The Pier

1200 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Seafood

Last inspected: Mar 24, 2026

Score

Low Risk

The Pier appears in inspection records seven times, starting in 2022. The most recent report on file is from Mar 24, 2026. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.

The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around one violation, down from roughly four violations earlier in the record.

“Working containers of food removed” comes up most often, recorded two times in the inspection record.

Compared to the broader Punta Gorda restaurant scene, where the average is 82, this is a stronger showing. Taken together, the history is a positive one.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Mar 24, 2026

Routine - Food

1 major violation.

View 1 violation

Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed sauce not date marked at Reach in Cooler. Operator date marked the food item. **Corrected On-Site**

02C-02-5

Dec 31, 2025

Food-Licensing Inspection

No violations found.

100

Jul 8, 2024

Routine - Food

1 major violation.

View 1 violation

Approved Thawing Methods Used

FL-31

Sep 29, 2023

Routine - Food

1 major violation. 3 minor violations.

View 4 violations

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/. Manager: Skyler Merritt.

53A-05-6

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed multiple flour container not labeled. Operator labeled the food item. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**

02D-01-5

Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gasket at Reach in Cooler.

14-11-5

Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tongs on oven handle. Operator removed to a shelf on top. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**

10-20-4

Jul 10, 2023

Routine - Food

3 major violations.

View 3 violations

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.

11-27-4

Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for employee hired more than 60 days ago. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233.

53B-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.

11-26-1

Jan 9, 2023

Routine - Food

2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.

View 4 violations

Food Received at Proper Temperature

FL-12

Food Obtained from Approved Sources

FL-11

Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures

FL-21

Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed

FL-50

Jul 25, 2022

Routine - Food

1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.

View 4 violations

High Priority - Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Observed raw chicken over raw calamari at Reach in Cooler. Operator switched the food items. **Corrected On-Site**

08A-20-5

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed at flour container. Operator labeled the food item. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**

02D-01-5

Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed container with no handle at flour container. Operator removed the container. **Corrected On-Site**

14-01-5

Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed tong at oven handle. Operator removed the tongs. **Corrected On-Site**

10-20-4

Show all 7 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was The Pier last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at The Pier on file is from Mar 24, 2026. The public record contains seven inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at The Pier?

Across the inspection record, “working containers of food removed” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at The Pier.

How does The Pier compare to other restaurants in Punta Gorda?

The Pier most recently scored 90 out of 100, which is higher than the Punta Gorda average of 82.

Has The Pier's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at The Pier have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly four earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at The Pier 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 The Pier inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, The Pier is inspected around two times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Dockside (Four Points)

33 Tamiami Trail

Score: 70 — Medium Risk

Explore More

→ All locations in Punta Gorda → Seafood restaurants in Florida → Seafood restaurants in Punta Gorda