SONIC DRIVE-IN #5021
7725 49TH STREET N, Pinellas Park FL 33781 · 727-547-4070
Last inspected Apr 6, 2026 · 14 visits since August 2023
JUL 24
JUL 24
DEC 24
SEP 25
FEB 26
≈ ERRATIC
5 inspections, swinging between A and F. Consistency is the problem here, not any single visit.
1 Live rodent present in exterior water softener/ storage room.
★ Spotless◆ Clean streak● Perfect year✓ Never fined
Awarded on the inspection record alone. What they mean →
Disciplinary actions
2 cases · $800
| Case | Violation date | Final order | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3--2026011482 | Feb 2, 2026 | May 14, 2026 | $400 |
| 3--2023057354 | Aug 16, 2023 | Oct 30, 2023 | $400 |
Inspection history
14 visits, newest first
Apr 6, 2026Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 6 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority0 Intermediate0 Basic
What the inspector wrote — 6 findingsThe state's own report →
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Reach in cooler Traulsen reach in cooler container of raw beef patties over box of pasteurized eggs. Employee moved
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Table top cold holding unit. Not using time as a public health control shredded cheddar cheese (64F - Cold Holding) Added more ice to holder.
Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Front hand wash sink near two front door of kitchen highest temperature 83 degrees after running 3 min.
Multiple items cup, boxes, wrappers on ground on the ground and/or pad around dumpster.
Show the remaining 2 findings ▾
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Deli cooler at cook line
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. French fries
Feb 3, 2026□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate2 Basic
Show 2 findings ▾
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee cell phone on food delivery prep table. Employee jackets on top of table with salt and pepper packets.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Only microwave
Feb 2, 2026■ Emergency order recommendedComplaint Investigation
Ordered shut on the spot. 15 violations recorded, 5 of them the tier the state says can make you ill. A reinspection is required before this kitchen may reopen.
5 High priority1 Intermediate9 Basic
Show 15 findings ▾
1 Live rodent present in exterior water softener/ storage room.
Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. 2-1-26 employee renewed license during inspection.
Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Approximately 100 rodent droppings on floor of exterior water softener and storage room.
Rodent burrow or rodent nesting materials present. Nesting materials inside water filter /water softener filters inside exterior storage room.
Rodent rub marks present along walls/ceilings. Rub marks around hole in wall exterior storage room and throughout interior wall and ceiling of water softener and storage room.
Food-contact surface soiled with mold-like substance inside slushy machine.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee cell phone on food delivery prep table. Employee jackets on top of table with salt and pepper packets.
Equipment in poor repair. Torn gasket
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Near floor oil storage
Garbage not placed in a receptacle for storage until pick up to make the garbage inaccessible to insects and rodents.
Inside/outside of dumpster not clean.
Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Only microwave
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Soiled gaskets reach in cooler
Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. Pink bucket under fryer bin
Sep 11, 2025Inspection Completed - No Further ActionRoutine Inspection
Met inspection standards. 8 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority1 Intermediate7 Basic
Show 8 findings ▾
Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. I rust inside deli reach in cooler.
Accumulation of soiled material in the interior of the ice machine/bin.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employees purses on top of to go bags front counter
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Excess grease buildup behind grill.
Food stored in undrained ice. Observed water dripping onto to of pan of ground beef patties and box of strawberries inside walk in cooler. Employee moved
Ice buildup in walk-in freezer.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. Left side
Dec 19, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 7 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
0 High priority2 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Missing at hand sink of kitchen entrance and at hand sink at end of cook line across from three compartment sink. CFM stocked both dispensers with paper towels.
Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed employee training certificate for Tiffany Y. 06/05/2024 and Brianna V. 06/05/2024 through FRLA SafeStaff.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Ice machine and soda machine ice bins interior heavily soiled with black mold like substance.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. License posted expired on 2/1/2024.
Food stored on floor. Box of oil store on floor next to hand sink across from three compartment sink.
No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Missing at hand sink of kitchen entrance and at hand sink at end of cook line across from three compartment sink. Inspector provided DBPR hand washing sign. CFM posted sign at both hand sinks.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler next to slushy machine heavily soiled with debris and black mold like substance.
Sep 9, 2024Call Back - Admin. complaint recommendedComplaint Investigation
Referred for a formal case, which can lead to a fine. 7 violations recorded, 1 high priority.
1 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 7 findings ▾
Improper sewage disposal at floor drains in kitchen and/or food preparation area. -Drains on kitchen cook line heavily soiled with built up grease.
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. -Employee training could not be verified at the time of inspection for 4 employees engaging in food preparation and have been employed over 60 days.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. -Ice machine interior soiled with mold like substance.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. - Throughout the kitchen soiled with dust and mold like substance.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. -Floor soiled in dry storage area next to walk in cooler.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. -Walk in cooler shelves rusted.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. -Above hand sink on kitchen cook line, above 3 compartment sink.
Jul 24, 2024Inspection Completed - No Further ActionComplaint Investigation
Met inspection standards. 11 violations recorded, none serious enough to require a return visit.
1 High priority2 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 12 findings ▾
Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. -Vacuum breaker missing on splitter at mop sink.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. -Observed employee training for Matt Frank and Judy Santos. No proof of employee training previously warned at last routine inspection on 7/8/24.
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. -Inspector provided printed copies of Food Employee Reporting Agreement for two employees just recently hired a week ago and 30-45 days ago. Employees read and filled out agreement during inspection.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. -Ice machine interior soiled with mold like substance.
Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. -Door handles soiled on stand alone reach in cooler on cook line.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. -Employee phone and jacket stored on dry storage rack with single service items and opened boxes of candy. Employee moved items.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. -Clean containers wet nesting on rack near three compartment sink.
Food stored on floor. -Boxes of oil stored on the floor next to hand sink on cook line. Manager moved oil off the floor.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -Gasket on reach in deli cooler heavily soiled with mold like substance.
Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. -Employee drink on racks in walk in cooler. Employee discarded drink.
Single-service articles improperly stored. -Single service gloves stored under chemicals on chemical rack near walk in cooler door. Manager moved gloves above all chemicals.
Portable fire extinguisher gauge in red zone. For reporting purposes only. -Fire extinguisher gauge in red zone at front entrance. -Fire extinguisher gauge in red zone at back door.
Jul 11, 2024Call Back - Extension given, pendingComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems were not fixed yet and the kitchen was given more time.
1 High priority1 Intermediate8 Basic
Show 10 findings ▾
Improper sewage disposal at floor drains in kitchen and/or food preparation area. -Drains on kitchen cook line heavily soiled with built up grease.
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. -Employee training could not be verified at the time of inspection for 4 employees engaging in food preparation and have been employed over 60 days.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. -Ice machine interior soiled with mold like substance.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. - Throughout the kitchen soiled with dust and mold like substance.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. -Floor soiled in dry storage area next to walk in cooler.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. -Ice buildup up on floor under racks in walk in freezer.
No copy of latest inspection report available. -No copy of last inspection report.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. -Walk in cooler shelves rusted.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. -Above hand sink on kitchen cook line, above 3 compartment sink.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. -Plumbing leaking under 3 compartment sink into multiple buckets.
Jul 8, 2024Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 28 recorded, 9 high priority.
9 High priority3 Intermediate16 Basic
Show 28 findings ▾
Food placed in soiled container/equipment. -Shake mix in a plastic container stored inside bottom of shake mix unit. Observed container stored on heavy build up of soiled food debris.
Improper sewage disposal at floor drains in kitchen and/or food preparation area. -Drains on kitchen cook line heavily soiled with built up grease.
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. -4 live flies coming out of shake machine shake mix container at the bottom of unit.
Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests. -Dead fly on top of slush machine lid near employee lockers.
Quaternary ammonium sanitizer in bucket not at proper minimum strength. -Quaternary sanitizer bucket at 0 PPM. Employee replenished bucket to 100 PPM.
Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. -1 live roach near walk in freezer and back door. Employee killed roach.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. -Observed dead fly inside shake mix stored inside the bottom of shake mix machine.
Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. -Manager stated breaker was turned off this morning. Unit was turned back on but is now stuck on defrost mode. Shift manager verified at 7:50am the cooler was temping high. Stop sale: 6 inch pan of cut lettuce 3rd pan sliced American cheese 3rd pan sliced tomatoes 3rd pan of shredded cheese
Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. -Inside reach in deli cooler @ 9:27am: Shredded cheese (71 F-Cold Holding); Cut lettuce (71 F-Cold Holding); Cut tomatoes (68 F-Cold Holding); Butter (71 F-Cold Holding)
Employee applied hand antiseptic in place of washing hands as required. -Employee dispensed hand sanitizer in hands and began to initiate a task working with food on cook 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. -Employee training could not be verified at the time of inspection for 4 employees engaging in food preparation and have been employed over 60 days.
No soap provided at handwash sink. -Soap dispenser across from 3 compartment sink not dispensing soap.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. -Ice machine interior soiled with mold like substance.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. - Throughout the kitchen soiled with dust and mold like substance.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. -License not displayed or posted. Manager posted current license near employee lockers.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. -Employee drink on prep table near clean utensils on storage rack near 3 compartment sink.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. -Employee purse on dry storage rack stored next to opened boxes of candy.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. -Clean containers wet nesting on clean dish rack near 3 compartment sink.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. -Standing water under hot holding racks and hand sink near front kitchen entrance.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. -Floor soiled in dry storage area next to walk in cooler.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. -Ice buildup up on floor under racks in walk in freezer.
No copy of latest inspection report available. -No copy of last inspection report.
Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. -Front doors open due to temporary air conditioner tubing being placed out the door.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. -Reach in cooler interior on cook line heavily soiled with food debris.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. -Walk in cooler shelves rusted.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. -Above hand sink on kitchen cook line, above 3 compartment sink.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. -Plumbing leaking under 3 compartment sink into multiple buckets.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. -Store inside mop bucket near back door.
Apr 16, 2024□ Call Back - CompliedComplaint Investigation (Partial)
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority1 Intermediate5 Basic
Show 6 findings ▾
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -Soda dispenser nozzles soiled. -Steamers on cook line heavily soiled with food debris. -Hot holding units heavily soiled with grease and food debris.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. -Ice machine interior soiled with mold like substance.
Condensation or other drainage not disposed of according to law. -Water dripping into pan from walk in cooler condensing unit.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. -Grout missing throughout the kitchen.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. -Inside walk in cooler.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. -Pipes leaking under three compartment sink in multiple areas.
Apr 15, 2024Warning IssuedComplaint Investigation (Partial)
Violations found and a warning issued, with a return visit required. 23 recorded, 4 high priority.
4 High priority3 Intermediate16 Basic
Show 23 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. -2 live flies near three compartment sink area. -3 live flies near slushy machine. -3 live flies in kitchen area.
Presence of insects, rodents, or other pests.
Quaternary ammonium sanitizer in spray bottle not at proper minimum strength. - Quaternary sanitizer bucket at 0 PPM. Employee replenished bucket to 200 PPM.
Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. -Frozen Seasoned Beef Patty boxes stored over Frozen Diced Strawberry Toppings boxes in walk in freezer.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. -Soda dispenser nozzles soiled. -Steamers on cook line heavily soiled with food debris. -Hot holding units heavily soiled with grease and food debris.
No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. -At hand sink near front door enterance. -Dispenser across three compartment sink not dispensing paper towels. Per manager, dispenser needs new batteries and wrong paper towels were order for dispenser.
No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. -No proof of employee training.
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. -Ice machine interior soiled with mold like substance.
Condensation or other drainage not disposed of according to law. -Water dripping into pan from walk in cooler condensing unit.
Dead roaches on premises. -Dead roach under soda boxes.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. -Clean containers wet nesting on clean dish rack near three compartment sink.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. -Standing water on the side of ice machine and under/on the side of best storage system unit near three compartment sink.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. -Floor soiled with grease under and on the sides of flat top grill. -Floors soiled with food debris throughout the kitchen. -Floors soiled with grease and food debris under fryers on cook line.
Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. -Grout missing throughout the kitchen.
Floors not constructed to be easily cleanable. -Throughout kitchen.
Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. -Ice buildup up in stand alone freezer near fryers on cook line.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. -Hood filters soiled with grease.
Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. -Old labels on clean containers on dish rack near three compartment sink.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. -Reach-in cooler, stand alone freezer and cooler near fryers on cook line interior soiled with food debris.
Standing water in bottom of reach-in-cooler. -Inside reach in cooler near slush machine.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. -Inside walk in cooler.
Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. -Pipes leaking under three compartment sink in multiple areas.
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. -Mop stored inside mop bucket near hand sink and three compartment sink area.
Oct 16, 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 ▾
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Interior of ice bin has accumulation of mold-like substance.
Condensation or other drainage not disposed of according to law. Condensation in walk in cooler dripping on to boxes. Walk in freezer has condensation drip that has frozen on top of boxes.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. License not being display.
Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Dishes wet nesting on dish rack near three compartment sink.
Aug 17, 2023□ Emergency Order Callback CompliedComplaint Investigation
A return visit. The problems from the previous inspection had been dealt with.
0 High priority0 Intermediate3 Basic
Show 3 findings ▾
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Aug 16, 2023■ Emergency order recommendedComplaint Investigation
Ordered shut on the spot. 31 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 priority5 Intermediate24 Basic
Show 31 findings ▾
Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 2 flies near front line, 5 flies near dish area, 1 fly in dry stock, 3 flies on wall near ice machine, 5 flies on wall near soda machine at drive thru, approximately 10 flies near bread and soda boxes, approximately 30 flies on 2 bags on onions, onions were stop saled. 5 flies at mop sink area.
Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. 2 25lb bags of onions with flies landing on them.
Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Soda machine, shake machines, hot storage and cooking equipment has grease build up, shake topping storage containers, flour and bread crumb storage containers,
Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Wiping cloth in hand washing sink.
Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Ice dumped in hand washing sink.
Nonservice animals in the food establishment or on premises.
Paper towel dispenser at handwash sink not working/unable to dispense paper towels. Near cook line
Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Interior of ice machine including interior ice chute soiled.
Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Cook line
Clean glasses, cups, bowls, plates, pots and pans not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Ice bucket near ice machine
Clean utensils or equipment stored in dirty drawer or rack. Clean knives stored on rusty knife magnet
Cove molding at floor/wall juncture broken/missing.
Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils.
Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee bag with single service,
Employee with ineffective hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. 1 cook wearing a bandana as a head band.
Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Near oil storage system.
Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Cook line
Food stored on floor. Soda boxes.
Garbage on the ground and/or pad around dumpster.
In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Bread crumb scoop handle in bread crumbs.
No copy of latest inspection report available.
Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Gaskets on cook line reach in cooler, walk in cooler gaskets and door,
Open dumpster lid.
Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues.
Reach-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Single-service articles improperly stored. On floor
Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Trash in parking lot.
Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Cook line
Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. Wet mop on floor.
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.