Ricos Pizzeria & Subs
Last inspected: Oct 8, 2025
47
Score
Ricos Pizzeria & Subs has been inspected 13 times since 2022. The most recent visit was on Oct 8, 2025. A high risk rating points to multiple serious findings at the most recent inspection.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near five violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer” has been the most frequent reason, cited four times.
Restaurants in Sarasota average 81, so Ricos Pizzeria & Subs trails the local norm. The pattern in the record is worth a careful look.
13
Inspections
3
Critical latest
1
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 8, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed a container of raw eggs stored over ready to eat food in their back reach in cooler. Operator moved the eggs. **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food held using time as a public health control not discarded at the end of the 4-hour/6-hour period. See stop sale. Observed multiple pizzas not disposed of at the end of their 4hr time limit. Operator disposed of them willingly. **Corrected On-Site**
03F-04-5
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed multiple pizzas not disposed of at the end of their 4hr time limit. Operator disposed of them willingly.
01B-13-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at the prep are hand sink. Operator placed more there. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed heavy ice build up in the walk in freezer.
14-69-4
Basic - Ice scoop handle in contact with ice. Observed the ice scoop handle buried in the ice. Operator removed it. **Corrected On-Site**
10-08-5
Basic - Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Observed the back door not self closing.
35B-03-4
Basic - Ten (10) foot-candles of light at least 30 inches from floor not provided in walk-in cooler. Observed the back half of the walk in cooler not well lit.
38-04-4
47
Jul 9, 2025
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed their dish machine at 0ppm chlorine. Operator swapped out the sanitizer and retested it at 100ppm. **Corrected On-Site**
22-41-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed a cook use the ware wash hand sink to rinse a knife. The operator set the knife aside to wash and had the employee wash their hands. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
31A-11-4
Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. Observed a in used wiping cloth stored under a cutting board at the back prep table. Operator removed the cloth. **Corrected On-Site**
21-04-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed multiple to-go containers not inverted. Operator inverted them. **Corrected On-Site**
25-06-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup up on the walls and shelves of the walk in freezer.
14-69-4
67
Mar 4, 2025
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
78
Sep 3, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed a container of cleaner stored next to bottles of alcohol at the bar. Operator removed the container. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed the kitchen hand wash sink with dirty dishes inside. Operator removed the dishes. **Corrected On-Site**
31A-11-4
Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Observed an employee keys and wallet stored over the back prep table. Operator removed the items. **Corrected On-Site**
40-06-5
Basic - Outer openings not protected with self-closing doors. Observed the back exit door not self closing.
35B-03-4
Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Observed multiple to-go containers stored incorrectly in the kitchen. Operator inverted them. **Corrected On-Site**
25-06-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed rust build up on the back left walk in cooler shelves.
14-17-4
64
Jul 1, 2024
Routine - Food
4 critical violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Equipment, Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Approved
FL-35
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Wiping Cloths Properly Used and Stored
FL-41
43
Dec 1, 2023
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Nov 30, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Rodent activity present as evidenced by rodent droppings found. Observed approximately 15 rodent droppings on the floor of the dry storage area. No food present in this area. Operators cleaned and mopped the area. **Corrective Action Taken** **Admin Complaint**
35A-04-4
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Observed raw eggs stored over ready to eat cut tomatoes and lettuce in the reach in cooler in the back prep area. Operator removed eggs. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08A-05-6
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed black build up on the ice bin. **Warning**
22-20-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed a bowl being used as a scoop in a container of spices in the pizza prep area. Operator removed the scoop. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed cases of fryer oil on the floor of the back prep area. Operator placed cases on a shelf. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed in use tongs on the oven handle in the kitchen. Operator removed the tongs. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-20-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. Observed rust build upon the back left shelves of the walk in cooler. **Warning**
14-17-4
58
Aug 24, 2023
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Toilet Rooms Maintained
FL-53
Insects, Rodents, and Animals Not Present
FL-38
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
74
Aug 23, 2023
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 15 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed in the make table/reach in cooler on the left of the pizza make area: Sliced ham (45F - Cold Holding); Sliced tomatoes (45F - Cold Holding); Shredded cheese (50F - Cold Holding) Operator stated they had been stored their for approximately 2hrs. Operator placed foods in the walk in cooler. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
High Priority - Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Observed employee coming in from the outside and put on gloves to begin working with food without washing their hands. Employee washed their hands and changed gloves. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
12A-16-4
High Priority - Dented/rusted cans present. See stop sale. Observed 4 dented cans of pizza sauce and 2 dented cans of mushrooms. Operator set cans aside for credit. **Warning**
01B-01-4
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. Observed no vomit clean up plan. Emailed plan to operator to print. **Warning**
11-27-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed employee using the the hand wash sink in the pizza make area to fill a bag of muscles. Operator instructed the Employe on the proper use of the hand wash sink. **Warning**
31A-11-4
Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed 1 expired food service employee certificate expired: D Gilley expired: 05/20/23, **Warning**
53B-14-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed single service bowls used as scoops for flour in the back storage area. Operator removed bowls. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Employee wearing jewelry other than a plain ring on their hands/arms while preparing food. Observed employee wearing a watch while engaged in food prep. Employee removed watch. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
13-07-4
Basic - Employee with no hair restraint while engaging in food preparation. Observed 2 employees engaged in food prep on the cook line without hair restraints. Employees put on hats. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
13-03-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed broken floor tiles in the kitchen. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-17-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Observed food stored on the floor of the walk in freezer and dishwashing area. Operator placed the food on shelves. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice build up on the walls and shelves of the walk in freezer. **Warning**
14-69-4
Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Observed lights above the pizza make area without a shield. **Warning**
38-07-4
Basic - Unclean building components, attachments or fixtures. Observed white residue build up on the fan covers in the walk in cooler. Observed walk in cooler covers with black residue build up. **Warning**
36-50-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Observed the shelves of the walk in cooler with a build up of dust and black residue. **Warning**
22-16-4
30
Jun 7, 2023
Complaint Full
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, Used
FL-32
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
82
Jun 6, 2023
Complaint Full
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Live rodent present.Observed live rodent in back kitchen on floor. **Warning**
35A-19-4
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. Observed no soap dispensers working or missing at 3 Hand wash sinks. **Warning**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed back kitchen Hand wash sink with pasta inside colander. Employee corrected by removing. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31A-11-4
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. **Warning**
32-12-5
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed multiple floor tiles cracked in kitchen. **Warning**
36-17-5
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed damage to lower wall between storage shelf and 3 door Reachin Cooler in kitchen. **Warning**
36-24-5
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. Observed Hand wash sink by pizza station with no cold water faucet working and hot water no pressure. **Warning**
29-08-4
58
Nov 17, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking and the time removed from temperature control cannot be determined. Pizza made within 1 1/2 hours no time mark. Educated operator about procedures.
03F-02-5
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed food debris on slicer blade guard. Operator corrected by immediately cleaning. **Corrected On-Site**
22-02-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed single door freezer not working in preparation area. Observed Dishwashing Machine not operating.
14-11-5
Basic - Waste line missing at soda gun holster. Observed at 2 nozzles at bar, no waste lines connected.
29-17-4
70
Jul 5, 2022
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris. Observed mixer blade soiled.
22-02-4
Basic - Accumulation of dust like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
Basic - Carbon dioxide/helium tanks not adequately secured. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. Employee secured tanks. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
51-11-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair. Observed missing tiles on kitchen floor. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Repeat Violation**
36-17-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed ice buildup in Walk in freezer.
14-69-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Employee removed tongs. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - Walk-in cooler/freezer shelves with rust that has pitted the surface. As a repeat violation the importance of following proper protocol with this violation was reinforced with the employee. **Repeat Violation**
14-17-4
67
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Ricos Pizzeria & Subs last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Ricos Pizzeria & Subs on file is from Oct 8, 2025. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Ricos Pizzeria & Subs?
Across the inspection record, “ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Ricos Pizzeria & Subs.
How does Ricos Pizzeria & Subs compare to other restaurants in Sarasota?
Ricos Pizzeria & Subs most recently scored 47 out of 100, which is lower than the Sarasota average of 81.
Has Ricos Pizzeria & Subs' inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Ricos Pizzeria & Subs have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Ricos Pizzeria & Subs means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is Ricos Pizzeria & Subs inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Ricos Pizzeria & Subs is inspected around four times per year on average.
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