RICOS PIZZERIA & SUBS
5131 N TAMIAMI TRL, Sarasota FL 34234 · 3589958
Last inspected Oct 8, 2025 · 10 visits since August 2023
JUL 24
SEP 24
MAR 25
JUL 25
OCT 25
▼ IMPROVING
5 inspections trending up, 31 points better than where it started.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 15 rodent droppings on the floor of the dry storage area. No food present in this area. Operators cleaned and mopped the area.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $1,200
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7--2024037784 | Jul 1, 2024 | Aug 8, 2024 | $800 |
| 7--2023032544 | Jun 6, 2023 | Jul 31, 2023 | $400 |
Inspection history
10 visits, newest first
Oct 8, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
3 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 8 findingsThe state's own report →
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed a container of raw eggs stored over ready to eat food in their back reach in cooler. Operator moved the eggs.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed multiple pizzas not disposed of at the end of their 4hr time limit. Operator disposed of them willingly.
Time/temperature control for safety food held using time as a public health control not discarded at the end of the 4-hour/6-hour period. See stop sale. Observed multiple pizzas not disposed of at the end of their 4hr time limit. Operator disposed of them willingly.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at the prep are hand sink. Operator placed more there.
Show the remaining 4 findings ▾
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed heavy ice build up in the walk in freezer.
Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed the ice scoop handle buried in the ice. Operator removed it.
Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Observed the back door not self closing.
Ten (10) foot-candles of light at least 30 inches from floor not provided in walk-in cooler. Observed the back half of the walk in cooler not well lit.
Jul 9, 2025Inspection 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 their dish machine at 0ppm chlorine. Operator swapped out the sanitizer and retested it at 100ppm.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed a cook use the ware wash hand sink to rinse a knife. The operator set the knife aside to wash and had the employee wash their hands.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup up on the walls and shelves of the walk in freezer.
In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed a in used wiping cloth stored under a cutting board at the back prep table. Operator removed the cloth.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed multiple to-go containers not inverted. Operator inverted them.
Mar 4, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 4 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 4 findings ▾
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed their front hand sink used for utensils and their back hand sink used to wash cooked pasta. Operator informed the employees on proper usage.
Dead insect on premises. Observed 1 dead palmetto bug on the floor of the dry storage area. Operator disposed of it and bleached the area.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed an employee handling food without a hair restraint. Operator had him put on a hat.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed multiple rusted shelves in their walk in cooler. Operator states he's has an order in place for them.
Sep 3, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed a container of cleaner stored next to bottles of alcohol at the bar. Operator removed the container.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed the kitchen hand wash sink with dirty dishes inside. Operator removed the dishes.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed an employee keys and wallet stored over the back prep table. Operator removed the items.
Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Observed the back exit door not self closing.
Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed multiple to-go containers stored incorrectly in the kitchen. Operator inverted them.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed rust build up on the back left walk in cooler shelves.
Jul 1, 2024□ Emergency Order Callback 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/bin. Observed black build up in the ice machine. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup up in the walk in freezer.
Jul 1, 2024■ Emergency order recommendedRoutine Inspection
Ordered shut on the spot. 9 violations recorded, 4 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
4 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 9 findings ▾
Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed a medical kit stored next to pasta in the back storage area. Operator removed the medical kit.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 4 rodent droppings on single service items, with approximately 20 rodent droppings on the floor below them in the back dry storage area. The back dry storage area is approximately 20ft from the food prep area and has no food product in it. Operator disposed of the single service items and cleaned and mopped the area. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed on the left reach in cooler: Meatballs (48F - Cold Holding); Chicken (47F - Cold Holding). Observed the food above the fill line. Operator stated they had been out for approximately 1 hr. Operator placed the items in walk in cooler.
Warewashing sanitizing solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed. Observed the bar triple sink at 400ppm quaternary. Operator dumped the sink and retested at 200ppm.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed black build up in the ice machine. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee.
Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. Observed debris build up on the top of the dish machine.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed an employee engaged in food prep not wearing any hair restraints.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup up in the walk in freezer.
Dec 1, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
Nov 30, 2023Administrative complaint recommendedRoutine Inspection
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 7 violations recorded, 2 high priority.
2 High priority0 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw eggs stored over ready to eat cut tomatoes and lettuce in the reach in cooler in the back prep area. Operator removed eggs.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 15 rodent droppings on the floor of the dry storage area. No food present in this area. Operators cleaned and mopped the area.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed black build up on the ice bin.
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a bowl being used as a scoop in a container of spices in the pizza prep area. Operator removed the scoop.
Food stored on floor. Observed cases of fryer oil on the floor of the back prep area. Operator placed cases on a shelf.
In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed in use tongs on the oven handle in the kitchen. Operator removed the tongs.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed rust build upon the back left shelves of the walk in cooler.
Aug 24, 2023□ Call Back - CompliedRoutine Inspection
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate4 Basic
Show 5 findings ▾
Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed 1 expired food service employee certificate expired: D Gilley expired: 05/20/23,
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed broken floor tiles in the kitchen. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee.
Food stored on floor. Observed food stored on the floor of the walk in freezer and dishwashing area. Operator placed the food on shelves.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice build up on the walls and shelves of the walk in freezer.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed lights above the pizza make area without a shield.
Aug 23, 2023Warning IssuedRoutine Inspection
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 15 recorded, 3 high priority.
3 High priority3 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed 4 dented cans of pizza sauce and 2 dented cans of mushrooms. Operator set cans aside for credit.
Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Observed employee coming in from the outside and put on gloves to begin working with food without washing their hands. Employee washed their hands and changed gloves.
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in the make table/reach in cooler on the left of the pizza make area: Sliced ham (45F - Cold Holding); Sliced tomatoes (45F - Cold Holding); Shredded cheese (50F - Cold Holding) Operator stated they had been stored their for approximately 2hrs. Operator placed foods in the walk in cooler.
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. Observed no vomit clean up plan. Emailed plan to operator to print.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed employee using the the hand wash sink in the pizza make area to fill a bag of muscles. Operator instructed the Employe on the proper use of the hand wash sink.
Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed 1 expired food service employee certificate expired: D Gilley expired: 05/20/23,
Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed single service bowls used as scoops for flour in the back storage area. Operator removed bowls.
Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee wearing a watch while engaged in food prep. Employee removed watch.
Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed 2 employees engaged in food prep on the cook line without hair restraints. Employees put on hats.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed broken floor tiles in the kitchen. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee.
Food stored on floor. Observed food stored on the floor of the walk in freezer and dishwashing area. Operator placed the food on shelves.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice build up on the walls and shelves of the walk in freezer.
Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed lights above the pizza make area without a shield.
Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed white residue build up on the fan covers in the walk in cooler. Observed walk in cooler covers with black residue build up.
Walk-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed the shelves of the walk in cooler with a build up of dust and black residue.
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.