Mellow Mushroom
Last inspected: Dec 19, 2025
55
Score
Across the available record, Mellow Mushroom has 10 inspections on file, the first dated 2022. The latest inspection on file is from Dec 19, 2025. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near seven violations per visit.
“Water with a temperature” comes up most often, recorded five times in the inspection record.
Mellow Mushroom's latest score of 55 falls below the Sarasota average of 81. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
10
Inspections
2
Critical latest
2
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 19, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed a dented cans of pineapples. The operator set aside the can of pineapples for return. **Corrected On-Site**
01B-01-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed sliced cheese (45F - Cold Holding) stored stacked above the fill line in the top section of the reach in cooler at the pizza station. The operator emptied half of the contents and stored in the lower portion of the reach in cooler. **Corrected On-Site**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink does not have enough water pressure to properly wash hands behind the bar.
27-19-4
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed the hot water for the handwashing sink behind the bar at 74F.
27-16-4
Basic - Carbon dioxide tanks not adequately secured. **Repeat Violation**
51-11-4
Basic - Water leaking from faucet at the handwashing sink in the pizza station.
29-11-4
55
Aug 1, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade equipment used for direct contact with food. Observed a non-food grade mixing tool attached to a drill used for mixing sauce in the prep area. The operator stated the tool is used for mixing pizza sauce. The operator was instructed to cease the use of the non-food grade piece of equipment. **Corrective Action Taken**
14-15-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Observed no available quaternary test kit.
16-37-1
Intermediate - No measuring device available for measuring utensil surface temperature when using hot water as sanitizer in a dishmachine.
16-62-1
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table in the pizza kitchen.
12B-07-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed an employee cell phone stored on a food preparation table in the prep area. The employee properly the cell phone. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
40-06-5
Basic - Nitrogen tanks not adequately secured near the mop sink. **Repeat Violation**
51-11-4
61
Jan 31, 2025
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Non-food grade equipment used to prepare food. Observed a non-food grade mixing tool attached to a drill used for mixing sauce in the prep area.
14-15-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink in the dish area. The operator provided paper towels for the hand sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
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.
53B-13-5
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided at employee handwash sink. Observed the hot water at the handwashing sink behind the bar at 71F. **Repeat Violation**
27-16-4
Basic - A red apple type insect control device stored on a shelf with and above packaged foods in the prep area. The operator properly stored the control device. **Corrected On-Site**
35B-08-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed an employee jacket stored hanging on shelving with packaged foods in the prep area. The operator properly store the jacket. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Nitrogen tank not adequately secured near the mop sink.
51-11-4
Basic - Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Observed spoons stored with the food contact surface up in the server station near the kitchen. The operator properly stored the spoons. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
24-18-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed pizza boxes stored on the floor in the storage area.
25-05-4
50
Nov 1, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed cooked chicken (47F - Cold Holding) stored stacked above the fill line in the top section of the reach in cooler on the cook line. The operator stated the chicken has been held for less than 1 hour. The operator emptied half of the contents and stored the chicken in the lower portion of the reach in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed a chemical spray bottle stored hanging near single-service to go boxes in the storage area. The operator properly store the spray bottle. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of least 85 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed hot water at 80F behind the bar.
27-16-4
Basic - Clean linens stored on floor. Observed a clean wiping cloths on the floor near the rear exit. The operator properly stored the wiping cloths. **Corrected On-Site**
21-17-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Observed an employee beverage bottle stored on a shelf with food for the public in the walk in cooler. The operator properly stored the employee beverage. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-13-4
Basic - Silverware/utensils stored upright with the food-contact surface up. Observed spoons stored with the food contact surface up in the server station near the kitchen. The operator properly stored the spoons. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
24-18-4
Basic - Single-service articles stored below soap or paper towel dispenser exposing the items to drips from people's hands. Observed napkins stored underneath a soap dispenser in the server station near the dining area. The operator properly stored the napkins. **Corrected On-Site**
25-23-4
55
Jul 8, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
55
Oct 30, 2023
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Intermediate - Non-pitting surface rust on food-contact equipment. Observed the can opener blade with rust. The operator removed the rust from the can opener blade. **Corrected On-Site**
22-31-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink in the prep area. The operator provided soap for the hand sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed an employee engaged in food preparation wearing a watch and bracelet. The employee removed the jewelry. **Corrected On-Site**
13-07-4
Basic - In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed ice scoop for the ice machine stored in a metal bracket with surface rust. Observed the ice scoop behind the bar stored with mixer bottles. The operator properly stored the ice scoop. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
10-12-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed the are behind the nozzles at the soda dispenser soiled with debris. The operator cleaned the area behind the nozzles. **Corrected On-Site**
23-03-4
Basic - Ceiling tile missing above the chemical storage shelves.
36-36-4
67
Jul 5, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 12 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over or with unwashed produce. Observed raw shell eggs stored above limes in the walk in cooler. The operator properly stored the raw shell eggs. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-04-5
Intermediate - Handwash sink does not have enough water pressure to properly wash hands. Observed low hot water pressure at the handwashing sink behind the bar. **Repeat Violation**
27-19-4
Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/
53A-05-6
Intermediate - No measuring device available for measuring utensil surface temperature when using hot water as sanitizer in a dishmachine. **Repeat Violation**
16-62-1
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled in the chemical storage area at the back of the kitchen.
41-17-4
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed hot water temperature at the wait station near the kitchen at 88F. Observed hot water temperature behind the bar at 78F. Observed hot water temperatures in the men's and ladies restrooms used by employees at 85F. **Repeat Violation**
27-16-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed an employee cell phone stored on a shelf above a food prep table in the food prep area. The operator properly stored the cell phone. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed pizza dough and bread stored on the floor of the walk in freezer.
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Observed the scoop for the ice machine stored in a metal bracket with surface rust.
10-12-5
Basic - Sanitizer bucket stored with food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Observed a sanitizer bucket stored on a shelf over bags of corn meal in the pizza prep area. The operator properly stored the sanitizer bucket. **Corrected On-Site**
21-44-1
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed cardboard pizza boxes and to go containers stored on the floor in the dry storage area.
25-05-4
Basic - Single-service articles stored below soap or paper towel dispenser exposing the items to drips from people's hands. Observed single use paper napkins stored underneath the soap dispenser at the handwashing sink at the service station near the dining area.
25-23-4
39
Feb 13, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed spray bottle containing chemical stored near sugar below prep table in prep area. Operator properly stored the spray bottle. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink does not have enough water pressure to properly wash hands. Observed low water pressure at handwashing sink behind the bar.
27-19-4
Intermediate - No measuring device available for measuring utensil surface temperature when using hot water as sanitizer in a dishmachine.
16-62-1
Intermediate - Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Observed water at handwashing sink behind the bar at 71F. Observed water at handwashing sink in service area near cook line at 88F.
27-16-4
Basic - In-use utensil for non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored in a clean, protected location. Observed scoop used for sugar stored in soiled container. Operator cleaned and sanitized the scoop and the container. **Corrected On-Site**
10-04-5
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Observed single use napkins stored under soap dispenser at handwashing sink in the service station in the seating area. Operator properly stored the napkins. **Corrected On-Site**
25-05-4
58
Jul 26, 2022
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Jul 22, 2022
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Hose Bibb next to the mop sink. **Warning**
29-34-4
High Priority - Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Paper towel lining a pan containing fresh basil. Employee removed the towel. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
14-86-1
High Priority - Stop Sale issued on time/temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. All the following items were stored in the reach in cooler on the right side of the cook line (ambient temperature 58F) Tempeh (57F - Cold Holding); Pork (64F - Cold Holding); Poultry (63F - Cold Holding); Ham (61F - Cold Holding); Tofu (61F - Cold Holding); Meatballs (58F - Cold Holding); Cut tomatoes (55F - Cold Holding); Mozzarella cheese (59F - Cold Holding); Cheddar cheese (62F - Cold Holding); Cooked mushrooms (57F - Cold Holding); Potato salad (58F - Cold Holding); Swiss cheese (64F - Cold Holding); provolone cheese (63F - Cold Holding); cooked onions (64F - Cold Holding). Manager stated all the items were stored in the reach in cooler overnight. Manager discarded all items. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
01B-02-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. All the following items were stored in the reach in cooler on the right side of the cook line (ambient temperature 58F) Tempeh (57F - Cold Holding); Pork (64F - Cold Holding); Poultry (63F - Cold Holding); Ham (61F - Cold Holding); Tofu (61F - Cold Holding); Meatballs (58F - Cold Holding); Cut tomatoes (55F - Cold Holding); Mozzarella cheese (59F - Cold Holding); Cheddar cheese (62F - Cold Holding); Cooked mushrooms (57F - Cold Holding); Potato salad (58F - Cold Holding); Swiss cheese (64F - Cold Holding); provolone cheese (63F - Cold Holding); cooked onions (64F - Cold Holding). Manager stated all the items were stored in the reach in cooler overnight. Manager discarded all items. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Can opener blade soiled. Employee removed the can opener to be cleaned. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
22-02-4
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. **Warning**
53B-01-5
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Can food rack soiled. Walk-in cooler shelves soiled. **Warning**
23-03-4
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine. **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Several employee phones stored on preparation tables and food carts the kitchen. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. Manager removed all phones. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
40-06-5
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler on the left side of the cook line. **Warning**
22-16-4
Basic - Single-service articles improperly stored. Single service cups stored on the floor in the dry storage area. Manager placed the items on a shelf. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
25-05-4
35
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mellow Mushroom last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Mellow Mushroom on file is from Dec 19, 2025. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Mellow Mushroom?
Across the inspection record, “water with a temperature” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Mellow Mushroom.
How does Mellow Mushroom compare to other restaurants in Sarasota?
Mellow Mushroom most recently scored 55 out of 100, which is lower than the Sarasota average of 81.
Has Mellow Mushroom's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Mellow Mushroom have averaged around seven violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Mellow Mushroom 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 Mellow Mushroom inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Mellow Mushroom is inspected around three times per year on average.
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