Bradenton Deli Temporarily Shut Over Rodent Droppings
Health inspectors closed Uncle Nick’s briefly after finding multiple rodent droppings, chew marks and sanitation lapses in the bagel production area. The deli reopened after same-day follow-up checks.
Inspectors Shut Bradenton Deli After Finding Rodent Droppings
Bradenton customers got an unwelcome reminder that inspections matter when Uncle Nick’s N.Y. Style Bagels, Subs & Deli was temporarily ordered closed following signs of rodent activity and other sanitation problems.
The Florida Division of Hotels and Restaurants performed the inspection on Oct. 16 and documented multiple high priority violations inside the bagel production and bakery areas.
The shutdown was brief because staff took corrective action and the site passed a follow-up inspection the same day.
What inspectors found
The inspection report lists a string of troubling findings in and around the bagel production room and storage areas. Among the high priority items were numerous rodent droppings in multiple locations, including:
- About six droppings near the bagel production room and the back exit door of a storage room.
- One dropping on the lid of a mayonnaise container on a storage rack.
- Two droppings on a sleeve of styrofoam bowls and five droppings on a stand mixer in the bagel production room.
- Eight droppings tucked behind a mobile rack and 10 droppings on the bottom tray of an unused stand mixer.
- Two droppings on a box of oats on a prep table shelf and three droppings in the back corner of a bakery area. Inspectors also noted chew marks on a container of grated Parmesan cheese.
The report says a restaurant operator began cleaning and sanitizing the affected areas after the problems were discovered.
Other violations cited
Beyond the rodent evidence, inspectors flagged intermediate and basic violations. They found bottom shelves used for dry goods soiled with excess debris and noted that an employee handwash sink at the front counter lacked soap until corrective action was taken.
Basic violations included a wall above a toaster covered in grease and dust, floors between ovens and fryers soiled with grease and food debris, and a ceiling and vent in a cooking area coated with grease, soil and dust. The inspector recorded seven basic violations in total.
Follow-up and reopening
After staff addressed the immediate concerns, a follow-up inspection later the same day determined the deli had met inspection standards and it was allowed to reopen.
Emergency shutdown orders must be reviewed by agency supervisors before they take effect. Inspectors also continue visits until compliance is maintained.
What this means for diners
Inspection reports are public records and reflect conditions at the time of the visit.
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation requires that every licensed food establishment receive at least one inspection per year, with newer or higher-risk operations checked more often.
Some violations can result in fines and inspectors may act on public complaints.
If you have concerns about a licensed food business, complaints can be filed at MyFloridaLicense.com.
The inspection report is a snapshot of conditions on the date listed. Emergency closure decisions are reviewed by agency supervisors and reopening follows verification that problems have been corrected.
