PITA’S REPUBLIC
5309 E FOWLER AVE, Tampa FL 33617
Last inspected Jul 11, 2025 · 6 visits since October 2023
□ Not on the state's active licence list
This licence isn't in DBPR's current active file, which usually means the business has closed, been sold, or let the licence lapse. Everything below belongs to this licence, not to whoever may be trading here now. The history stays public because it is a public record.
OCT 23
MAR 24
OCT 24
FEB 25
JUL 25
— STEADY
5 inspections within 18 points of each other. Whatever this kitchen does, it does consistently.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
6 visits, newest first
Jul 11, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 7 findingsThe state's own report →
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed stained cutting boards on the flip top unit in the front service area.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable on the flip top unit in the front service area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed the bottom of the prep table being soiled with food debris build up in the back prep area.
Show the remaining 3 findings ▾
Reach-in cooler interior have accumulation of soil residues. Observed food debris build up in the interior of the reach in coolers and freezers in the back prep area.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface in the back prep area.
Worn, torn and/or soiled floors/carpeting. Observed the floor under the three compartment sink being soiled with food debris build up.
Feb 20, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Less than 60 days.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed the interior of the reach in freezer being soiled with food debris.
Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent, soiled and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing under the three compartment sink.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable on the flip top unit in the front service area and the cutting board being stored on the three compartment sink.
Food stored on floor. Observed cans of pineapple, a box of coconut and soybean oil being stored on the floor in the back prep area.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed the storage shelves being rusted.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface in the back prep area.
Oct 7, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 9 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed 2 dented cans of roasted red pepper in the kitchen prep area. Notified the employee about the cans. Stop Sale issued.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Observed the establishment open and operating with an expired license. Owner was able to update license before inspection was completed.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed the bottom interior of the reach in cooler soiled with old food debris. Employee stated that they will clean it when time permits.
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Person in charge couldn't provide a test kit when asked.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tiles soiled with water stains in the kitchen prep area and in the restroom. Observed ceiling tiles soiled with dust in the front dining area.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed a cutting board on the front cook line with many cut marks all throughout so it is no longer easily cleanable.
No suitable facilities provided to store employee clothing and other possessions. Observed employee drinks in the reach in cooler stored with items sold to the public. Discussed proper storage with the person in charge.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled gaskets with mold-like substance in the reach in cooler in the back prep area and in the reach in coolers in the front cook line. Observed soiled microwave handles with old food debris.
Open dumpster lid.
Mar 6, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
2 High priority2 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee handle cash register then placed on new gloves prior to washing hands.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink.
Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink.
Dec 5, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
Open dumpster lid.
Oct 4, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 6 recorded.
0 High priority3 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
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.
No 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.
Missing drain plug at dumpster.
Open dumpster lid.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed water leaking from pipe under hand sink.
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.