POPI'S PLACE IV
3911 US 301 N, Ellenton FL 34222 · 941.722.9055
Last inspected Aug 12, 2026 · 11 visits since September 2023
JUL 24
JAN 25
JUL 25
DEC 25
AUG 26
▲ GETTING WORSE
5 inspections trending down, 72 points off where it started.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed rice measuring 99F in hot box stored for service.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Inspection history
11 visits, newest first
Aug 12, 2026□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 2 findings
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water on floor of dish washing area.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed light shield missing from ceiling light next to walk in freezer.
Aug 11, 2026Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 20 violations recorded, 6 high priority.
6 High priority1 Intermediate13 Basic
Show 20 findings ▾
Employee touched bare body part and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Observed employee touch beard with gloves and proceeded to grab utensil. Employee removed gloves and washed hands before reapplying new gloves.
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw unpackaged frozen shrimp stored above unpackaged mozzarella sticks in reach in freezer near cook line.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed snapper filets stored in reach in cooler next to cook line thawed inside commercially processed reduced oxygen packaging. Manager discarded filets.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed the following items inside of reach in cooler on cook line Pooled Eggs (55F - Cold Holding); Bleu Cheese (51F - Cold Holding). Employee removed items to walk in cooler.
Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed rice measuring 99F in hot box stored for service.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed chemical degreaser stored next to cling wrap on bottom shelf of prep table. Manager removed chemical.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed slicer soiled on prep table in prep area.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine.
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged fish bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. See stop sale. Observed snapper filets stored in reach in cooler next to cook line thawed inside commercially processed reduced oxygen packaging. Manager discarded filets.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee open drink stored next to stand mixer in kitchen prep area. Manager removed drink.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed employee in kitchen involved in food preparation without a hair restraint. Employee put hair restraint on.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water on floor of dish washing area.
Food stored on floor. Observed box of oil stored on floor under dry storage shelf near cook line. Observed rice container stored on floor under dry storage shelf near cook line. Observed container of onions stored on floor of walk in cooler.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed wet wiping cloth under cutting board on prep table in kitchen. Employee removed wiping cloth.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed light shield missing from ceiling light next to walk in freezer.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed hood filters soiled. Observed cook line cooler drawer not in use soiled.
Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed box of single service cups stored on floor of dry storage shed in rear of establishment.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed the wall in dish washing area soiled.
Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth stored on cutting board on cook line. Employee removed wiping cloth to sanitizer solution.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed bread crumbs removed from original packaging stored in container with no label.
Dec 5, 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 ▾
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed light in dishwasher area missing proper shield cover.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed hand washing sink in prep area with no hand washing sign.
Dec 4, 2025Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 16 violations recorded, 9 high priority.
9 High priority1 Intermediate6 Basic
Show 16 findings ▾
Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Observed employee crack raw eggs and changed gloves and handled clean utensils without washing hands. Employee removed utensils to be sanitized, washed hands and changed gloves.
Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Observed non food grade paper towel lining a container of cut and washed lettuce. Manager removed paper towel.
Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw beef removed from commercially packaging stored above strawberries in the reach in freezer in the preparation area.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed container of pooled eggs stored above cooked eggs in walk in cooler. Manager removed pooled eggs from shelf.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged Salmon stored in walk in cooler bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Manager discarded the Salmon.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. All the following items stored in the reach in cooler on cook line Shredded Cheese (58F - Cold Holding); Feta (56F - Cold Holding); Bleu Cheese (58F - Cold Holding); Ham (54F - Cold Holding); Spinach (50F - Cold Holding); Cut Lettuce (52F - Cold Holding); Cut Tomatoes (53F - Cold Holding); Sliced Ham (55F - Cold Holding); Sliced Turkey (53F - Cold Holding); Cooked Eggs (57F - Cold Holding); Provolone (53F - Cold Holding); Swiss (64F - Cold Holding); American (63F - Cold Holding); Stuffing (46F - Cold Holding); Meatloaf (48F - Cold Holding);Pooled Eggs (45F - Cold Holding); Beef (48F - Cold Holding); Sauerkraut (47F - Cold Holding); Tuna Salad (47F - Cold Holding); Chicken Salad (50F - Cold Holding); Sour Cream (53F - Cold Holding). Manager stated all items were stored in reach cooler for more than 5 hours. Manager discarded all items.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. All the following items stored in the reach in cooler on cook line Shredded Cheese (58F - Cold Holding); Feta (56F - Cold Holding); Bleu Cheese (58F - Cold Holding); Ham (54F - Cold Holding); Spinach (50F - Cold Holding); Cut Lettuce (52F - Cold Holding); Cut Tomatoes (53F - Cold Holding); Sliced Ham (55F - Cold Holding); Sliced Turkey (53F - Cold Holding); Cooked Eggs (57F - Cold Holding); Provolone (53F - Cold Holding); Swiss (64F - Cold Holding); American (63F - Cold Holding); Stuffing (46F - Cold Holding); Meatloaf (48F - Cold Holding);Pooled Eggs (45F - Cold Holding); Beef (48F - Cold Holding); Sauerkraut (47F - Cold Holding); Tuna Salad (47F - Cold Holding); Chicken Salad (50F - Cold Holding); Sour Cream (53F - Cold Holding). Manager stated all items were stored in reach cooler for more than 5 hours. Manager discarded all items. All of the following items in stand up reach in cooler on cook line Ham (47F - Cold Holding); Cut Tomatoes (47F - Cold Holding); Sausage (50F - Cold Holding); Beef (49F - Cold Holding); Corn (50F - Cold Holding); Egg Whites (48F - Cold Holding); Au jus (56F - Cold Holding); Cooked Onions (48F - Cold Holding); link Sausage (53F - Cold Holding); Cut Lettuce (52F - Cold Holding); Bleu Cheese (50F - Cold Holding); Lamb (53F - Cold Holding). Manager stated the following items were stored in the stand up reach in cooler for approximately 2 hours. Manager placed all the following items in walk in cooler.
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed bottle of bleach stored on shelf of prep table next to spices on cook line. Employee removed bleach. Observed containers of cleaning fluids stored on a shelf next to clean pots in dishwasher area. Employee removed containers of cleaning fluids. Observed bamboo skewers stored on shelf next to degreaser. Manager moved skewers.
Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed. Wiping cloth sanitizer reading +200ppm. Manager replaced the sanitizer, new reading 100ppm.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed meat slicer on prep table soiled in preparation area.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed interior of ice machine soiled in kitchen area.
Commercially processed reduced oxygen packaged Salmon stored in walk in cooler bearing a label indicating that it is to remain frozen until time of use no longer frozen and not removed from reduced oxygen package. Manager discarded the Salmon.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed light in dishwasher area missing proper shield cover.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed hand washing sink in prep area with no hand washing sign.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Standing water in the bottom of reach in cooler on cook line.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Observed walls in dishwashing area soiled.
Jul 17, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed tray of raw shell eggs stored over ready to eat foods in single door reach in cooler. Operator moved to bottom shelf.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed ceiling tile above fryers soiled.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed soiled hood vents.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed flour container not labeled. Chef labeled. observed container of gravy not labeled. Chef labeled.
May 19, 2025□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Mar 18, 2025Call Back - Extension given, pendingRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
0 High priority1 Intermediate0 Basic
Show 1 finding ▾
Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed all employees food training expired. Owner will order books and recertification.
Jan 15, 2025Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 3 recorded.
0 High priority2 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 3 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 some employees with no written plan in place.
Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed all employees food training expired. Owner will order books and recertification.
Hood ventilation system inadequate as evidenced by grease accumulation on walls/ceiling. Observed grease buildup on kitchen hood. Cleaning scheduled for January.
Jul 31, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 2 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate1 Basic
Show 2 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 some employees with no written plan.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed food prep employees purse hanging on shelf next to waffle station. Employee moved.
Dec 21, 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 ▾
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.
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed pots next to ice machine not inverted.
Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed grooved cutting board at hot hold station.
Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed employee drink on food prep table. Owner removed.
Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Observed no door closer on rear exterior kitchen door.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Flour bin not labeled. Owner labeled bin.
Sep 5, 2023Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Designated employee eating/drinking/smoking area located in a food preparation or other restricted area causing possible cross contamination. Observed employee drink on top of microwave in kitchen. Employee moved drink.
Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed hole in wall entrance to dry storage room.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed open bottle of gatorade in single door reach in located in kitchen. Employee removed from cooler.
Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Squeeze bottles not labeled on food line in kitchen.
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.