Buffet City
Last inspected: Mar 2, 2026
55
Score
Public records show 11 inspections at Buffet City stretching back to 2024. The latest inspection on file is from Mar 2, 2026. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near two violations each time.
Across the inspection history, “equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded three times.
Restaurants in Sarasota average 81, so Buffet City trails the local norm. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
11
Inspections
3
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 2, 2026
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale.Observed 2-7lb. Beets and 1-7lb. Chocolate pudding dented. Operator removed from storage to return. **Corrective Action Taken**
01B-01-4
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed in glass door reach in cooler on cook line, cold holding 3lb. 52F chicken, 2 lb.50F pork. Operator voluntarily discarded. **Corrective Action Taken**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in glass door reach in cooler on cook line, cold holding 3lb. 52F chicken, 2 lb.50F pork. Operator voluntarily discarded. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed deli container used as scoop in sauce bucket. Employee corrected by adding ladle and removing deli container . **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.Observed plastic drink cups wet nesting stacked at wait stations. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager. **Repeat Violation**
24-08-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers.Observed employee drink in glass reach in cooler on cook line. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-13-4
55
Sep 23, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
High Priority - Wiping cloth sanitizer solution exceeds the maximum concentration allowed.Observed sanitation bucket chlorine at 200ppm or higher. Manager corrected to 50ppm. **Corrected On-Site**
41-27-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed wet nesting of plastic drink cups at wait station.
24-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.Observed grease buildup on hood filters at hibachi station.
23-03-4
78
Jun 23, 2025
Complaint Partial
No violations found.
100
Apr 29, 2025
Complaint Partial
No violations found.
100
Apr 14, 2025
Complaint Partial
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw beef and salmon stored over ready to eat oysters on the half shell. Manager rearranged food items to prevent cross contamination. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08A-05-6
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.observed grease buildup on hood filters. Operator stated hoods scheduled in 2 weeks.
23-03-4
82
Feb 27, 2025
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 1 major violation.
View 3 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
64
Jan 9, 2025
Complaint Full
3 critical violations. 3 major violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Raw beef stored over unwashed produce in walk in cooler #2. Manager removed the beef. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-04-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef stored over ready to eat sauces in the stand up reach in cooler in the hibachi area. Employee removed the beef. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Employee touched soiled surface and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee handled their phone then clean equipment without washing three hands. Employee removed the equipment to be sanitized and washed their hands. **Corrected On-Site**
12A-29-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Sanitizer bucket stored in the hand washing sink in the wait staff area. Employee removed the bucket. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Oyster tags not marked with last date served.
01C-03-4
Intermediate - Oyster tags not maintained in chronological order according to the last date they were served in the establishment.
01C-05-4
47
Sep 11, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed 3 cans sliced peaches and 4 cans pineapple juice dented at top edge and some with popped can. Manager separated for return. **Corrective Action Taken**
01B-01-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed measure cups sanitizer bucket and items in sushi bar, wait stations hand wash sinks. Manager removed. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - 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. Observed no training for Henry Lopez working 6 months
53B-02-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food.Observed plastic deli container used to scoop sauce. Manager removed. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed employee drink on shelf with food above reach in cooler on cook line. Manager removed **Corrected On-Site**
12B-02-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic drink cups stacked together wet nesting at back soda station.
24-08-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit.Observed at hibachi station utensils in 125F water. Employee changed water to above 135F. **Corrected On-Site**
10-07-4
58
Apr 1, 2024
Complaint Full
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust.Observed grease buildup on hood filters. - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-01: **Time Extended**
23-03-4
95
Mar 25, 2024
Complaint Full
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Proper Eating, Tasting, Drinking, or Tobacco Use
FL-06
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Floors, Walls, and Ceilings Clean and in Good Repair
FL-52
29
Feb 19, 2024
Food-Licensing Inspection
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Buffet City last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Buffet City on file is from Mar 2, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Buffet City?
Across the inspection record, “equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Buffet City.
How does Buffet City compare to other restaurants in Sarasota?
Buffet City most recently scored 55 out of 100, which is lower than the Sarasota average of 81.
Has Buffet City's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Buffet City have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Buffet City means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Buffet City inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Buffet City is inspected around five times per year on average.
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