Pollo Tropical
Last inspected: Jan 7, 2026
100
Score
Inspectors have visited Pollo Tropical 10 times, with records going back to 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Jan 7, 2026. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around one violation to closer to three violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled” has been the most frequent reason, cited three times.
That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Sarasota restaurant scores 81. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
10
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 7, 2026
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Aug 20, 2025
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in their back grill reach in cooler: Chicken (70F - Cold Holding); Beef (70F - Cold Holding). Operator stated they had been there for approximately 1hr. Operator placed them in the walk in freezer and called for a repairman. **Corrective Action Taken**
03A-02-5
Basic - Grease receptacle lid open, broken, or missing. Observed their grease receptacle dented which prevents the lid from fitting on.
33-29-4
Basic - Insect control device installed over food preparation area. Observed an insect control device installed over boxed coffee in the front dry storage area. Operator removed the coffee. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
35B-02-4
78
Jul 29, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Supervisor/Person in Charge Present
FL-01
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
61
Apr 3, 2025
Complaint Full
No violations found.
100
Oct 28, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed a dirty meat slicer part placed into the back steamer hand wash sink. Operator removed the part. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
90
Jul 15, 2024
Complaint Full
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
86
Oct 20, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed a sanitizer bucket stored on the ground. Operator placed bucket on a shelf. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed black buildup on multiple ceiling vents in the kitchen. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Repeat Violation**
36-34-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Observed equipment stored while wet nesting.
24-08-4
Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Observed a scoop with the handle touching food in a container of corn. Operator removed handle. **Corrected On-Site**
10-01-5
Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed black build up on the walk-in cooler fan covers.
36-50-4
70
Jul 6, 2023
Routine - Food
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Dry storage racks in the drive through area soiled. Marinate tumbler sleeve soiled.
23-03-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior have accumulation of soil residues. Reach in cooler next to the ice machine soiled.
22-16-4
Basic - Wall soiled with accumulated grease, food debris, and/or dust. Walls on the exterior of the walk-in cooler and next to the preparation sink soiled.
36-27-5
Basic - Wash/Rinse/Sanitizing solution not maintained clean. Sanitizing water in the three compartment has a built of food debris. Manager changed the sanitizer water. **Corrected On-Site**
16-05-4
Basic - In-use ice scoop stored on soiled surface between uses. Ice scoop stored in a soiled holder. Employee removed and sanitized the scoop and the holder. **Corrected On-Site**
10-12-5
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Standing water on the floors next to the three compartment sink. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Repeat Violation**
36-22-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. All ceiling vents in the kitchen soiled with a black mold like substance. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Repeat Violation**
36-34-5
70
Mar 27, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed hose Bibb without vacuum breaker at mop sink.
29-34-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Observed black substance/dust on ceiling vent over triple sink.
36-34-5
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed remnants of old stickers on hotel pans in pot storage area. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager. **Repeat Violation**
16-46-4
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water on floor in triple sink area and dry storage. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the Manager. **Repeat Violation**
36-22-4
74
Aug 25, 2022
Routine - Food
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed standing water on floor in rear preparation area.
36-22-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup in walk in freezer. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Repeat Violation**
14-69-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning. Observed old label on clean food container. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Repeat Violation**
16-46-4
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pollo Tropical last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Pollo Tropical on file is from Jan 7, 2026. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Pollo Tropical?
Across the inspection record, “ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Pollo Tropical.
How does Pollo Tropical compare to other restaurants in Sarasota?
Pollo Tropical most recently scored 100 out of 100, which is higher than the Sarasota average of 81.
Has Pollo Tropical's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Pollo Tropical have averaged around three violations per visit, up from roughly one earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Pollo Tropical means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Pollo Tropical inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Pollo Tropical is inspected around three times per year on average.
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