Big Top Brewing Company
Last inspected: Oct 20, 2025
50
Score
Inspectors have visited Big Top Brewing Company six times, with records going back to 2024. The newest entry in the record is dated Oct 20, 2025. High risk usually means inspectors flagged either critical violations or a stack of smaller ones.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near six violations per visit.
Across the inspection history, “stop sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded two times.
Compared to other Sarasota restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. Taken together, the history suggests a facility that has struggled with consistency.
6
Inspections
2
Critical latest
1
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 20, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed containers of alka seltzer stored above spices on their prep table. Operator removed them. **Corrected On-Site**
41-07-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed reduced oxygen packaged tuna not removed from its package before thawing. Operator willingly disposed of the product.
01B-13-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed debris build up on their can opener and its holder. Operator washed both. **Corrected On-Site**
22-02-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed multiple single service articles not inverted in the establishment. Operator inverted them. **Corrected On-Site**
25-06-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed a missing sign at the cook line hand sink. Operator placed a new one. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-04-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed black build up in their outside ice machine.
22-20-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed multiple bowls being used as scoops for dry goods. Operator removed them. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - 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. Observed reduced oxygen packaged tuna not removed from its package before thawing. Operator willingly disposed of the product. **Corrective Action Taken**
06-09-1
Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed multiple knives stuck between equipment on the cook line. Operator removed them. **Corrected On-Site**
10-17-4
50
Jul 17, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
78
Nov 22, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
58
Aug 22, 2024
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Aug 15, 2024
Routine - Food
6 critical violations. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - 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 an employee wipe their nose than handle an ice scoop without washing their hands. Operator had the employee wash their hands. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
12A-10-4
High Priority - 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 the dishmachine at 0ppm chlorine. Operator called their provider and set up a quaternary triple sink at 200ppm. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
22-41-4
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed a missing vacuum breaker at the end of their mop sink splitter. **Warning**
29-34-4
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed boxes of soap stored over food products in the dry storage area. Operator removed the boxes. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-10-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed reduced oxygen packaged tuna thawed without introducing oxygen. Operator willingly disposed of them. **Warning**
01B-13-4
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw ground beef stored over raw whole bacon in the walk in cooler. Operator moved the beef. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-20-5
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no chemical test kit for their quaternary or chlorine. **Warning**
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at the bar hand wash sinks. Operator placed some there. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap at the cook line hand wash sink. Operator placed more soap. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-03-4
Basic - 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. Observed reduced oxygen packaged tuna thawed without introducing oxygen. Operator willingly disposed of them. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
06-09-1
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed multiple employees wearing watches while preparing food. Operator had them removed their watches. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
13-07-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed multiple to-go containers not stored inverted. Operator inverted them. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
25-06-4
Basic - Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. Observed multiple sanitizer buckets stored on the ground. Operator placed them on shelves. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
21-38-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed no license in the establishment. Operator printed out their license. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
50-09-4
23
Apr 19, 2024
Food-Licensing Inspection
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Big Top Brewing Company last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Big Top Brewing Company on file is from Oct 20, 2025. The public record contains six inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Big Top Brewing Company?
Across the inspection record, “stop sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Big Top Brewing Company.
How does Big Top Brewing Company compare to other restaurants in Sarasota?
Big Top Brewing Company most recently scored 50 out of 100, which is lower than the Sarasota average of 81.
Has Big Top Brewing Company's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Big Top Brewing Company have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Big Top Brewing Company means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is Big Top Brewing Company inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Big Top Brewing Company is inspected around four times per year on average.
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