Popular restaurant in Homosassa, Florida, cited for 7 violations in Citrus County

Grumpy Pizza- sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, black olivesPhoto byYelp / Jessica T.

Grumpy Gators Bar & Grill in Homosassa, Florida, was cited for multiple violations during a complaint inspection by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation on October 3, 2024.

According to state records, the Citrus County establishment, known for its burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and live music, received citations for seven violations, including three high-priority, one intermediate, and three basic infractions.

This is What Happened During The Inspection

The inspection, initiated by a full complaint, revealed several issues that need improvement.

Among the high-priority violations were live, small flying insects in the kitchen and bar areas. The report acknowledged that two live flies were seen on top of the buffet shelf and one live fly in the bar area.

The inspector's note also revealed that the restaurant's walk-in cooler contained items like raw burgers and steak at temperatures above safe degrees, wrongly stored raw animal food, and temperature management problems for food safety.

Meanwhile, intermediate and basic violations included a lack of proof for required employee training, unsuitable proper cleaning solution strength, and thawed commercially processed fish that should have remained frozen.

The inspector also noted an open employee beverage in a cold holding unit with customer food.

While Grumpy Gators Bar & Grill has not been ordered to close, the restaurant must undergo a follow-up inspection to address these issues.

The eatery in Homosassa, Florida, maintains a 4.1-star rating from 1,018 Google reviews, underpinning its popularity among locals and visitors.

A recent customer and local guide named Sean Perry, shared on Google reviews:

Absolutely fantastic pizza. I haven't tried any other dishes here, but they look wonderful. This is a great local hangout right off Hwy 19. Service is always great. Really like this place place. Always ice cold beer.

Readers, we'd like to hear from you:

1. How often do you check restaurant inspection reports before dining out?
2. Have you ever experienced issues with food safety at a local restaurant?

High Priority Violations:

• Live, small flying insects in kitchen and bar areas
• Raw animal food stored incorrectly over ready-to-eat food
• Time/temperature management for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit