62-Seat Hourglass District Pizza Spot Only Licensed for 27, No Proof of State Employee Training and More


By Mark Baratelli
Peppino's (Facebook), a pizza restaurant within The Hourglass District, was found to have 62 seats inside and out when it was only licensed for 27. This was uncovered during its February 14th health inspection. When the inspectors returned February 27th, it still had more seats than it was licensed for.

The Daily City reached out to the Owner/Manager who stated the extra 35 seats were outside on the porch for guests to sit in while they were waiting for an inside table. He also said there were never over 60 seats.

He stated before he moved his restaurant into the space, he was to have over 80 seats. Due to the restaurant being on a septic system and not city sewer, the number of allowed seats was reduced to 27.

The manager said there was a miscommunication between the "local" health department and the state health department. He said he had a verbal agreement with the local health department that if he flushed the septic tank once a week they could have more than the 27 seats allowed.

The restaurant could not show proof of state-required employee training for any employees and the Manager on duty could not show proof of State Food Handling Service Manager certification during both inspections. The owner told us he is the only Manager of the restaurant and while the inspections were happening he was not present. He also said only one employee with employee training must be present and that not all employees have to be trained.

The restaurant is only licensed to use disposable cutlery and plates for its guests: they were caught using real dishes and silverware at both inspections. This is related to the restaurant being connected to a septic system. The manager told us they are now using disposable cutlery and plates.

The restaurant did not have a copy of the previous inspection report as required and the required restaurant license was not displayed.

The Hourglass District is a group of buildings purchased and redeveloped by national Real Estate to enhance the surrounding residential areas.

Peppino's is found at 2420 Curry Ford Road.

A follow up inspection is required.

February 27th Inspection:
Violation  Observation
50-09-4  Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2018-02-27: **Time Extended**
51-09-4  Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Establishment did not report seating change that affects the license fee, Clean Indoor Air Act, sewage system approval or other related requirements. Facility is licensed for 27 seats only per restriction of septic tank. Facility has total of 62 seats inside and outside patio **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2018-02-27: Observed on 2/27/18 Facility still has 34 seats inside and licensed for only 27 **Time Extended**
36-31-4  Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Hole in ceiling. Ceiling in kitchen area **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2018-02-27: **Time Extended**
10-20-4  Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Oven doors in kitchen **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2018-02-27: **Admin Complaint**
38-07-4  Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Lights in food preparation, food storage or warewashing area missing the proper shield, sleeve coatings or covers. Lights over walk in cooler door and light in back prep area over dry storage shelf **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2018-02-27: **Time Extended**
51-18-6  Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No copy of latest inspection report available. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2018-02-27: **Time Extended**
21-06-4  Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Paper towel used as liner for food container. Used in container to store cooked bacon **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2018-02-27: **observed on 2/27/18 paper towels used to store cooked bacon and chopped parsley Admin Complaint** **Admin Complaint**
28-12-4  High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Establishment operating with changed menu and/or increased seating without septic system approval for such change. Facility has license for 27 seats and has 62 seats inside and outside patio at this time Facility is using plates and silverware for service for dining room guest. Septic approval only for single service items to be used **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2018-02-27: **Time Extended**
28-11-4  High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Septic tank system operated beyond approved limitations. Facility using plates and silverware for dining room guests. Septic approval is for only single service items to be used in facility **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2018-02-27: Observed on 2/27/18 Facility still using plates, silverware, and glasses without approval from local county health department. Original provisos for approved plans is ONLY SINGLE SERVICE ITEMS CAN BE USED PER SEPTIC APPROVAL **Admin Complaint**
41-08-4  High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical stored by or with clean or in-use utensils. Spray bottle chemicals hanging on metal shelf rack with clean equipment **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2018-02-27: **Admin Complaint**
31A-04-4  Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. Original hand sink removed at front counter area and replaced with additional 4 compartment sink. Per person in charge 4 compartment sink is for ware washing and the 1st compartment used for hand sink **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2018-02-27: **observed on 2/27/18 4 compartment sink is still in place of the hand sink at front counter Admin Complaint** **Admin Complaint**
53A-01-5  Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Manager lacking proof of food manager certification. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/hr/food-lodging/managercertification.html. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2018-02-27: **Time Extended**
53A-05-5  Intermediate - - From initial inspection : 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/hr/food-lodging/managercertification.html. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2018-02-27: **Time Extended**
51-16-5  Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans, plan review application and payment for plan review to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Facility has added additional equipment and has removed equipment since approved plans with DBPR department on 8/17/17 and since licensing in 11/2017. Dish machine has been added to ware wash area. Front counter has had individual hand sink removed and a 4 compartment sink added. 1st compartment of 4 compartment sink is for hand sink per person in charge. Facility is using plates and silverware and glasses for dining room guests. Septic tank approval for only single service items use **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2018-02-27: **Time Extended**
53B-01-5  Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2018-02-27: **Time Extended**

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