Restaurant on Anna Maria Island temporarily shut down for roach activity

Ryan Ballogg
·1 min read
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Florida’s Division of Hotels and Restaurants routinely inspects restaurants, food trucks and other food service establishments for public health and cleanliness issues.

The reports are public information.

During the most recent inspections in Manatee County, a German restaurant in Holmes Beach was shut down for several days due to the presence of live and dead roaches.

Here is what inspectors found:

Old Hamburg Schnitzelhaus, 3246 E. Bay Dr., Holmes Beach

  • An inspector ordered that Old Hamburg Schnitzelhaus be temporarily closed on Jan. 24 after signs of roach activity were observed on site.

  • An inspector observed seven live roaches in various areas of the restaurant, including food prep and storage areas.

  • An inspector observed approximately 23 dead roaches throughout various areas of the kitchen and food storage areas.

  • There was no proof provided that food employees were informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Corrective action was taken.

  • No soap was provided at an employee handwash sink. Corrective action was taken.

  • There was standing water in the bottom of a beer cooler.

  • A reach-in cooler was soiled.

  • Floors were dirty underneath equipment throughout the kitchen.

  • A back door had a gap at the threshold that opened to the outside.

  • There was water damage on a ceiling tile.

  • A follow-up inspection was required before the restaurant could reopen.

  • During a follow-up visit on Jan. 26, an inspector observed more signs of roach activity. The inspector noted seeing two live roaches and 11 dead roaches. The restaurant remained shut down.

  • During a follow-up visit on Jan. 27, an inspector observed three live roaches and one dead roach. The restaurant remained shut down, and another follow-up inspection was required.

Editor’s Note: According to the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation, these reports are a “snapshot” of the conditions present at the time of the inspection and are public record. The agency is required to inspect every licensed restaurant at least once per year, but new and “high-risk” establishments tend to be inspected more frequently.

When an emergency shutdown order is given by an inspector, it must first be reviewed and approved by agency supervisors. In order for a business to reopen, an inspector will continue visiting the establishment daily until compliance is met. Some citations may include a financial penalty. Inspectors may also respond to complaints, which can be filed at www.myfloridalicense.com.

The Bradenton Herald’s weekly dirty dining reports list restaurants where inspectors found issues that might concern the average diner — such as unsafe food temperatures, employee hand-washing issues or moldy drink machines — regardless of whether or not the businesses passed inspection.