Hungry Howies #257
Last inspected: Jan 7, 2026
67
Score
Inspectors have visited Hungry Howies #257 11 times, with records going back to 2022. The most recent visit was on Jan 7, 2026. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around eight violations lately compared to roughly four violations before.
The pattern that stands out is “no proof provided that food employees are informed”, which has been cited four times.
The city-wide average sits at 78, which Hungry Howies #257's 67 doesn't quite reach. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
11
Inspections
1
Critical latest
1
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 7, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle containing cleaning fluid stored next to food on a dry storage rack in the back kitchen area. Employee removed the bottle. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-11-10: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-07: Observed sanitizer bottle stored next to red wine vinegar and bag of croutons on shelf next to walk in cooler. **Admin Complaint**
41-10-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No certified food manager for establishment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-11-10: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-07: Observed no certified food manager on site. **Admin Complaint**
53A-07-6
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling tiles and ceiling vents in the dishwasher and pizza make line area soiled. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-11-10: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-07: Observed ceiling vents still soiled. **Admin Complaint**
36-34-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable Several cutting boards in the kitchen.. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-11-10: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-07: Observed several cutting boards with cut marks , not cleanable. **Admin Complaint**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Fan covers in the walk in cooler soiled. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-11-10: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2026-01-07: Observed fan guard covers in walk in cooler soiled. **Admin Complaint**
36-50-4
67
Nov 10, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle containing cleaning fluid stored next to food on a dry storage rack in the back kitchen area. Employee removed the bottle. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-11-10: **Time Extended**
41-10-4
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Bottle of employee medicine stored on a dry storage rack next to food in the back kitchen area. Employee removed the medicine. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-11-10: Bottle of employee medicine stored next to cooking oil on a shelf in the back kitchen area. Operator removed the medicine. **Time Extended**
41-07-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Mixer head on the floor mixer in the preparation area soiled. Ice chute on the soda machine in the dining room soiled. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-11-10: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No certified food manager for establishment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-11-10: **Time Extended**
53A-07-6
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling tiles and ceiling vents in the dishwasher and pizza make line area soiled. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-11-10: **Time Extended**
36-34-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable Several cutting boards in the kitchen.. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-11-10: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Fan covers in the walk in cooler soiled. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-11-10: **Time Extended**
36-50-4
52
Nov 7, 2025
Routine - Food
6 critical violations. 4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 13 violations
High Priority - Server handled soiled dishes or utensils and then picked up plated food, served food, or prepared a beverage without washing hands. Server handled dirty dishes the clean dishes without washing their hands. Server removed the dishes to be sanitized and washed their hands. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
12A-02-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw ground beef stored over processed spinach in the walk in cooler. Operator removed the ground beef. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with ready-to-eat food in a freezer - not all products commercially packaged. Open box of raw formed beef stored over ready to eat frozen desserts in the stand up reach in freezer in the salad preparation area. Operator removed the beef. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-02-6
High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Bottle of employee medicine stored on a dry storage rack next to food in the back kitchen area. Employee removed the medicine. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-07-4
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Spray bottle containing cleaning fluid stored next to food on a dry storage rack in the back kitchen area. Employee removed the bottle. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-10-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. All the following items were stored in the salad buffet top load reach in cooler Cooked Eggs (47F - Cold Holding); Ham (55F - Cold Holding); Mozzarella (51F - Cold Holding); Cut Lettuce (50F - Cold Holding); Processed Peas (50F - Cold Holding); Processed Beets (50F - Cold Holding); Leafy Green (53F - Cold Holding); Macaroni Salad (57F - Cold Holding); Processed Chickpeas (58F - Cold Holding);. The operator stated the items were stored in the buffet reach in cooler for approximately 2 hours. Operator removed all the items and placed them in the walk in cooler. Operator placed new items in the buffet reach in cooler and iced them down. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Mixer head on the floor mixer in the preparation area soiled. Ice chute on the soda machine in the dining room soiled. **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Food cart blocking the hand wash sink in the back kitchen area. Employee removed the food cart. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - No certified food manager for establishment. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ **Warning**
53A-07-6
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. No chlorine test strips for the dish machine. **Warning**
16-37-1
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Ceiling tiles and ceiling vents in the dishwasher and pizza make line area soiled. **Warning**
36-34-5
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable Several cutting boards in the kitchen.. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Fan covers in the walk in cooler soiled. **Warning**
36-50-4
23
Feb 21, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Food Obtained from Approved Sources
FL-11
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
78
Feb 20, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed hard cooked eggs 57f, cut lettuce 59f, cheese 55f, ham 53f and macaroni salad on buffet line. Manager stated products had only been on buffet about 2 hours. Manager removed product and placed in reach in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed rear hand sink blocked with sanitizer bucket and scrubber pad. Manager removed items. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-09-4
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 any training on site. **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 some employees with no written plan. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
11-26-1
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed grooved cutting boards on line on reach in cooler. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed food handling employees wearing bracelets with bracelet on. Employee removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
13-07-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensils in 77f water on food line. Manager removed utensils. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-07-4
Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed light fixture in dishroom not shielded. **Warning**
38-07-4
52
Oct 29, 2024
Routine - Food
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed grooved cutting board on back flip top cooler. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-29: **Time Extended**
14-09-4
95
Aug 27, 2024
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Intermediate - Proof of required state approved employee training not available for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed some employees with no proof of training on site. **Warning**
53B-13-5
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 on site. **Warning**
11-26-1
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed five gallon tubs of marinara on floor in walk in cooler. Manager put on rack. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed knife in between flip top cooler lids. Manager removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-17-4
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed grooved cutting board on back flip top cooler. **Warning**
14-09-4
Basic - Employee drinking from an unenclosed beverage container in a food preparation/clean dishware area and the container does not have a dispensing mechanism to prevent hand contact with lip contact area of drink container. Observed employee drink with no straw. **Warning**
12B-12-5
67
Oct 25, 2023
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Observed back hand wash sink with several hand towels and stainless steel scrubber in it. Manager removed. **Repeat Violation**
31A-09-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed dough scraper in hand sink. Manager removed. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
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. Observed some employees with no written plan in place.
11-26-1
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Observed missing ceiling tile in dish room. **Repeat Violation**
36-36-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. Observed no current license displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed stacked wet pans on shelf in dish room. **Repeat Violation**
24-08-4
Basic - Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Observed missing lite shield in dish room. **Repeat Violation**
38-01-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed spice bottles and squeeze bottles not labeled. Manager labeled bottles. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
58
Jul 24, 2023
Routine - Food
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Basic - Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Observed missing light shield in dish room.
38-01-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed buckets of marinara stored on walk in cooler floor. Manager moved sauce off the floor. **Corrected On-Site**
08B-38-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed stacked wet pans on shelf in dish room. **Repeat Violation**
24-08-4
Basic - Cleaned and sanitized equipment or utensils not properly stored. Container of buffet tongs stored with handles both ways. Operator turned all one way. **Corrected On-Site**
24-07-4
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Missing ceiling tile in dish room. **Repeat Violation**
36-36-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Squeeze bottles not labeled. Shaker bottles not labeled.
02D-01-5
Basic - Time/temperature control for safety food thawed in an improper manner. Observed alfredo sauce thawing in prep sink with no running water. Manager turned cold water on product. **Corrective Action Taken**
06-01-5
70
Jan 30, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed spray bottle of Windex on shelf next to pizza dough mix. Operater removed windex from shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
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. No clean up sign present. Inspector will email.
11-27-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed stainless steel scrubbers and jug of dish detergent in dish room hand sink. Operator removed items from the sink. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31A-11-4
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. No employee reporting forms in place. Inspector will email.
11-26-1
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed portion cup in chicken stock container. Operator removed cup from container. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Observed missing ceiling tiles in dish room. **Repeat Violation**
36-36-4
Basic - Employee eating in a food preparation or other restricted area. Observed open bottle of Mountain Dew on shelf next to cheese in walk-in cooler. Operator removed soda. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-02-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed bottle of body spray on shelf next to clean pans in dish room. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed stacked wet pans in dish room
24-08-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed utensils in water at 74F on pizza line. Operator removed utensils and pans and took to dish room. Replaced with clean utensils and pans without water. **Corrected On-Site**
10-07-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed unlabeled container of chicken stock and sugar. **Repeat Violation**
02D-01-5
45
Sep 8, 2022
Routine - Food
4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Intermediate - Employee washed hands in a sink other than an approved handwash sink. Observed server wash hands in rear kitchen sink. Operator coached employee on proper hand washing procedures. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
12A-03-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed rear kitchen hand wash sink with cleaning towels, scrubber pad, scrub brush and lid in it. Operator removed items and cleaned sink. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Rear kitchen hand wash sink missing paper towels. Operator replaced paper towels. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-02-4
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 any employee food handling training. **Warning**
53B-01-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed soda and pail of apple pie filling stored on floor in walk-in cooler. **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Observed 3-4 missing ceiling tiles in dish room. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-36-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed chicken base in unlabeled container. Operator labeled container. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
02D-01-5
Basic - Missing drain plug at dumpster. Observed no drain plug in dumpster. **Warning**
33-11-4
55
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Hungry Howies #257 last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Hungry Howies #257 on file is from Jan 7, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Hungry Howies #257?
Across the inspection record, “no proof provided that food employees are informed” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Hungry Howies #257.
How does Hungry Howies #257 compare to other restaurants in Ellenton?
Hungry Howies #257 most recently scored 67 out of 100, which is lower than the Ellenton average of 78.
Has Hungry Howies #257's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Hungry Howies #257 have averaged around eight violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Hungry Howies #257 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 Hungry Howies #257 inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Hungry Howies #257 is inspected around three times per year on average.
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