Hickory Hollow
Last inspected: Mar 5, 2026
61
Score
Across the available record, Hickory Hollow has 10 inspections on file, the first dated 2022. The most recent report on file is from Mar 5, 2026. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.
Recent visits have flagged more than earlier ones: around 10 violations per visit lately, up from roughly eight violations before.
Across the inspection history, “unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded seven times.
By comparison, the average Ellenton facility scores 78, putting Hickory Hollow on the weaker side. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
10
Inspections
1
Critical latest
0
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 5, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed a chemical spray bottle stored on top of the cook line. Operator removed it. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
Basic - Accumulation of debris inside warewashing machine. Observed lime buildup inside the dish machine.
16-03-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed employee personal items stored with bottle wine in the dry storage are. Operator moved them into a labeled box. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed an employee wearing a watch while rocking the cook line. Operator had them remove it. **Corrected On-Site**
13-07-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed cases of food product that fell onto the floor of the walk in freezer. Operator placed them on a shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed grease buildup on the hood filters. **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed an employee water bottle in a customer reach in cooler. Operator removed the bottle. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-13-4
Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed dust buildup on the walk in cooler fan covers. **Repeat Violation**
36-50-4
61
Nov 20, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in reach in cooler fish 50F, and held overnight pork stew at 47F. Operator iced fish and discarded stew. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager. **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting boards on cook line soiled. Operator made aware.
22-02-4
Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed dust on walk in cooler fan guard.
36-50-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed bowl with no handle in carrots container in reach in cooler on the cook line. Chef made aware and removed bowls and replaced with handled utensil **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Food stored in a location that is exposed to splash/dust. Observed outside reach in cooler dripping water onto produce stored inside unit.
08B-36-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed grease buildup on hood filters.
23-03-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed soufflé cups and napkins stored in boxes on the dry storage floor. **Corrected On-Site**
25-05-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed beef marrow bones uncovered in chest freezer.
08B-12-5
58
Apr 16, 2025
Routine - Food
5 critical violations. 3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed two cases of medicine stored above their back food prep table.
41-07-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw seafood stored over unwashed vegetables in the reach in cooler. Operator removed the veggies. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-04-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed a bag of raw bacon stored on top of butter and cheese in the walk in cooler. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observe on their back server counter: Butter chips (83F - Cold Holding). Operator stated it had been out for approximately 3hrs. Operator placed it in a reach in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed a container of comet spray stored with their wine bottles in the back storage area.
41-10-4
Intermediate - Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed a server wash their hands in a dump sink. Instructed the operator about its proper use. **Corrective Action Taken**
12A-03-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed black build up on the can opener and its holder. Operator washed the can opener. **Corrective Action Taken**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed discarded straws in their server hand sink. Operator removed the straws. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed black build up in their ice machine.
22-20-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed the two cutting boards on the cook line grooved.
14-09-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed a pan of hotdogs on the floor of the walk in cooler and a bag of dry jello mix on the floor of the storage area. **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed a missing sign for their back kitchen hand sink. **Repeat Violation**
31B-04-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed multiple opened employee drinks stored inside coolers.
12B-13-4
Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Observed building debris and unused equipment stored behind the building. **Repeat Violation**
33-31-5
26
Jan 2, 2025
Routine - Food
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Fifty (50) foot-candles of light not provided at a food working surface or where safety is a factor. Observed: Fifty (50) foot-candles of light not provided at a food working surface or where safety is a factor. Observed 4 light bulbs not working over food line. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-02: **Time Extended**
38-11-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water on the floor in front of dish machine. - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-02: **Time Extended**
36-22-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed: Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Missing 2 shields in kitchen area. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-02: **Time Extended**
38-07-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no sign at handwashing sink rear of kitchen. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-02: **Time Extended**
31B-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Observed: Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Observed several unused items in back storage area. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-02: **Time Extended**
33-31-5
78
Oct 25, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Observed raw chicken stored over raw beef, stored over ready to eat ice cream, cooked hot dogs, cooked chicken.
08A-02-6
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed shell eggs stored over ready to eat stew, cooked potatoes and corn stuffing.
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for all employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.
53B-05-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed a soiled can opener and cutting boards with deep grooves and not easily cleanable.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed cooked chicken, sausage, gravy, sauces without dates, ready to eat and held more than 24 hours.
02C-02-5
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs stored on oven door handle. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - Fifty (50) foot-candles of light not provided at a food working surface or where safety is a factor. Observed: Fifty (50) foot-candles of light not provided at a food working surface or where safety is a factor. Observed 4 light bulbs not working over food line. **Repeat Violation**
38-11-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water on the floor in front of dish machine.
36-22-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed pans and food stored on the walk in freezer and walk in cooler floor. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Hood filter missing from automatic fire suppression/exhaust system. Observed a hood filter missing.
14-42-4
Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed: Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Missing 2 shields in kitchen area. **Repeat Violation**
38-07-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no sign at handwashing sink rear of kitchen. **Repeat Violation**
31B-04-4
Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Observed: Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Observed several unused items in back storage area. **Repeat Violation**
33-31-5
37
Apr 18, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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. Observed no written plan for some employees. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-18: Observed some employees with no written plan. **Time Extended**
11-26-1
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Fifty (50) foot-candles of light not provided at a food working surface or where safety is a factor. Observed 4 light bulbs not working over food line. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-18: Observed 2 light fixtures not operating. **Time Extended**
38-11-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no sign at handwashing sink rear of kitchen. - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-18: Observed no sign at rear hand sink. **Time Extended**
31B-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Outer openings of establishment cannot be properly sealed when not in operation. Observed back screen door opening with screen that is not properly securing opening. - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-18: Observed screen not repaired and torn. **Time Extended**
35B-04-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Observed several unused items in back storage area. **Repeat Violation** - From follow-up inspection 2024-04-18: Observed several unused items rear of building. **Time Extended**
33-31-5
74
Feb 16, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 15 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed opened case of raw hamburgers stored over opened case of pie crusts. Operator moved burgers to bottom shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed items in 2 door reach in cooler in kitchen not date marked.
02C-02-5
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. Observed no written plan in place.
11-27-4
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. Observed no proof of food handler training. Owner has at other location. **Warning**
53B-01-5
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. Observed no written plan for some employees. **Repeat Violation**
11-26-1
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed portion cup in cut potatoes under flip top cooler. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed customer drink cups stacked wet. **Repeat Violation**
24-08-4
Basic - Fifty (50) foot-candles of light not provided at a food working surface or where safety is a factor. Observed 4 light bulbs not working over food line. **Repeat Violation**
38-11-4
Basic - Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Observed broken lid on cornmeal container.
14-38-4
Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Missing 2 shields in kitchen area.
38-07-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Observed no sign at handwashing sink rear of kitchen.
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed cornmeal bin heavily soiled.
23-03-4
Basic - Outer openings of establishment cannot be properly sealed when not in operation. Observed back screen door opening with screen that is not properly securing opening.
35B-04-4
Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Observed several unused items in back storage area. **Repeat Violation**
33-31-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar bin not labeled.
02D-01-5
35
Oct 19, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw eggs stored over star fruit plantains and pineapple. Owner moved eggs to lower shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-04-5
Intermediate - Raw/undercooked animal food offered and establishment has no written consumer advisory. Raw animal foods must be fully cooked prior to service. Inspector provided consumer advisory. **Corrective Action Taken**
02B-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. Observed some employees without written plan in place.
11-26-1
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. Observed two small c02 tanks not secured next to soda syrup rack.
51-11-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed heavily grooved cutting boards on flip top reach in coolers.
14-09-4
Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed open employee drink cup on food prep table.
12B-02-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed plastic drink cups wet stacked at servers station. **Repeat Violation**
24-08-4
Basic - Fifty (50) foot-candles of light not provided at a food working surface or where safety is a factor. Observed three missing light bulbs in food prep/line area.
38-11-4
Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Observed floor in front of walk in cooler not smooth and durable. **Repeat Violation**
36-11-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed several cases of food stored on the floor in walk-in freezer.
08B-38-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed one case of take out boxes and two cases of portion cup lids stored on the floor in front storage room. **Repeat Violation**
25-05-4
Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises. Observed several unused equipment pieces stored outside rear of building. **Repeat Violation**
33-31-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed unlabeled sauce bottles at server station. Observed sugar bin and cornstarch bins not labeled. **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed two employee drinks in server area reach in cooler.
12B-13-4
41
Jun 16, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
55
Nov 4, 2022
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 10 violations
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed 5 cans of chef ate cheese sauce, 2 cans Monarch corn and 1 can Monarch applesauce dented. Operator removed from can rack. **Corrective Action Taken**
01B-01-4
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. No vacuum breaker on hose Bibb next to three part sink.
29-34-4
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Observed bottle of medicine stored on shelf above food line. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
41-07-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed food buildup on back of slicer.
22-02-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. No paper towels at front hand sink.
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at front hand wash sink.
31B-03-4
Basic - Floors not maintained smooth and durable. Floor in front of walk-in cooler not smooth and easily cleanable. **Repeat Violation**
36-11-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed case of single serve cups stored on floor in beer room.
25-05-4
Basic - Unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises.observed a large amount of unused equipment and items stored in south east back portion of kitchen/ storage area. **Repeat Violation**
33-31-5
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed sugar and flour containers not labeled.
02D-01-5
39
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Hickory Hollow last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Hickory Hollow on file is from Mar 5, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Hickory Hollow?
Across the inspection record, “unnecessary items/unused equipment on the premises” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Hickory Hollow.
How does Hickory Hollow compare to other restaurants in Ellenton?
Hickory Hollow most recently scored 61 out of 100, which is lower than the Ellenton average of 78.
Has Hickory Hollow's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Hickory Hollow have averaged around 10 violations per visit, up from roughly eight earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Hickory Hollow 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 Hickory Hollow inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Hickory Hollow is inspected around three times per year on average.
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