The Soda Fountain
Last inspected: Apr 20, 2026
20
Score
The Soda Fountain has been inspected 11 times since 2022. Inspectors last stopped by on Apr 20, 2026. A high risk rating points to multiple serious findings at the most recent inspection.
Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around three violations to closer to 12 violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” has been the most frequent reason, cited five times.
Restaurants in Venice average 79, so The Soda Fountain trails the local norm. Diners may want to scan the inspection details before deciding to visit.
11
Inspections
3
Critical latest
6
Major latest
11
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 20, 2026
Complaint Full
3 critical violations. 6 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 20 violations
High Priority - Pesticide-emitting strip present in food prep area at front counter area.
41-24-4
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. See stop sale. Observed pizza at kitchen counter not properly date marked time marked. Employee started it had been prepared 45 min prior and then properly marked time for then. **Corrected On-Site**
03F-02-5
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed chemical spray bottle stored on counter over spices and single service items. Repeat from last inspection 1-29-26. Operator corrected above issues to meet inspection standards. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**
41-10-4
Intermediate - Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of reporting responsibilities for exclusions and restrictions.
11-05-4
Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/. Observed one Certified Food Manager Ferdinand Marino expired 6-12-25 Repeat from last inspection 1-29-26 **Repeat Violation**
53A-03-7
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting boards soiled in kitchen and front counter. Repeat from last inspection 1-29-26 **Repeat Violation**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed portions of lasagna in reach-in freezer Employee stated the above items had been prepare onsite more than 24 hours prior. Repeat from last inspection 1-29-26 **Repeat Violation**
02C-02-5
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. Jacqueline Garcia expire 9-30-25 Repeat from last inspection 1-29-26
53B-14-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled at front counter. Repeat from last inspection 1-29-26 **Repeat Violation**
41-17-4
Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed spray bottle of oil not properly date marked labeled.
02D-01-5
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Operator corrected above issues to meet inspection standards. **Corrected On-Site**
22-20-5
Basic - Carbon dioxide tanks not adequately secured. Operator corrected above issues to meet inspection standards. **Corrected On-Site**
51-11-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair in kitchen cooks area. Repeat from last inspection 1-29-26 **Repeat Violation**
36-32-5
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
32-12-6
Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Repeat from last inspection 1-29-26 **Repeat Violation**
14-09-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed door hand on reach-in cooler held with duct tape. Repeat from last inspection 1-29-26 **Repeat Violation**
14-11-5
Basic - Floor soiled under kitchen equipment.
36-73-4
Basic - Floor tiles missing and/or in disrepair in kitchen and storage room. Repeat from last inspection 1-29-26 **Repeat Violation**
36-17-5
Basic - Food storage container/container lid cracked or broken. Operator corrected above issues to meet inspection standards. **Corrected On-Site**
14-38-4
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer. Repeat from last inspection 1-29-26 **Repeat Violation**
14-69-4
20
Jan 29, 2026
Complaint Full
3 critical violations. 5 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 14 violations
High Priority - In-use utensil stored in unclean water at or above 135 degrees Fahrenheit at front ice cream counter, water dirty and at 128F. Operator corrected above issues to meet inspection standards. **Corrected On-Site**
10-05-5
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored on front counter above single serve items.
41-10-4
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 dishwasher machine at 10 ppm chlorine sanitizer. Operator ran dishwasher machine multiple time and was able to prime sys and get sanitizer to 50 ppm sanitizer. **Corrected On-Site**
22-41-4
Intermediate - Food manager certification expired. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/. Observed expire management certification Ferdinand Marino expired 6-12-25
53A-03-7
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting board at front counter and kitchen cooks line soiled.
22-02-4
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed lasagna and chicken not date marked. Employee stated the above items had been prepare onsite more than 24 hours prior. Repeat from last inspection 12-16-24 **Repeat Violation**
02C-02-5
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. Jacqueline Garcia expire training 7-15-24
53B-14-5
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled.
41-17-4
Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair in kitchen areas.
36-32-5
Basic - Cutting boards at front counter and cooks line have cut marks and are no longer cleanable.
14-09-4
Basic - Employee with no beard guard/restraint while engaging in food preparation.
13-04-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed door handle on reach-in cooler in kitchen is broken and held together with tape.
14-11-5
Basic - Floor tiles in disrepair in kitchen area.
36-17-5
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer.
14-69-4
29
Dec 16, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
78
Jul 31, 2024
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Jul 23, 2024
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength for manual warewashing. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Observed dishwasher chlorine sanitizer at 000 parts per million. Operator adjusted hose in sanitizer bucket and retested machine at 100 parts per million for chlorine sanitizer. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-23: Observed dishwasher chlorine sanitizer at 000 parts per million. Operator adjusted hose in sanitizer bucket and retested machine at 100 parts per million for chlorine sanitizer. **Admin Complaint**
22-42-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Email operator time control sheet. Repeat 9-21-23 **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-23: No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. **Time Extended**
03F-10-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed ice cream scoops in pan of standing water in hand wash sink at 75F. Observed employee remove pan, dump out water and wash scoops. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-23: Observed ice cream scoops in pan of standing water in hand wash sink at 75F. Observed employee remove pan, dump out water and wash scoops. **Time Extended**
10-07-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Reach-in freezer interior have accumulation of soil residues. Bottom of ice cream freezer has buildup of spilled ice cream. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-07-23: Reach-in freezer interior have accumulation of soil residues. Bottom of ice cream freezer has buildup of spilled ice cream. **Time Extended**
22-16-4
70
Jul 16, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
45
Sep 21, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 7 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. See stop sale. Observed pizza at counter next to pizza oven not time marked. Employee stated pizza was made 1 hour prior and then marked time correctly. **Corrected On-Site**
03F-02-5
Intermediate - Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of foodborne illnesses and symptoms of illness that would prevent an employee from working with food, clean equipment and utensils, and single-service items. Spoke with person in charge about the Big 6 food borne illnesses, person in charge did not have knowledge of Big 6 illnesses or signage to reference. Emailed operator Big 6 food borne illnesses signage and reference material. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-07-5
Intermediate - Certified Food Manager or person in charge lacks knowledge of reporting responsibilities for exclusions and restrictions. Spoke with person in charge about reporting food borne illnesses. Emailed operator Food borne illnesses signage and reference material. **Corrective Action Taken**
11-05-4
Intermediate - No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Operator was unable to provide Time as a Control sheet at time of inspection.
03F-10-5
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 - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed unlabeled chemical spray at dishwasher area.
41-17-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee beverages on shelf above cooks line.
12B-07-4
50
Jul 18, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation.
View 2 violations
High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 10 small flying insects in soda room by front counter landing on glassware. 10 small flying insects at hand wash sink at front counter. 8 small flying insects on soda gun at front counter. 15 small flying insects on peanut butter cup topping at front ice cream counter. - From follow-up inspection 2023-07-18: Observed 1 small flying insect in dry front of house dry storage area.
35A-02-6
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed slicer at back prep table with heavy buildup of food debris. - From follow-up inspection 2023-07-18: Observed slicer is still in need of cleaning. **Time Extended**
22-02-4
78
Jul 17, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 11 violations
High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. Observed small flying insects landing on 1/6pans of cookie bites, brownie bites, Reese bites at front counter. Observed operator voluntarily dispose of all items. **Corrected On-Site**
01B-13-4
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 10 small flying insects in soda room by front counter landing on glassware. 10 small flying insects at hand wash sink at front counter. 8 small flying insects on soda gun at front counter. 15 small flying insects on peanut butter cup topping at front ice cream counter.
35A-02-6
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed slicer at back prep table with heavy buildup of food debris.
22-02-4
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at warewashing machine. Repeat 12-7-22 **Repeat Violation**
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Observed no paper towels at Front counter by cash register.
31B-02-4
Intermediate - Spray bottle containing toxic substance not labeled. Observed unlabeled chemical spray bottles on front counter.
41-17-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - Dead roaches on premises. Observed one dead roach on floor along side of 2 door refrigerator.
35A-03-4
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee beverage on shelf above cooks line. Repeat 12-7-22 **Repeat Violation**
12B-07-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees at front counter.
31B-04-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed area behind soda nozzles of soda machine soiled.
23-03-4
39
Dec 7, 2022
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license.
50-17-2
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Observed lasagna made onsite more then 24hours prior as per employee statement not date marked. Observed employee correctly date mark items **Corrected On-Site**
02C-02-5
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
16-37-1
Basic - Accumulation of black/green mold-like substance in the interior of the ice machine/bin. Observed ice machine next to dishwasher with mold-like substance on interior. Repeat 9-2-22. **Repeat Violation**
22-20-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Observed employee beverages on prep counter at cooks line.
12B-07-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris at cooks line. Observed operator clean microwave. **Corrected On-Site**
22-08-4
Basic - Old food stuck to clean plastic containers at clean dish rack.
16-48-4
58
Sep 3, 2022
Complaint Full
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed cutting boards throughout kitchen soiled. Observed slicer with buildup of food debris. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-03: Observed cutting boards are still soiled **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tile shows damage or is in disrepair. Observed ceiling tiles with holes and in disrepair in kitchen area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-03: Observed some damage ceiling tiles repaired. Others still in need of repair **Time Extended**
36-32-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cutting board has cut marks and is no longer cleanable. Observed cutting boards throughout kitchen heavily worn and no longer cleanable. **Repeat Violation** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-03: Observed cutting still worn and no longer cleanable. **Time Extended**
14-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Observed torn gasket on on tall reach-in cooler in kitchen. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-09-03: Observed gasket still torn **Time Extended**
14-11-5
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Soda Fountain last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Soda Fountain on file is from Apr 20, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Soda Fountain?
Across the inspection record, “food-contact surface soiled with food debris” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at The Soda Fountain.
How does The Soda Fountain compare to other restaurants in Venice?
The Soda Fountain most recently scored 20 out of 100, which is lower than the Venice average of 79.
Has The Soda Fountain's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at The Soda Fountain have averaged around 12 violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at The Soda Fountain 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 The Soda Fountain inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Soda Fountain is inspected around three times per year on average.
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