Downtown Gatorz
Last inspected: Nov 6, 2025
70
Score
Downtown Gatorz has been inspected eight times since 2022. The latest inspection on file is from Nov 6, 2025. A medium risk rating points to a few notable findings at the last inspection, though nothing severe.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near four violations per visit.
Across the inspection history, “commercially processed ready-to-eat” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded two times.
Compared to other Punta Gorda restaurants (averaging 82), there's room to close the gap. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 6, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at kitchen handwash sink. Operator placed paper towels at handwash sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Observed open gallon of milk not date marked at Reach in Cooler. Operator date marked the food item. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-03-5
Basic - Ambient air thermometer not located in the warmest part of the cold holding unit. Observed display cooler unit thermometer at the back of the cold holding unit. Operator moved the thermometer to the front of the unit. **Corrected On-Site**
05-11-4
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed residue buildup behind the handle at Walk in Cooler. Operator cleaned and sanitized the handle. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
23-24-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed multiple disposable containers not inverted at kitchen shelf. Operator inverted the containers. **Corrected On-Site**
25-06-4
70
Jul 16, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed chili not date marked at Walk in Cooler. Operator date marked the food items. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-02-5
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed frozen fish at room temperature at 3 compartment sink. Operator placed under cold running water. **Corrected On-Site**
06-01-5
Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Observed no ambient thermometer at Reach in Cooler. Operator placed ambient thermometer at Reach in Cooler. **Corrected On-Site**
05-09-4
Basic - Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. Observed wiping cloth sanitizing solution on the floor next to prep table. Operator placed the sanitizing solution in a clean container on shelf under prep table. **Corrected On-Site**
21-38-4
78
Jan 28, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
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.
53B-02-5
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed residue buildup at Walk in Cooler handles. Operator cleaned the handles. **Corrected On-Site**
23-24-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed wet wiping cloth under cutting board at Make Table. Operator removed from underneath the cutting board. **Corrected On-Site**
21-04-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth at Make Table. Operator placed the wet wiping cloth in sanitizer solution. **Corrected On-Site**
21-12-4
78
Aug 6, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw gator meat behind deli meat at Walk in Cooler. Operator switched the food items. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - 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.
53B-14-5
Basic - In-use spatula stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed spatula between the oven and prep table touching underneath the oven. Operator removed to wash and sanitize the equipment. **Corrected On-Site**
10-17-4
74
Oct 10, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Employee rubbed hands together for less than 10-15 seconds while washing hands. Observed employee at kitchen. Educated the employee to compliance by washing hands at least 10 to 15 seconds. **Corrected On-Site**
12A-17-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed multiple containers at dish shelf stacked on top of each other while wet. Operator placed in a manner to properly air dry by placing space between containers. **Corrected On-Site**
24-08-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed cooked poultry Tapt Walk in Cooler. Operator covered the food item. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-12-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. **Corrected On-Site**
02D-01-5
74
Jul 13, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw ground beef behind flour at Reach in Cooler. Operator switched the food items. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-20-5
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed no hot water at ware washing area handwash sink. Operator turned the hot side on due to pipes in disrepair. **Corrected On-Site**
27-16-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no handwash sign at men's restroom.
31B-04-4
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Observed pipes in disrepair. In the process of repairs.
29-08-4
Basic - Unsealed concrete floor in food preparation, food storage, warewashing area or bathroom. Observed at kitchen. In the process of sealing the floor.. **Repeat Violation**
36-02-5
67
Feb 18, 2023
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - 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.
11-27-4
Intermediate - 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.
11-26-1
Basic - Utensils not stored inverted or in a protected manner. Observed at dish shelf. Operator corrected by storing it in the inverted/protected position. **Corrected On-Site**
24-05-4
Basic - Wiping cloth sanitizing solution stored on the floor. Observed on floor at kitchen. Operator replaced with a new sanitizer container and placed it on shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
21-38-4
74
Aug 26, 2022
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - Commercially processed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked after opening. Observed creamer at exterior and interior bar area. Operator date marked the food item. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-03-5
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. Observed at Make Table. Operator placed in sanitizing solution. **Corrected On-Site**
21-12-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed mini bowl in shredded cheese at Make Table. Operator removed the bowl. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Downtown Gatorz last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Downtown Gatorz on file is from Nov 6, 2025. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Downtown Gatorz?
Across the inspection record, “commercially processed ready-to-eat” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Downtown Gatorz.
How does Downtown Gatorz compare to other restaurants in Punta Gorda?
Downtown Gatorz most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Punta Gorda average of 82.
Has Downtown Gatorz's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Downtown Gatorz have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Downtown Gatorz 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 Downtown Gatorz inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Downtown Gatorz is inspected around three times per year on average.
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