Eleni's Pizza Works
Last inspected: Dec 17, 2025
74
Score
Inspectors have visited Eleni's Pizza Works 10 times, with records going back to 2022. The latest inspection on file is from Dec 17, 2025. A medium risk rating points to a few notable findings at the last inspection, though nothing severe.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around seven violations each.
Across the inspection history, “ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded six times.
Restaurants in Sarasota average 81, so Eleni's Pizza Works trails the local norm. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
10
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 17, 2025
Routine - Food
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed 1 employee preparing food without hair restraints.
13-03-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed the floor under the fryers and cooking equipment heavily soiled with grease and food debris. **Repeat Violation**
36-73-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed food stored on the floor in the walk in cooler and freezer. Operator has moved items. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice built up on walk in freezer cooling unit door frame preventing it from closing.
14-69-4
Basic - Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Observed the back door without an automatic closure. **Repeat Violation**
35B-03-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed the walk in cooler shelving rusty, pitted and peeling paint. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
74
Sep 18, 2025
Routine - Food
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed the floor under the fryers and cooking equipment heavily soiled with grease and food debris. - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-18: **Time Extended**
36-73-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice built up on freezer cooling unit. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-18: **Time Extended**
14-69-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Observed the back door without an automatic closure. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-18: **Time Extended**
35B-03-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed the walk in cooler shelving rusty, pitted and peeling paint. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2025-09-18: **Time Extended**
14-17-4
82
Jul 16, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Observed an employee starting work in the kitchen handling food preparation without washing hands. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-16-4
Intermediate - 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. **Warning**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed the slicer with food debris in the blade guard.
22-02-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed personal drinks on the food prep table up front and back prep table. **Repeat Violation**
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed employees preparing food, eating and drinking while working.
12B-02-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed 2 employees preparing food without hair restraints. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
13-03-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed the floor under the fryers and cooking equipment heavily soiled with grease and food debris.
36-73-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice built up on freezer cooling unit. **Repeat Violation**
14-69-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed the microwave with food debris soiled inside and the fan above it.
22-08-4
Basic - Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Observed the back door without an automatic closure. **Repeat Violation**
35B-03-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed the walk in cooler shelving rusty, pitted and peeling paint. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
47
Dec 10, 2024
Routine - Food
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed 3 holes in the ceiling tiles to the right of the back door. **Repeat Violation**
36-32-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed the vent over the soda fountain soiled.
36-34-5
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed an employee preparing food without a hair restraint.
13-03-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Observed the floor in the walk in freezer soiled with debris and food. The floors under the prep tables are heavily soiled. **Repeat Violation**
36-73-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice built up on freezer cooling unit. **Repeat Violation**
14-69-4
Basic - Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Observed the back door without an automatic closure. **Repeat Violation**
35B-03-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed the walk in cooler shelving rusty, pitted and peeling paint. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
70
Jul 19, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
58
Jan 31, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed soiled can opener on back prep table. Operator cleaned. **Corrected On-Site**
22-02-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed the ice drop tray with a black and pink mold like substance collecting on the panel.
22-20-5
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed ceiling tiles throughout the kitchen absorbent and not easily cleanable. **Repeat Violation**
36-37-5
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed 3 holes in the ceiling tiles to the right of the back door.
36-32-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed a Starbucks Frappuccino on a food preparation table. Operator removed and discarded. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-07-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice build up on walk in freezer door preventing it from closing. **Repeat Violation**
14-69-4
Basic - Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Observed kitchen exit rear door without an auto closer on door and also not on screen door.
35B-03-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed metro shelves in the walk in cooler, rusty, pitted and peeling paint. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
64
Sep 1, 2023
Complaint Full
No violations found.
100
Jul 25, 2023
Complaint Full
4 critical violations. 1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked chicken breasts holding at 109 degrees on cook line next to grill top in Bain Marie. Operator discarded chicken. **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed grease cleaner and grill cleaner stored next to cooking oil under cooking station and grill.
41-10-4
High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed ready to eat foods (hamburger, Alfredo sauce, chicken noodle soup, sausage) labeled past 7 days expiration in the walk in cooler.
02C-01-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Observed cooked chicken breasts holding at 109 degrees on cook line next to grill top in Bain Marie. Operator discarded chicken. **Corrective Action Taken**
01B-02-5
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. Emailed documents to operator.
11-26-1
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed all kitchen ceiling tiles absorbent and not easily cleanable. **Repeat Violation**
36-37-5
Basic - Duct tape used to repair nonfood-contact surface. Observed 3 knives with duct tape wrapped handles. **Repeat Violation**
14-71-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed syrup stored on floor in dry store room. Observed bread and food stored on floor in walk in freezer.
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed frost and ice buildup on walk in freezer door frame preventing the door from shutting properly.
14-69-4
Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed 5 knives stored in between the cutting board and wall at front prep table.
10-17-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs stored on oven door handles.
10-20-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed the walls of the hood over the grill and the walls and ceiling over the pizza oven are heavy with grease.
23-03-4
Basic - Shelves attached to walls in walk-ins not constructed of materials that are corrosion resistant, non-absorbent, smooth and easily cleanable. Observed walk in cooler shelves with rust, peeling paint and not easily cleanable.
36-52-4
33
Feb 21, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Employee touched face/hair and then engaged in food preparation, handled clean equipment or utensils, or touched unwrapped single-service items without washing hands. Employee touched their face then clean equipment without washing hands. Employee washed their hands. Instructed employee and manager on proper hand washing protocol. **Corrected On-Site**
12A-25-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Mixer head soiled.
22-02-4
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 measuring device available for measuring utensil surface temperature when using hot water as sanitizer in a dishmachine.
16-62-1
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
Intermediate - Operator is not properly tracking/marking the number of days ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite was held at refrigeration temperatures prior to freezing in order to properly date mark the food when it is thawed and held at refrigeration temperatures again. Lasagna dated 2/9 stored in the walk-in cooler. Owner stated the lasagna was pulled from the freezer on 2/20. Owner placed a date mark of 2/19 on the lasagna. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-04-5
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Ceilings in the kitchen area. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Repeat Violation**
36-37-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Several cutting boards in the kitchen.
14-09-4
Basic - Duct tape used to repair nonfood-contact surface. Duct tape used to repair the handle on the stand up reach in freezer in the kitchen As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Repeat Violation**
14-71-4
Basic - Exterior door has a gap at the threshold that opens to the outside. Back exit of the kitchen.
35B-01-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floors in the walk-in cooler and the dry storage area soiled.
36-73-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler shelves with rust that has pitted the surface.
14-17-4
39
Sep 7, 2022
Routine - Food
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine.
22-20-5
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Observed acoustic style ceiling tiles scattered throughout kitchen. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the operator. **Repeat Violation**
36-37-5
Basic - Duct tape used to repair nonfood-contact surface. Observed duct tape used to repair hood on reach-in cooler across from pizza ovens. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the operator. **Repeat Violation**
14-71-4
Basic - Fly sticky tape hanging over food/food preparation area/food-contact equipment. Observed fly sticky tape hanging over food-contact equipment, dough machine, and above prep shelf next to folded pizza boxes. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the operator. **Repeat Violation**
35B-08-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning stored on storage rack on shelf in warewashing area.
16-46-4
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Eleni's Pizza Works last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Eleni's Pizza Works on file is from Dec 17, 2025. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Eleni's Pizza Works?
Across the inspection record, “ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Eleni's Pizza Works.
How does Eleni's Pizza Works compare to other restaurants in Sarasota?
Eleni's Pizza Works most recently scored 74 out of 100, which is lower than the Sarasota average of 81.
Has Eleni's Pizza Works' inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Eleni's Pizza Works have averaged around seven violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Eleni's Pizza Works 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 Eleni's Pizza Works inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Eleni's Pizza Works is inspected around three times per year on average.
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