.
Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Observed carton heavy whip cream at Reach in Cooler. Operator date marked the food item.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed can opener blade at prep table. Operator cleaned the blade.
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. Provided the form which was completed during inspection.
No soap provided at handwash sink. Observe at cookline handwash sink next to Pizza Oven. Operator placed soap at handwash sink.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed multiple containers at dish shelf. Educated the employees and operator.
Equipment in poor repair. Observed ice machine at ware washing area.
Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observe at cookline by pizza oven.
Jul 12, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 5 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw sausage at Walk in Cooler. Operator switched the food items.
Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking. Observed pizza slices not time marked at front counter. Operator time marked the food item.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soda gun nozzle at interior bar. Operator cleaned and sanitized the the nozzle.
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.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair.
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.