Tucson restaurants that failed health inspections from January to April, 2016
- Updated
12 Tucson restaurants received ratings of “provisional” or “fail” during Pima County health inspections in April. Find inspection failures for the entire year.
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- Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
La Quinta Inn and Suites-Reid Park (April)
102 N. Alvernon Way
- History: Received mostly “good” and “excellent” ratings since 2008.
- What the inspector saw: With five critical violations noted during an April 12 inspection, the breakfast cafe received a “probationary” rating. An employee told the inspector “that she had diarrhea on the job and has vomited in the food preparation area on separate occasions and was not instructed to go home” by her manager. Additional problems included issues with dishwashing, no date markings on some food items, cleaning supplies on a food prep area and no training was provided to the kitchen’s only employee when she was hired in February.
- Follow-up: Passed April 25.
- Response: Manager was not available for comment.
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Five Palms Steak and Seafood (April)
3500 E. Sunrise Drive
- History: The restaurant , which has been open since 2013, failed two consecutive inspections in June 2014 and previously failed an inspection in October.
- What the inspector saw: The restaurant received a “probationary” rating during an April 20 inspection, when the inspector observed five critical violations. Temperatures in the restaurant’s refrigerators were higher than code allows, an employee’s take-out box of food was on the prep table, and kitchen equipment and utensils had “excessive build-up of food debris.” When the inspector saw that Five Palms was vacuum packaging seafood on the premises, the restaurant was ordered to “cease and desist (packaging) operations immediately” and throw away all of the product.
- Follow-up: Scheduled May 2.
- Response: “We’ve been changing the kitchen around, since we’re getting ready to start a new menu. We have a brand new staff as of last week,” said Alex Hartleb, who took over as general manager a few weeks ago. “The inspector wants us to focus on the temperature of our product and the walk-in refrigerator. Employees were going in and out that day, which probably brought down the temperature, but the inspection took place well before dinner service.”
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- Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Hi-way Chef Restaurant (April)
5451 E. Benson Hwy.
- History: Received only “good” and “excellent” ratings since 2003.
- What the inspector saw: With six critical violations observed during an April 8 inspection, the restaurant received a “probationary” rating. Issues included food stored above or below safe holding temperatures, employee cups on the food service area and missing date markings on prepared food items.
- Follow-up: Passed April 19.
- Response: “We worked with the health department and brought everything up to code,” said owner Omar Ramirez. “Several of the managers are going to start attending (food safety) classes next week.”
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- Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Great Wall of China (April)
2445 S. Craycroft Road
- History: Has received only “good” and “excellent” ratings since 2007.
- What the inspector saw: Six violations were observed during an April 7 inspection, earning the restaurant a “probationary” rating. Violations included employee food and drinks on a prep table in the kitchen, raw chicken and seafood stored above produce, handwashing violations and dishes stored as clean that were “coated in food debris and oil.” The report also mentioned kitchen utensils that had been left out overnight, rinsed and used again, without being washed or sanitized.
- Follow-up: Passed April 19.
- Response: Owner or manager was not available for comment.
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- Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Culver’s (April)
3070 S. Campbell Ave.
- History: Since opening in August 2014, the restaurant has received all “excellent” ratings on its three health inspections.
- What the inspector saw: The restaurant received a “probationary” rating during an April 20 inspection, when the inspector observed five critical violations. Soup and gravy were not being held at hot enough temperatures, and a container of pastrami sitting on the counter was above a safe holding temperature. “Several employees observed moving from cleaning tasks to handling food, touching contaminated surfaces, without washing hands and changing gloves,” the report said. In addition, a spray bottle of stainless steel cleaner was being stored above open containers of fish.
- Follow-up: Passed April 29.
- Response: “Our guests should be assured that the infractions in question were corrected at the time of the inspection,” said owner Kyle Kolsrud via email. “At Culver’s, we take issues regarding food safety, quality, cleanliness, service and hospitality very seriously and have taken steps to ensure these incidents do not occur again.”
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- Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Hogie House (April)
5138 E. Speedway
- History: Restaurant has received only “good” and “excellent” ratings since 2002, until it received a “needs improvement” on April 12.
- What the inspector saw: With one violation still not corrected during an April 13 reinspection for the “needs improvement” rating, the restaurant received a “fail.” A refrigeration unit still wasn’t keeping food below 41 degrees, and the inspector told the owner the lack of refrigeration could be grounds for closure if not repaired.
- Follow-up: Passed April 14.
- Response: “We’ve appealed the April 13 inspection,” said co-owner George Raizk. “The inspector was checking the temperature of the meats on the table, and had the doors (to the refrigerator below) open, warming the case up.” One of the items the inspector checked was one degree above the approved temperature, he said. “We don’t feel that was fair, and we expect to have the rating reversed.”
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- Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Jasmine (April)
3906 N. Oracle Road
- History: Has received mostly “good” ratings since it opened in 2013, until receiving a “provisional” rating during a March 29 inspection.
- What the inspector saw: With four critical violations during an April 8 reinspection, the restaurant received a “probationary” rating. The inspector saw live and dead cockroaches in the kitchen, and the report mentioned a “meat saw not cleaned since yesterday’s use” with “meat and roaches inside.”
- Follow-up: Failed April 18; passed April 20.
- Response: “The failure is because the department changed the health code and the temperatures were different,” owner Saba Alsafar told the Star, when contacted earlier in the month. “They said they were posted online, but we didn’t know.”
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- Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
La Indita Cafe (April)
622 N. 4th Ave.
- History: Failed seven inspections between 2000 and 2010, but has received mostly “good” or “excellent” ratings since.
- What the inspector saw: The restaurant received a “probationary” rating during an April 18 inspection, with five critical violations. “Shelves in walk-in refrigerator are severely rusted and have food debris hanging off of them above uncovered foods,” the report said. Additional violations include missing date markings, raw beef stored above produce and a refrigerator that wasn’t keeping food cool enough. La Indita was closed by the health department until the refrigerator was repaired and able to keep food at a safe temperature.
- Follow-up: Reinspection hasn’t taken place yet.
- Response: No answer at number provided.
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- Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Taqueria Juanito’s (April)
708 W. Grant Road
- History: Received “provisional” and “fail” ratings during four consecutive inspections in February and March.
- What the inspector saw: During an April 8 inspection, the restaurant received a “probationary” rating. One of the continuous violations during the February and March inspections was a lack of functioning hand sink in the restaurant’s kitchen. Although a hand sink had been installed by the April 8 inspection, the hot water wasn’t working.
- Follow-up: Passed April 11.
- Response: No answer at number provided.
10
- Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Lodge on the Desert (April)
306 N. Alvernon Way
- History: Has received only “good” and “excellent” ratings since 2004.
- What the inspector saw: With eight violations noted during an April 20 inspection, the restaurant received a “probationary” rating. The inspector found food that was stored above safe temperature, handwashing violations, no soap in the dispensers on the cooking line, dirty utensils and food stored past expiration date. “Cook was observed dipping hands in wash basin of three-compartment sink containing ... dirty dishes, and then rinsing hands in hand sink” because of the lack of soap.
- Follow-up: Reinspection hasn’t taken place yet.
- Response: Lodge provided the following statement via email: “The Lodge On The Desert has taken the food safety and evaluation findings and recommendations seriously. We have addressed the critical violations and we will continue to work with the Pima County Health Department to make sure we receive the good and excellent evaluations we have received in the past.”
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Szechuan Omei (April)
2601 E. Speedway
Szechuan Omei was temporarily closed by the health department in March. After five consecutive failed inspections between February and April, the restaurant received a passing rating on an April 25 inspection.
Szechuan Omei failed an April 4 reinspection.
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Las Margaritas (April)
3602 E. Grant Road
- History: Consistently “good” and “excellent” ratings since 2003, but received a “needs improvement” during a March 21 inspection.
- What the inspector saw: Two violations were noted during an April 1 reinspection to the “needs improvement” rating, earning the restaurant a “fail.” A container of shredded beef in the walk-in refrigerator was above safe holding temperature. “The rodent issue is being brought under control,” the inspector wrote. “Need to continue cleaning up feces behind ice machine and various rooms adjacent to the kitchen.”
- Follow-up: Passed April 12.
- Response: No answer at number provided.
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Szechuan Omei (March)
2601 E. Speedway
On a March 4 followup for the restaurant’s provisional status, after failing in February and January, an inspector observed seven critical violations, including evidence of a rodent infestation.
“Due to the imminent health hazards, the facility has agreed to close,” inspector Shelby Cavillo wrote in the report. “Approval from the (health) department must be obtained before operations resume.”
During the inspection, Cavillo noted handwashing violations and rodent droppings on food storage areas and food preparation equipment.
Cavillo returned to reinspect Szechuan Omei on March 24, and with three critical violations, the restaurant failed again.
Pots, pans, utensils and refrigerator walls and racks were encrusted with food debris, and rodent droppings were observed throughout the facility, according to the inspection report.
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Casita de Molina (March)
3220 W. Valencia Road
- History: Consistently “good” and “excellent” inspections since 2002.
- What the inspector saw: The restaurant was cited for five critical violations during a March 8 inspection, earning it a “provisional” rating. “Employee, wearing gloves, handled raw chicken to place on grill, then handled clean plate and bowl without removing gloves and cleaning hands,” the inspector wrote. Other violations included food stored at unsafe temperatures, storage racks covered in food debris and a cutting board being used with both produce and raw chicken.
- Follow-up: Passed March 21.
- Response: Neither the owner nor manager could be reached for comment.
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
El Rincon de Don Chava (March)
1924 S. Fourth Ave.
- History: Passed its first inspection in December 2015.
- What the inspector saw: With nine critical violations noted during a March 25 inspection, the facility earned a “provisional” rating. Violations included food stored at unsafe temperatures, items without date marking or expiration date, and employee food, beverages and chemical bottles stored on a food prep table and above food.
- Follow-up: Passed April 4.
- Response: No phone number is listed for the restaurant.
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Gee’s Garden Restaurant (March)
1145 N. Alvernon Way
- History: Failed multiple inspections since 2007, but has received mostly good ratings since.
- What the inspector saw: During a March 31 inspection, the restaurant was cited for nine critical violations and received a “provisional” rating. “Live mouse on trap observed in bar area. Dead partially decayed mouse observed in bottle storage area, completely decayed mouse observed on floor behind beverage cooler,” the inspector wrote. In addition to the rodent infestation, other issues included unsafe temperatures, no date marking on food items and items stored as clean but encrusted with food debris.
- Follow-up: Passed April 11.
- Response: Neither the owner nor manager could be reached for comment.
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Jasmine (March)
3906 N. Oracle Road
- History: Has received mostly “good” ratings since it opened in 2013.
- What the inspector saw: The restaurant received a “provisional” rating on a March 29 inspection, when the inspector noted five critical violations. In addition to issues with safe holding temperatures and date marking, the inspector saw cockroaches throughout the kitchen. The report also notes that a George Foreman grill was being used in the facility, violating Pima County’s food code, as it’s not considered restaurant-grade equipment.
- Follow-up: Failed April 8.
- Response: “The failure is because the department changed the health code and the temperatures were different,” said owner Saba Alsafar. “They said they were posted online, but we didn’t know.”
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Kneader’s Bakery & Café (March)
135 S. Wilmot Road
- History: Opened last year, and received passing ratings in July and September.
- What the inspector saw: With five critical violations observed during a March 24 inspection, the restaurant earned a “provisional” rating. The inspector noted problems with hand washing and glove use, dried food debris on storage containers and bowls stored as clean, unlabeled cleaning supplies and items in the refrigerator without an expiration date.
- Follow-up: Passed April 4.
- Response: “Kneaders Bakery & Café of Tucson took immediate action based on the evaluation which was given during our March 24 inspection,” said public relations manager
- Emma Conger
- . “We continue to be committed to the highest level of food safety and customer service and look forward to providing our customers with safe and friendly experiences.”
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
New China Super Buffet (March)
1160 N. Wilmot Road
- History: Mixed ratings over the years, but recently failed inspections in December and January.
- What the inspector saw: The restaurant received a “provisional” rating during a March 14 inspection, after it was cited for 10 critical violations. “A large box of tomatoes in walk-in had numerous moldy tomatoes in box,” the report said. “A live roach was observed crawling on cook line. Rodent droppings observed on bottom of prep table by back door.” Other violations included issues with temperature, date-marking and cross-contamination of raw foods.
- Follow-up: Passed March 22.
- Response: Neither the owner nor manager could be reached for comment.
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Nico’s Mexican Food (March)
5660 E. Broadway
- History: Failed an inspection in September 2011, but has received mostly “good” ratings since.
- What the inspector saw: Seven critical violations were noted during a March 15 inspection, earning the restaurant a “provisional” rating. Violations included unsafe holding temperatures, no date markings, items stored as clean that were encrusted in food debris, and cleaning supplies stored on a shelf next to dried chilis.
- Follow-up: Passed March 25.
- Response: Neither the owner nor manager could be reached for comment.
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
On The Border (March)
5205 E. Broadway
- History: Has received consistently “good’ and “excellent” ratings since 2002.
- What the inspector saw: The restaurant received a “provisional” rating on a March 25 inspection, after it was cited for six critical violations. “An employee was observed sweeping the floor ... and using a dust pan to pick up food, and then returned to food service without washing hands,” the report said. Other citations included unsafe food temperatures, dirty dishes stored as clean and no sanitizer in the dish washing machine.
- Follow-up: Passed April 4.
- Response: No one answered the phone number provided.
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Sushi Garden (March)
7401 N. La Cholla Blvd.
- History: Has had mostly “good” ratings since 2008, until December 2014, when it received a “provisional.”
- What the inspector saw: Seven critical violations during a March 9 visit by the health department caused the restaurant to receive a “provisional” rating. An employee touched her hair and returned to preparing food without washing her hands. Dirty dishes, unsafe food temperatures and chemicals stored in contact with dry ingredients were also observed.
- Follow-up: Passed March 23.
- Response: “Everything has been taken care of,” said owner Chun Kim.
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Taqueria Juanito’s (March)
708 W. Grant Road
- History: Has received “excellent” and “good” ratings since 2004, until it received “provisional” and “fail” ratings during February inspections.
- What the inspector saw: During a March 10 follow-up, as required by its provisional status, the restaurant was cited for four critical violations, and earned a “fail.” Issues included unsafe food temperatures, improper date marking and the lack of a hand sink in the kitchen.
- Follow-up: Failed March 21.
- Response: Neither the owner nor manager could be reached for comment.
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
U-Like Buffet (March)
330 S. Wilmot Road
- History: Mostly “good” and “excellent” ratings since 2012, but received a “provisional” in February 2014.
- What the inspector saw: Seven critical violations observed during a March 9 inspection earned the restaurant a “provisional” rating. Problems included cross-contamination of raw chicken and vegetables, a sushi cooler that wasn’t keeping products cold enough, no date marking on raw seafood items and an employee scooping ice using a customer’s cup.
- Follow-up: Passed March 16.
- Response: Neither the owner nor manager could be reached for comment.
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Alejandro’s Cafe (February)
31 N. Scott Ave.
- History: Consistently “good” ratings since 2002.
- What the inspector saw: Nine critical violations on a Feb. 23 inspection, earning a “provisional” rating. Violations included food stored at unsafe temperatures, items with no expiration date, improper glove use and hand-washing, and “out-of-control” risk factors. “Tubs with food debris in them were holding lids and equipment stored as clean. The lids and equipment also had food splatter.” Follow-up: Passed March 4.
- Response: Owner or manager could not be reached for comment.
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Ali Baba Restaurant (February)
2545 E. Speedway
- History: Mixed ratings over the years, but failed three inspections in January.
- What the inspector saw: Five critical violations in a Feb. 8 follow-up to the failed January inspections, including unsafe holding temperatures and cleanliness issues including food debris on equipment stored as clean. The restaurant failed, since any violations while on provisional status merit a fail.
- Follow-up: Passed Feb. 19.
- Response: The health department “came a couple of times, but everything is fine now,” said shift manager
- Amir Panah
- in February.
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Taqueria Juanito’s (February)
708 W. Grant Road
- History: Mostly “good” and “excellent “ ratings since 2004, but a “needs improvement” in 2014.
- What the inspector saw: Nine violations were observed during a Feb. 17 inspection, and the restaurant received a “provisional” rating. The inspector noted that the facility didn’t have a hand sink in the kitchen or food-prep area, and there were problems with cross-contamination and safe holding temperatures. An employee was seen cutting raw beef with gloves, then touching clean dishes and utensils without removing the “bloodied gloves” or washing hands.
- Follow-up: Failed Feb. 29 and March 10.
- Response: Manager declined to comment.
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
World Wide Wrappers (February)
500 N. Fourth Ave.
- History: Has received only “good” and “excellent” ratings since 2002.
- What the inspector saw: Five critical violations were noted during a Feb. 18 inspection, earning the restaurant a “provisional” rating. “Manager observed making customer drinks, involving handling vegetables for juicing, without first washing hands,” the inspector wrote. “Manager observed handling money and then making drinks without washing his hands.” Other problems included food stored above safe temperature, improper dishwashing technique and cross-contamination of raw foods.
- Follow-up: Passed Feb. 29.
- Response: “We’ve been doing this for 17 years and with two inspections a year, that’s about 34 inspections. We’ve had all excellent and good inspections until now, which means we do our job correctly,” said owner
- Ali Bagheri
- . “But sometimes things happen. We had a refrigerator that had some technical problems, I called the technician and we took care of the problem right away.”
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Viva Burrito (February)
2175 E. Irvington Road
- History: Has received only “good” ratings since 2007.
- What the inspector saw: The restaurant received a “provisional” rating during a Feb. 2 inspection and was cited for five critical violations. Issues included food stored above safe temperatures, improper hand-washing, cross-contamination, items without a date marked on them and dirty kitchen equipment and utensils.
- Follow-up: Passed Feb. 16.
- Response: Owner or manager was not available to comment.
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Taco Giro (February)
5754 E. 22nd St.
- History: Failed inspections in December 2009 and January 2010, but has received only “good” and “excellent” ratings since.
- What the inspector saw: The restaurant received a “provisional” rating on a Feb. 12 inspection for nine critical violations. The inspector cited the facility for temperature issues, cross-contamination and dirty utensils stored as clean. “Observed manager handling raw beef with gloves. Without washing his hands, he started handling clean plates and making food while wearing the same gloves,” the inspector wrote.
- Follow-up: Passed Feb. 22.
- Response: Owner or manager was not available to comment.
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Tortilleria y Panaderia Real (February)
1427 S. Fourth Ave.
- History: Has received “excellent” and “good” ratings since 2007, until it received a “provisional” and a “fail” in January.
- What the inspector saw: Two critical violations were noted during a Feb. 1 follow-up to the failed January inspections. The restaurant was cited for multiple dirty utensils and pieces of food equipment, as well as damaged ceiling tiles from a leak.
- Follow-up: Passed Feb. 22.
- Response: Owner or manager was not available to comment.
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Szechuan Omei (February)
2601 E. Speedway
- History: Failed inspections last May, October, November and December.
- What the inspector saw: Seven critical violations during a Feb. 29 inspection, earning the restaurant a “provisional” rating. Violations included employees touching their faces and raw food before returning to food preparation without washing their hands; and a used cigarette butt and a bottle of auto transmission fluid found inside the dry storage area.
- Follow-up: Failed March 10.
- Response: Owner or manager was not available to comment.
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Quik Mart (February)
1250 E. Fort Lowell Road
- History: Consistently “good” and “excellent” ratings since 2002, until it received a “needs improvement” on Feb. 18.
- What the inspector saw: The restaurant received a “fail” during a Feb. 29 follow-up to the “needs improvement” rating. Because a “dedicated hand sink” still hadn’t been installed and the facility was in the process of installing a floor drain for the three-compartment sink, the restaurant was cited, and given 10 days to get up to code.
- Follow-up: Passed March 10.
- Response: “We’ve been in business for 35 years and this is the first time these issues have been brought to the our attention at this store. On our previous inspection, we got an ‘excellent’ and there was no mention of problems with the sinks,” said president and owner
- Troy Little.
- “We always want to abide by the health department’s standards. We did what they asked, and spent $6,000 to put in a second hand sink and change the plumbing on the three-compartment sink.”
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Sushi Pho Restaurant (February)
7159 E. Broadway
- History: Passed its first inspection when it opened in January.
- What the inspector saw: During a Feb. 19 routine evaluation, 11 critical violations were noted and the restaurant received a “provisional” rating. Issues included unsafe holding temperatures, cross-contamination of raw meat and seafood, dirty dishes stored as clean and bad handwashing technique.
- Follow-up: Passed Feb. 29.
- Response: Owner or manager was not available to comment.
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Sushi Ten (February)
4500 E. Speedway
- History: Consistently “good” and “excellent” ratings since 2004.
- What the inspector saw: The restaurant received a “provisional” on a Feb. 10 inspection, after it was cited for seven critical violations. “Significant majority of wares stored as clean in kitchen were observed encrusted with food debris.” The inspector found unsafe temperatures and cross-contamination, and watched an employee grab an open garbage can with gloved hands, then return to cooking without changing gloves or washing hands.
- Follow-up: Passed Feb. 22.
- Response: “There were some things that we needed to change but hadn’t done yet, and the health inspection gave us the inspiration we needed to get it taken care of,” said manager
- Ina Im
- . “We remodeled the whole kitchen, and the health department was very happy with it when they came back.”
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Old Peking Restaurant (February)
2522 E. Speedway
- History: Has received mostly “good” ratings since 2006, when it failed three inspections. In December, it received a “provisional” rating, but passed its follow-up.
- What the inspector saw: On a Feb. 16 inspection, the restaurant was cited for seven critical violations and received a “provisional” rating. The inspector noted an employee handling raw stomach and returning to the cook line without washing his hands. “The stomach was also in one of the three-bin sink bins ... the other two bins had dirty dishes in them while the stomach was being prepped,” the inspector wrote.
- Follow-up: Passed Feb. 26.
- Response: Owner or manager was not available to comment.
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
El Herradero Carniceria y Panaderia (February)
4211 E. 22nd Street
- History: Failed six inspections in 2010, one in 2011. Mostly “good” and “excellent” ratings since.
- What the inspector saw: Twelve violations in a Feb. 29 inspection, earning the market a “provisional” rating. Violations included unsafe holding temperatures, cross-contamination of raw meats, dirty utensils being stored as clean and a clogged sewer line. “A meat department employee was observed transitioning between providing raw meat to serving ready to eat hot held foods without washing hands.”
- Follow-up: Passed March 10.
- Response: Owner could not be reached for comment.
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Miss Saigon (February)
1072 N. Campbell Ave.
- History: Mostly “good” ratings over the years. Failed two inspections in 2007 and received a “needs improvement” in 2012.
- What the inspector saw: Seven critical violations in a Feb. 23 inspection, earning the restaurant a “provisional” rating. Noted were “live roach activity,” meat held above safe temperatures and utensils stored as clean but encrusted in food debris.
- Follow-up: Passed March 4.
- Response: Owner or manager was not available to comment.
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Kelly’s Cajun Grill (Tucson Mall Food Court) (February)
4500 N. Oracle Road
- History: Failed inspections in 2011 and 2014.
- What the inspector saw: The restaurant received a “provisional” rating on a Feb. 11 inspection for six critical violations, including cross-contamination, food held at unsafe temperatures, dirty equipment stored as clean and a lack of employee knowledge about food-borne illnesses. The inspector found a spray bottle of chemical degreaser touching clean dishes and a bottle of cough medicine stored above a food-preparation area.
- Follow-up: Failed Feb. 22; passed Feb. 29.
- Response: “We have addressed all of the food safety violations and we received a passing grade on the follow-up inspection,” said
- Stephen Yeung
- , vice president of Kelly’s parent company. “The manager was given a written warning for allowing these food safety violations to occur and is required to retake a food manager course. The company’s policies and procedures were not followed and we are deeply embarrassed by our poor inspection.”
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
La Baguette (February)
1797 E. Prince Road
- History: Consistently “good” and “excellent” ratings since 2003, but received a “needs improvement” on Feb. 5.
- What the inspector saw: One critical violation during a Feb. 17 follow-up inspection to the “needs improvement.” Because the ceiling in the back of the building had missing, stained and bulging tiles, with exposed insulation, the restaurant failed.
- Follow-up: Passed March 1.
- Response: “The damage to the ceiling tiles was from something that broke on the roof, and it’s all been repaired,” said shift manager
- Nancy O’Leary
- . “Everything else is impeccable. The girl who cleans in the afternoon does an amazing job.”
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Guadalajara Original Grill (February)
1220 E. Prince Road
- History: Consistently “good” and “excellent” ratings since 2012, but received a “needs improvement” during a Feb. 5 inspection.
- What the inspector saw: Two critical violations still hadn’t been corrected by the Feb. 6 follow-up inspection, and the restaurant received a “fail.” Because one of two walk-in refrigerators still had not been repaired, food in the unit was being stored at unsafe temperatures.
- Follow-up: Failed Feb. 7; passed Feb. 9.
- Response: “The grade we received was a needs improvement, not a fail,” said manager
- Eric Ramirez
- . “The walk-in was a few degrees higher than the health department wanted. We rectified it immediately and were upgraded to passing.”
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
El Dorado Restaurant (February)
1949 S. Fourth Ave.
- History: Mixed ratings over the years. Failed inspections in 2012 and 2014, and received a “needs improvement” in January.
- What the inspector saw: During a Feb. 9 reinspection to January’s “needs improvement,” it was noted that one of the faucets on the three-compartment dish sink wasn’t working. An employee told the inspector that a pan was used to transfer water from a working faucet to the dish sink. In addition, a handwashing sink next to the dish sink was disconnected. The restaurant received a “fail” for not correcting the critical violation.
- Follow-up: Failed Feb. 23; passed March 4.
- Response: Owner or manager wasn’t available for comment.
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
El Molinito (February)
5380 E. 22nd St.
- History: Failed two inspections in 2010, but has received “good” and “excellent” ratings since.
- What the inspector saw: The restaurant received a “provisional” rating after seven critical violations were seen on Feb. 12. Broken refrigeration devices and hand- and dish-washing violations were noted. “A used chunk of chewing gum was observed on a clean dish rack.” Other items were encrusted with dry food and grime.
- Follow-up: Passed Feb. 22.
- Response: “We had a few things that weren’t up to code, but we fixed them and passed shortly after,” said manager
- Jenny Garcia
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Circle K (February)
3128 N. First Ave.
- History: Received a “fail” in 2012 and a “needs improvement” on Feb. 11.
- What the inspector saw: On a Feb. 16 follow-up to the “needs improvement” rating, the inspector noted that a walk-in refrigeration unit in the convenience store was not keeping food and beverages below the required 41 degrees.
- Follow-up: Failed Feb. 18; Passed Feb. 26.
- Response: A representative from Circle K’s corporate office did not respond to a request for comment.
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Coffee X-Change (February)
8501 E. Broadway
- History: Mostly “good” and “excellent” ratings over the years. Failed an inspection in 2006.
- What the inspector saw: Rodent droppings were seen throughout the restaurant in a Feb. 25 inspection, one of eight critical violations that earned a “provisional” rating. “Observed employee handle the bottom of an ice bucket which had been stored on the floor. Without washing his hands, the employee scooped powdered vanilla-flavored mix from a bin,” the inspector wrote. There were also issues with cross-contamination of raw foods and dishes with food debris stored as clean.
- Follow-up: Passed March 7.
- Response: “The health inspector has been back. We’re new management now and we did not take over until after this provisional was given,” said manager
- Mary Helton
- . “When he came back three days after the provisional ... he went ahead and reinspected and we have passed. He said everything was taken care of.”
46
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Chopstix Asian Diner (February)
3820 S. Palo Verde Road
- History: Received a “provisional” rating during a 2009 inspection, and two “needs improvement” ratings in 2014.
- What the inspector saw: Five critical violations in a Feb. 10 inspection, earning the restaurant a “provisional” rating. Raw beef was stored directly on top of raw chicken in a walk-in cooler, and the shelving in the walk-in was “rust covered and dirty.” Cooked chicken and egg rolls stored at room temperature tested above safe holding temperature, and date markings were missing from containers of cooked meats.
- Follow-up: Passed Feb. 22.
- Response: Owner or manager could not be reached for comment.
47
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Bushi Sushi (February)
4689 E. Speedway
- History: “Good” and “excellent” ratings since its opening in 2012.
- What the inspector saw: On a Feb. 8 inspection, the restaurant was cited for seven critical violations and received a “provisional” rating. “Numerous food contact utensils and surfaces throughout the facility not clean to sign and touch, or stored on unclean surfaces,” the inspector wrote. Also noted was dried food debris on the sushi bar, cross-contamination of foods, hand-washing violations and unsafe holding temperatures.
- Follow-up: Passed Feb. 18.
- Response: Owner or manager could not be reached for comment.
48
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Chicken Nuevo (February)
3102 E. Grant Road
- History: Failed an inspection in November 2013. Received passing ratings until Jan. 26, when it received a “provisional” rating.
- What the inspector saw: The restaurant received a “fail” during a Feb. 5 reinspection for its provisional status, when two critical violations still hadn’t been corrected. A “hot hold” cabinet for cooked chickens wasn’t keeping the birds hot enough, and roach activity was seen near the mop and hand sinks.
- Follow-up: Passed Feb. 16.
- Response: Owner or manager could not be reached for comment.
49
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Broadway Pizza Cafe (February)
4558 E. Broadway
- History: Had only “excellent” ratings since it opened in October 2013.
- What the inspector saw: Eight critical violations, including rodent feces found in the dish room and kitchen, in a Feb. 3 inspection. A cooked pizza to be cut and reheated to order throughout the day was held at 77 degrees, below the required 130 degrees for cooked food. The restaurant got a “provisional” rating.
- Follow-up: Passed Feb. 16.
- Response: “We did get a provisional, but they came back the next week and we got an excellent. The provisional was brought upon by an unknown pest problem that was actually not as bad as anyone made it sound,” said manager
- Mike Babick
- . “The very next day we had Arizona Pest Control come out and it was taken care of immediately. All of the issues they found that they put us in their provisional for were corrected the very next day.”
50
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Crossroads Restaurant (January)
2602 S. Fourth Ave.
- History: Restaurant has received mixed ratings since 2000, and failed an inspection in 2007.
- What the inspector saw: Seven critical violations were noted during a Dec. 1 inspection, causing the restaurant to receive a “provisional” rating. The violations dealt with issues including unsafe temperatures, employee handwashing technique, improperly stored food and dirty utensils and food prep equipment.
- Follow-up: Failed Dec. 11, when one of the violations hadn’t been corrected. Passed Dec. 14.
- Response: Owner or manager didn’t respond to requests for comment.
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Kikka at Whole Foods Oracle (January)
7133 N. Oracle Road
- History: The sushi counter received “excellent” ratings on health inspections in 2013 and 2014. But during a Dec. 15 inspection, Kikka received a “needs improvement” rating due to food measuring at unsafe temperatures.
- What the inspector saw: On a Dec. 28 reinspection, all of the food temperature issues had been corrected, but the facility still didn’t have a county-approved food safety plan in place, which is a requirement. Because that critical violation hadn’t been corrected from the previous inspection, Kikka received a “fail.”
- Follow-up: Passed Jan. 7.
- Response: “Food safety is our number one priority. Our sushi rice is controlled by pH level which renders it safe for room temperature holding. During the health inspection, the pH level of our white rice was within the critical limit but our brown rice was not. The whole batch of brown rice was discarded immediately at the time of the inspection,” said Kikka’s food safety specialist,
- Stella Tjakralaksana
- . “We took this matter very seriously. Our food and safety manager together with our district manager retrained all personnel and ensure the (food safety) plan is being followed properly.”
52
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Lee Lee Oriental Supermarket (January)
1990 W. Orange Grove Road
- History: “Good” and “excellent” ratings since it opened in 2010.
- What the inspector saw: Lee Lee’s holds separate permits for the supermarket and meat market. On Dec. 30, both areas received “fail” ratings on health inspections. The inspector noted five critical violations in the supermarket, including food stored at unsafe temperatures; an employee sweeping the floor, then cutting vegetables without washing his hands; and numerous food items without labels. The meat market report noted eight critical violations, most involving hand-washing problems. “Also observed an employee use hose to quickly rinse off hands,” the inspector wrote, after noting that other employees were washing their hands in the dish sink, not the handwashing sink.
- Follow-up: Failed Jan. 13; passed Jan. 14
- Response: “In response to the recent rating for the supermarket and meat market at the Lee Lee International Supermarket Tucson location, we immediately undertook employee training and updated store signage,” said Chief Financial Officer
- Kelly Brendel
- . “The location has been re-inspected and successfully passed the follow-up inspection with all noted issues corrected.”
53
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Lucky Wishbone (January)
2545 N. Campbell Ave.
- History: All “good” and “excellent” ratings since it opened in 2001, but received a “needs improvement” during a Nov. 23 inspection because of problems with food storage and date marking.
- What the inspector saw: On a Dec. 3 reinspection, two of the three critical violations had been corrected, causing the restaurant to receive a “fail.” The inspection report noted that wood shelving above a food prep table and dish sink was in disrepair and hadn’t been fixed or replaced. “Wood particles ... become airborne with the slightest touch,” the inspector wrote.
- Follow-up: Passed Dec. 4.
- Response: Owner or manager could not be reached for comment.
54
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Nan Tian BBQ Gourmet (inside Lee Lee’s) (January)
1990 W. Orange Grove Road
- History: Mostly “good” ratings, but received a “provisional” rating in 2013 and a “needs improvement” last March.
- What the inspector saw: Eight critical violations were noted during the Dec. 30 inspection, causing the restaurant to receive a “provisional” rating. The violations dealt with unsafe temperatures, cross-contamination of food items, and meat hooks and storage racks with food debris. The inspector also noted that the person in charge “was seen handling money, raw foods and cooked foods without washing hands.”
- Follow-up: Failed Jan. 11.
- Response: No phone number listed.
55
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
New China Super Buffet (January)
1160 N. Wilmot Road
- History: Mixed ratings over the years, but has received three “fail” or “provisional” ratings since 2000.
- What the inspector saw: The restaurant received a “provisional” rating on a Dec. 23 inspection, with nine critical violations noted in the report. Numerous food items on the buffet were above or below safe holding temperatures, and the inspector wrote that “no potentially hazardous foods in facility are datemarked.” In addition, dirty towels were laying inside of the hand sink, the soap dispenser was broken and no paper towels were available.
- Follow-up: Failed Jan. 4.
- Response: Manager declined to comment.
56
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Szechuan Omei Restaurant (January)
2601 E. Speedway
- History: Received “provisional” and “fail” ratings in May, and a “provisional” again on Oct. 28. Failed an inspection on Nov. 9, and failed the reinspection
- Nov. 19.
- What the inspector saw: One critical violation was recorded during a Dec. 4 inspection, which was a follow-up to the three previous failed inspections. Because items in the walk-in refrigerator still measured above safe temperatures, the restaurant received a “fail.”
- Follow-up: Passed Dec. 14.
- Response: Owner or manager was not available for comment.
57
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Tino’s Pizza (January)
6610 E. Tanque Verde Road
- History: Mostly “good” and “excellent” ratings since 2000, but received a “needs improvement” on a Dec. 3 inspection for two critical violations involving food above and below safe temperatures.
- What the inspector saw: On a Dec. 8 reinspection, one of the critical violations had been corrected, but the restaurant received a “fail,” because items in a walk-in refrigerator were still measuring above safe-holding temperatures.
- Follow-up: Passed Dec. 10.
- Response: “As far as I know, everything is clear with the health department and we got a good inspection,” said owner
- William Chonis
- . “Everything is in good standing.”
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Thuan Kieu (January)
1990 W. Orange Grove Road
- History: Received a “provisional” rating in 2010, but all “good” and “excellent” inspections since.
- What the inspector saw: With six critical violations, the restaurant received a “provisional” rating during a Dec. 14 inspection. Violations included temperature issues, dirty food prep surfaces, open employee beverage cups throughout the kitchen and inconsistent date marking. “In the walk-in, observed two pots of liquid with a mold-like substance on surface,” the inspector wrote in the report.
- Follow-up: Passed Dec. 24.
- Response: Owner or manager could not be reached for comment.
59
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Circle K No. 3458 (January)
4990 N. Oracle Road
- History: “Excellent” ratings since it opened in Dec. 2012, but received a “needs improvement” on a Dec. 7 inspection, because items in a walk-in refrigerator were measuring at below safe-holding temperatures.
- What the inspector saw: When the inspector returned on Dec. 8 to see if the critical violation had been corrected, milk in a far corner was still measuring above temperature, causing the convenience store to receive a “fail.”
- Follow-up: Passed Dec. 9.
- Response: A representative from Circle K corporate offices did not respond to a request for comment.
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
U-Like Oriental Buffet (January)
5101 N. Oracle Road
- History: “Good” ratings since it opened in 2012, but received a “provisional” rating last April.
- What the inspector saw: Six critical violations observed during a Dec. 28 inspection caused the restaurant to receive a “provisional” rating. The inspector found hot food items measuring below safe temperatures, cross-contamination of food in the walk-in refrigerator, and food debris on racks and in the dish drying area. When the inspector asked the person in charge about the employee illness policy, the person answered, “I don’t think we have one of those.”
- Follow-up: Failed Jan. 7.
- Response: No answer at the phone number provided.
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Old Peking Restaurant (January)
2522 E. Speedway
- History: Mostly good ratings over the years, but failed two inspections in 2006.
- What the inspector saw: Five critical violations during a Dec. 16 inspection earned the restaurant a “provisional” rating. Violations included an employee handling utensils covered with raw meat, then touching clean items without washing his hands; styrofoam containers used to store raw chicken being used for takeout orders; and soda nozzles with “dark slimy buildup.”
- Follow-up: Passed Dec. 28.
- Response: Owner or manager could not be reached for comment.
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- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
- Updated
Subway (January)
7635 N. La Cholla Blvd.
- History: “Good” ratings since 2013, but received a “needs improvement” on Dec. 4, when employees failed to demonstrate proper handwashing technique and the person in charge was unable to show adequate food safety knowledge.
- What the inspector saw: As a condition to the “needs improvement” rating, one employee was required to attend a food safety class. When the inspector returned on a Dec. 14 follow-up inspection, no one had taken the class yet, causing the restaurant to receive a “fail.”
- Follow-up: Passed Dec. 17.
- Response: A representative of Subway’s corporate office didn’t respond to a request for comment.
- Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
La Quinta Inn and Suites-Reid Park (April)
102 N. Alvernon Way
- History: Received mostly “good” and “excellent” ratings since 2008.
- What the inspector saw: With five critical violations noted during an April 12 inspection, the breakfast cafe received a “probationary” rating. An employee told the inspector “that she had diarrhea on the job and has vomited in the food preparation area on separate occasions and was not instructed to go home” by her manager. Additional problems included issues with dishwashing, no date markings on some food items, cleaning supplies on a food prep area and no training was provided to the kitchen’s only employee when she was hired in February.
- Follow-up: Passed April 25.
- Response: Manager was not available for comment.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Five Palms Steak and Seafood (April)
3500 E. Sunrise Drive
- History: The restaurant , which has been open since 2013, failed two consecutive inspections in June 2014 and previously failed an inspection in October.
- What the inspector saw: The restaurant received a “probationary” rating during an April 20 inspection, when the inspector observed five critical violations. Temperatures in the restaurant’s refrigerators were higher than code allows, an employee’s take-out box of food was on the prep table, and kitchen equipment and utensils had “excessive build-up of food debris.” When the inspector saw that Five Palms was vacuum packaging seafood on the premises, the restaurant was ordered to “cease and desist (packaging) operations immediately” and throw away all of the product.
- Follow-up: Scheduled May 2.
- Response: “We’ve been changing the kitchen around, since we’re getting ready to start a new menu. We have a brand new staff as of last week,” said Alex Hartleb, who took over as general manager a few weeks ago. “The inspector wants us to focus on the temperature of our product and the walk-in refrigerator. Employees were going in and out that day, which probably brought down the temperature, but the inspection took place well before dinner service.”
- Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Hi-way Chef Restaurant (April)
5451 E. Benson Hwy.
- History: Received only “good” and “excellent” ratings since 2003.
- What the inspector saw: With six critical violations observed during an April 8 inspection, the restaurant received a “probationary” rating. Issues included food stored above or below safe holding temperatures, employee cups on the food service area and missing date markings on prepared food items.
- Follow-up: Passed April 19.
- Response: “We worked with the health department and brought everything up to code,” said owner Omar Ramirez. “Several of the managers are going to start attending (food safety) classes next week.”
- Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Great Wall of China (April)
2445 S. Craycroft Road
- History: Has received only “good” and “excellent” ratings since 2007.
- What the inspector saw: Six violations were observed during an April 7 inspection, earning the restaurant a “probationary” rating. Violations included employee food and drinks on a prep table in the kitchen, raw chicken and seafood stored above produce, handwashing violations and dishes stored as clean that were “coated in food debris and oil.” The report also mentioned kitchen utensils that had been left out overnight, rinsed and used again, without being washed or sanitized.
- Follow-up: Passed April 19.
- Response: Owner or manager was not available for comment.
- Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Culver’s (April)
3070 S. Campbell Ave.
- History: Since opening in August 2014, the restaurant has received all “excellent” ratings on its three health inspections.
- What the inspector saw: The restaurant received a “probationary” rating during an April 20 inspection, when the inspector observed five critical violations. Soup and gravy were not being held at hot enough temperatures, and a container of pastrami sitting on the counter was above a safe holding temperature. “Several employees observed moving from cleaning tasks to handling food, touching contaminated surfaces, without washing hands and changing gloves,” the report said. In addition, a spray bottle of stainless steel cleaner was being stored above open containers of fish.
- Follow-up: Passed April 29.
- Response: “Our guests should be assured that the infractions in question were corrected at the time of the inspection,” said owner Kyle Kolsrud via email. “At Culver’s, we take issues regarding food safety, quality, cleanliness, service and hospitality very seriously and have taken steps to ensure these incidents do not occur again.”
- Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Hogie House (April)
5138 E. Speedway
- History: Restaurant has received only “good” and “excellent” ratings since 2002, until it received a “needs improvement” on April 12.
- What the inspector saw: With one violation still not corrected during an April 13 reinspection for the “needs improvement” rating, the restaurant received a “fail.” A refrigeration unit still wasn’t keeping food below 41 degrees, and the inspector told the owner the lack of refrigeration could be grounds for closure if not repaired.
- Follow-up: Passed April 14.
- Response: “We’ve appealed the April 13 inspection,” said co-owner George Raizk. “The inspector was checking the temperature of the meats on the table, and had the doors (to the refrigerator below) open, warming the case up.” One of the items the inspector checked was one degree above the approved temperature, he said. “We don’t feel that was fair, and we expect to have the rating reversed.”
- Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Jasmine (April)
3906 N. Oracle Road
- History: Has received mostly “good” ratings since it opened in 2013, until receiving a “provisional” rating during a March 29 inspection.
- What the inspector saw: With four critical violations during an April 8 reinspection, the restaurant received a “probationary” rating. The inspector saw live and dead cockroaches in the kitchen, and the report mentioned a “meat saw not cleaned since yesterday’s use” with “meat and roaches inside.”
- Follow-up: Failed April 18; passed April 20.
- Response: “The failure is because the department changed the health code and the temperatures were different,” owner Saba Alsafar told the Star, when contacted earlier in the month. “They said they were posted online, but we didn’t know.”
- Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
La Indita Cafe (April)
622 N. 4th Ave.
- History: Failed seven inspections between 2000 and 2010, but has received mostly “good” or “excellent” ratings since.
- What the inspector saw: The restaurant received a “probationary” rating during an April 18 inspection, with five critical violations. “Shelves in walk-in refrigerator are severely rusted and have food debris hanging off of them above uncovered foods,” the report said. Additional violations include missing date markings, raw beef stored above produce and a refrigerator that wasn’t keeping food cool enough. La Indita was closed by the health department until the refrigerator was repaired and able to keep food at a safe temperature.
- Follow-up: Reinspection hasn’t taken place yet.
- Response: No answer at number provided.
- Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Taqueria Juanito’s (April)
708 W. Grant Road
- History: Received “provisional” and “fail” ratings during four consecutive inspections in February and March.
- What the inspector saw: During an April 8 inspection, the restaurant received a “probationary” rating. One of the continuous violations during the February and March inspections was a lack of functioning hand sink in the restaurant’s kitchen. Although a hand sink had been installed by the April 8 inspection, the hot water wasn’t working.
- Follow-up: Passed April 11.
- Response: No answer at number provided.
- Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Lodge on the Desert (April)
306 N. Alvernon Way
- History: Has received only “good” and “excellent” ratings since 2004.
- What the inspector saw: With eight violations noted during an April 20 inspection, the restaurant received a “probationary” rating. The inspector found food that was stored above safe temperature, handwashing violations, no soap in the dispensers on the cooking line, dirty utensils and food stored past expiration date. “Cook was observed dipping hands in wash basin of three-compartment sink containing ... dirty dishes, and then rinsing hands in hand sink” because of the lack of soap.
- Follow-up: Reinspection hasn’t taken place yet.
- Response: Lodge provided the following statement via email: “The Lodge On The Desert has taken the food safety and evaluation findings and recommendations seriously. We have addressed the critical violations and we will continue to work with the Pima County Health Department to make sure we receive the good and excellent evaluations we have received in the past.”
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Szechuan Omei (April)
2601 E. Speedway
Szechuan Omei was temporarily closed by the health department in March. After five consecutive failed inspections between February and April, the restaurant received a passing rating on an April 25 inspection.
Szechuan Omei failed an April 4 reinspection.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Las Margaritas (April)
3602 E. Grant Road
- History: Consistently “good” and “excellent” ratings since 2003, but received a “needs improvement” during a March 21 inspection.
- What the inspector saw: Two violations were noted during an April 1 reinspection to the “needs improvement” rating, earning the restaurant a “fail.” A container of shredded beef in the walk-in refrigerator was above safe holding temperature. “The rodent issue is being brought under control,” the inspector wrote. “Need to continue cleaning up feces behind ice machine and various rooms adjacent to the kitchen.”
- Follow-up: Passed April 12.
- Response: No answer at number provided.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Szechuan Omei (March)
2601 E. Speedway
On a March 4 followup for the restaurant’s provisional status, after failing in February and January, an inspector observed seven critical violations, including evidence of a rodent infestation.
“Due to the imminent health hazards, the facility has agreed to close,” inspector Shelby Cavillo wrote in the report. “Approval from the (health) department must be obtained before operations resume.”
During the inspection, Cavillo noted handwashing violations and rodent droppings on food storage areas and food preparation equipment.
Cavillo returned to reinspect Szechuan Omei on March 24, and with three critical violations, the restaurant failed again.
Pots, pans, utensils and refrigerator walls and racks were encrusted with food debris, and rodent droppings were observed throughout the facility, according to the inspection report.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Casita de Molina (March)
3220 W. Valencia Road
- History: Consistently “good” and “excellent” inspections since 2002.
- What the inspector saw: The restaurant was cited for five critical violations during a March 8 inspection, earning it a “provisional” rating. “Employee, wearing gloves, handled raw chicken to place on grill, then handled clean plate and bowl without removing gloves and cleaning hands,” the inspector wrote. Other violations included food stored at unsafe temperatures, storage racks covered in food debris and a cutting board being used with both produce and raw chicken.
- Follow-up: Passed March 21.
- Response: Neither the owner nor manager could be reached for comment.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
El Rincon de Don Chava (March)
1924 S. Fourth Ave.
- History: Passed its first inspection in December 2015.
- What the inspector saw: With nine critical violations noted during a March 25 inspection, the facility earned a “provisional” rating. Violations included food stored at unsafe temperatures, items without date marking or expiration date, and employee food, beverages and chemical bottles stored on a food prep table and above food.
- Follow-up: Passed April 4.
- Response: No phone number is listed for the restaurant.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Gee’s Garden Restaurant (March)
1145 N. Alvernon Way
- History: Failed multiple inspections since 2007, but has received mostly good ratings since.
- What the inspector saw: During a March 31 inspection, the restaurant was cited for nine critical violations and received a “provisional” rating. “Live mouse on trap observed in bar area. Dead partially decayed mouse observed in bottle storage area, completely decayed mouse observed on floor behind beverage cooler,” the inspector wrote. In addition to the rodent infestation, other issues included unsafe temperatures, no date marking on food items and items stored as clean but encrusted with food debris.
- Follow-up: Passed April 11.
- Response: Neither the owner nor manager could be reached for comment.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Jasmine (March)
3906 N. Oracle Road
- History: Has received mostly “good” ratings since it opened in 2013.
- What the inspector saw: The restaurant received a “provisional” rating on a March 29 inspection, when the inspector noted five critical violations. In addition to issues with safe holding temperatures and date marking, the inspector saw cockroaches throughout the kitchen. The report also notes that a George Foreman grill was being used in the facility, violating Pima County’s food code, as it’s not considered restaurant-grade equipment.
- Follow-up: Failed April 8.
- Response: “The failure is because the department changed the health code and the temperatures were different,” said owner Saba Alsafar. “They said they were posted online, but we didn’t know.”
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Kneader’s Bakery & Café (March)
135 S. Wilmot Road
- History: Opened last year, and received passing ratings in July and September.
- What the inspector saw: With five critical violations observed during a March 24 inspection, the restaurant earned a “provisional” rating. The inspector noted problems with hand washing and glove use, dried food debris on storage containers and bowls stored as clean, unlabeled cleaning supplies and items in the refrigerator without an expiration date.
- Follow-up: Passed April 4.
- Response: “Kneaders Bakery & Café of Tucson took immediate action based on the evaluation which was given during our March 24 inspection,” said public relations manager
- Emma Conger
- . “We continue to be committed to the highest level of food safety and customer service and look forward to providing our customers with safe and friendly experiences.”
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
New China Super Buffet (March)
1160 N. Wilmot Road
- History: Mixed ratings over the years, but recently failed inspections in December and January.
- What the inspector saw: The restaurant received a “provisional” rating during a March 14 inspection, after it was cited for 10 critical violations. “A large box of tomatoes in walk-in had numerous moldy tomatoes in box,” the report said. “A live roach was observed crawling on cook line. Rodent droppings observed on bottom of prep table by back door.” Other violations included issues with temperature, date-marking and cross-contamination of raw foods.
- Follow-up: Passed March 22.
- Response: Neither the owner nor manager could be reached for comment.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Nico’s Mexican Food (March)
5660 E. Broadway
- History: Failed an inspection in September 2011, but has received mostly “good” ratings since.
- What the inspector saw: Seven critical violations were noted during a March 15 inspection, earning the restaurant a “provisional” rating. Violations included unsafe holding temperatures, no date markings, items stored as clean that were encrusted in food debris, and cleaning supplies stored on a shelf next to dried chilis.
- Follow-up: Passed March 25.
- Response: Neither the owner nor manager could be reached for comment.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
On The Border (March)
5205 E. Broadway
- History: Has received consistently “good’ and “excellent” ratings since 2002.
- What the inspector saw: The restaurant received a “provisional” rating on a March 25 inspection, after it was cited for six critical violations. “An employee was observed sweeping the floor ... and using a dust pan to pick up food, and then returned to food service without washing hands,” the report said. Other citations included unsafe food temperatures, dirty dishes stored as clean and no sanitizer in the dish washing machine.
- Follow-up: Passed April 4.
- Response: No one answered the phone number provided.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Sushi Garden (March)
7401 N. La Cholla Blvd.
- History: Has had mostly “good” ratings since 2008, until December 2014, when it received a “provisional.”
- What the inspector saw: Seven critical violations during a March 9 visit by the health department caused the restaurant to receive a “provisional” rating. An employee touched her hair and returned to preparing food without washing her hands. Dirty dishes, unsafe food temperatures and chemicals stored in contact with dry ingredients were also observed.
- Follow-up: Passed March 23.
- Response: “Everything has been taken care of,” said owner Chun Kim.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Taqueria Juanito’s (March)
708 W. Grant Road
- History: Has received “excellent” and “good” ratings since 2004, until it received “provisional” and “fail” ratings during February inspections.
- What the inspector saw: During a March 10 follow-up, as required by its provisional status, the restaurant was cited for four critical violations, and earned a “fail.” Issues included unsafe food temperatures, improper date marking and the lack of a hand sink in the kitchen.
- Follow-up: Failed March 21.
- Response: Neither the owner nor manager could be reached for comment.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
U-Like Buffet (March)
330 S. Wilmot Road
- History: Mostly “good” and “excellent” ratings since 2012, but received a “provisional” in February 2014.
- What the inspector saw: Seven critical violations observed during a March 9 inspection earned the restaurant a “provisional” rating. Problems included cross-contamination of raw chicken and vegetables, a sushi cooler that wasn’t keeping products cold enough, no date marking on raw seafood items and an employee scooping ice using a customer’s cup.
- Follow-up: Passed March 16.
- Response: Neither the owner nor manager could be reached for comment.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Alejandro’s Cafe (February)
31 N. Scott Ave.
- History: Consistently “good” ratings since 2002.
- What the inspector saw: Nine critical violations on a Feb. 23 inspection, earning a “provisional” rating. Violations included food stored at unsafe temperatures, items with no expiration date, improper glove use and hand-washing, and “out-of-control” risk factors. “Tubs with food debris in them were holding lids and equipment stored as clean. The lids and equipment also had food splatter.” Follow-up: Passed March 4.
- Response: Owner or manager could not be reached for comment.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Ali Baba Restaurant (February)
2545 E. Speedway
- History: Mixed ratings over the years, but failed three inspections in January.
- What the inspector saw: Five critical violations in a Feb. 8 follow-up to the failed January inspections, including unsafe holding temperatures and cleanliness issues including food debris on equipment stored as clean. The restaurant failed, since any violations while on provisional status merit a fail.
- Follow-up: Passed Feb. 19.
- Response: The health department “came a couple of times, but everything is fine now,” said shift manager
- Amir Panah
- in February.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Taqueria Juanito’s (February)
708 W. Grant Road
- History: Mostly “good” and “excellent “ ratings since 2004, but a “needs improvement” in 2014.
- What the inspector saw: Nine violations were observed during a Feb. 17 inspection, and the restaurant received a “provisional” rating. The inspector noted that the facility didn’t have a hand sink in the kitchen or food-prep area, and there were problems with cross-contamination and safe holding temperatures. An employee was seen cutting raw beef with gloves, then touching clean dishes and utensils without removing the “bloodied gloves” or washing hands.
- Follow-up: Failed Feb. 29 and March 10.
- Response: Manager declined to comment.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
World Wide Wrappers (February)
500 N. Fourth Ave.
- History: Has received only “good” and “excellent” ratings since 2002.
- What the inspector saw: Five critical violations were noted during a Feb. 18 inspection, earning the restaurant a “provisional” rating. “Manager observed making customer drinks, involving handling vegetables for juicing, without first washing hands,” the inspector wrote. “Manager observed handling money and then making drinks without washing his hands.” Other problems included food stored above safe temperature, improper dishwashing technique and cross-contamination of raw foods.
- Follow-up: Passed Feb. 29.
- Response: “We’ve been doing this for 17 years and with two inspections a year, that’s about 34 inspections. We’ve had all excellent and good inspections until now, which means we do our job correctly,” said owner
- Ali Bagheri
- . “But sometimes things happen. We had a refrigerator that had some technical problems, I called the technician and we took care of the problem right away.”
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Viva Burrito (February)
2175 E. Irvington Road
- History: Has received only “good” ratings since 2007.
- What the inspector saw: The restaurant received a “provisional” rating during a Feb. 2 inspection and was cited for five critical violations. Issues included food stored above safe temperatures, improper hand-washing, cross-contamination, items without a date marked on them and dirty kitchen equipment and utensils.
- Follow-up: Passed Feb. 16.
- Response: Owner or manager was not available to comment.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Taco Giro (February)
5754 E. 22nd St.
- History: Failed inspections in December 2009 and January 2010, but has received only “good” and “excellent” ratings since.
- What the inspector saw: The restaurant received a “provisional” rating on a Feb. 12 inspection for nine critical violations. The inspector cited the facility for temperature issues, cross-contamination and dirty utensils stored as clean. “Observed manager handling raw beef with gloves. Without washing his hands, he started handling clean plates and making food while wearing the same gloves,” the inspector wrote.
- Follow-up: Passed Feb. 22.
- Response: Owner or manager was not available to comment.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Tortilleria y Panaderia Real (February)
1427 S. Fourth Ave.
- History: Has received “excellent” and “good” ratings since 2007, until it received a “provisional” and a “fail” in January.
- What the inspector saw: Two critical violations were noted during a Feb. 1 follow-up to the failed January inspections. The restaurant was cited for multiple dirty utensils and pieces of food equipment, as well as damaged ceiling tiles from a leak.
- Follow-up: Passed Feb. 22.
- Response: Owner or manager was not available to comment.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Szechuan Omei (February)
2601 E. Speedway
- History: Failed inspections last May, October, November and December.
- What the inspector saw: Seven critical violations during a Feb. 29 inspection, earning the restaurant a “provisional” rating. Violations included employees touching their faces and raw food before returning to food preparation without washing their hands; and a used cigarette butt and a bottle of auto transmission fluid found inside the dry storage area.
- Follow-up: Failed March 10.
- Response: Owner or manager was not available to comment.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Quik Mart (February)
1250 E. Fort Lowell Road
- History: Consistently “good” and “excellent” ratings since 2002, until it received a “needs improvement” on Feb. 18.
- What the inspector saw: The restaurant received a “fail” during a Feb. 29 follow-up to the “needs improvement” rating. Because a “dedicated hand sink” still hadn’t been installed and the facility was in the process of installing a floor drain for the three-compartment sink, the restaurant was cited, and given 10 days to get up to code.
- Follow-up: Passed March 10.
- Response: “We’ve been in business for 35 years and this is the first time these issues have been brought to the our attention at this store. On our previous inspection, we got an ‘excellent’ and there was no mention of problems with the sinks,” said president and owner
- Troy Little.
- “We always want to abide by the health department’s standards. We did what they asked, and spent $6,000 to put in a second hand sink and change the plumbing on the three-compartment sink.”
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Sushi Pho Restaurant (February)
7159 E. Broadway
- History: Passed its first inspection when it opened in January.
- What the inspector saw: During a Feb. 19 routine evaluation, 11 critical violations were noted and the restaurant received a “provisional” rating. Issues included unsafe holding temperatures, cross-contamination of raw meat and seafood, dirty dishes stored as clean and bad handwashing technique.
- Follow-up: Passed Feb. 29.
- Response: Owner or manager was not available to comment.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Sushi Ten (February)
4500 E. Speedway
- History: Consistently “good” and “excellent” ratings since 2004.
- What the inspector saw: The restaurant received a “provisional” on a Feb. 10 inspection, after it was cited for seven critical violations. “Significant majority of wares stored as clean in kitchen were observed encrusted with food debris.” The inspector found unsafe temperatures and cross-contamination, and watched an employee grab an open garbage can with gloved hands, then return to cooking without changing gloves or washing hands.
- Follow-up: Passed Feb. 22.
- Response: “There were some things that we needed to change but hadn’t done yet, and the health inspection gave us the inspiration we needed to get it taken care of,” said manager
- Ina Im
- . “We remodeled the whole kitchen, and the health department was very happy with it when they came back.”
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Old Peking Restaurant (February)
2522 E. Speedway
- History: Has received mostly “good” ratings since 2006, when it failed three inspections. In December, it received a “provisional” rating, but passed its follow-up.
- What the inspector saw: On a Feb. 16 inspection, the restaurant was cited for seven critical violations and received a “provisional” rating. The inspector noted an employee handling raw stomach and returning to the cook line without washing his hands. “The stomach was also in one of the three-bin sink bins ... the other two bins had dirty dishes in them while the stomach was being prepped,” the inspector wrote.
- Follow-up: Passed Feb. 26.
- Response: Owner or manager was not available to comment.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
El Herradero Carniceria y Panaderia (February)
4211 E. 22nd Street
- History: Failed six inspections in 2010, one in 2011. Mostly “good” and “excellent” ratings since.
- What the inspector saw: Twelve violations in a Feb. 29 inspection, earning the market a “provisional” rating. Violations included unsafe holding temperatures, cross-contamination of raw meats, dirty utensils being stored as clean and a clogged sewer line. “A meat department employee was observed transitioning between providing raw meat to serving ready to eat hot held foods without washing hands.”
- Follow-up: Passed March 10.
- Response: Owner could not be reached for comment.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Miss Saigon (February)
1072 N. Campbell Ave.
- History: Mostly “good” ratings over the years. Failed two inspections in 2007 and received a “needs improvement” in 2012.
- What the inspector saw: Seven critical violations in a Feb. 23 inspection, earning the restaurant a “provisional” rating. Noted were “live roach activity,” meat held above safe temperatures and utensils stored as clean but encrusted in food debris.
- Follow-up: Passed March 4.
- Response: Owner or manager was not available to comment.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Kelly’s Cajun Grill (Tucson Mall Food Court) (February)
4500 N. Oracle Road
- History: Failed inspections in 2011 and 2014.
- What the inspector saw: The restaurant received a “provisional” rating on a Feb. 11 inspection for six critical violations, including cross-contamination, food held at unsafe temperatures, dirty equipment stored as clean and a lack of employee knowledge about food-borne illnesses. The inspector found a spray bottle of chemical degreaser touching clean dishes and a bottle of cough medicine stored above a food-preparation area.
- Follow-up: Failed Feb. 22; passed Feb. 29.
- Response: “We have addressed all of the food safety violations and we received a passing grade on the follow-up inspection,” said
- Stephen Yeung
- , vice president of Kelly’s parent company. “The manager was given a written warning for allowing these food safety violations to occur and is required to retake a food manager course. The company’s policies and procedures were not followed and we are deeply embarrassed by our poor inspection.”
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
La Baguette (February)
1797 E. Prince Road
- History: Consistently “good” and “excellent” ratings since 2003, but received a “needs improvement” on Feb. 5.
- What the inspector saw: One critical violation during a Feb. 17 follow-up inspection to the “needs improvement.” Because the ceiling in the back of the building had missing, stained and bulging tiles, with exposed insulation, the restaurant failed.
- Follow-up: Passed March 1.
- Response: “The damage to the ceiling tiles was from something that broke on the roof, and it’s all been repaired,” said shift manager
- Nancy O’Leary
- . “Everything else is impeccable. The girl who cleans in the afternoon does an amazing job.”
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Guadalajara Original Grill (February)
1220 E. Prince Road
- History: Consistently “good” and “excellent” ratings since 2012, but received a “needs improvement” during a Feb. 5 inspection.
- What the inspector saw: Two critical violations still hadn’t been corrected by the Feb. 6 follow-up inspection, and the restaurant received a “fail.” Because one of two walk-in refrigerators still had not been repaired, food in the unit was being stored at unsafe temperatures.
- Follow-up: Failed Feb. 7; passed Feb. 9.
- Response: “The grade we received was a needs improvement, not a fail,” said manager
- Eric Ramirez
- . “The walk-in was a few degrees higher than the health department wanted. We rectified it immediately and were upgraded to passing.”
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
El Dorado Restaurant (February)
1949 S. Fourth Ave.
- History: Mixed ratings over the years. Failed inspections in 2012 and 2014, and received a “needs improvement” in January.
- What the inspector saw: During a Feb. 9 reinspection to January’s “needs improvement,” it was noted that one of the faucets on the three-compartment dish sink wasn’t working. An employee told the inspector that a pan was used to transfer water from a working faucet to the dish sink. In addition, a handwashing sink next to the dish sink was disconnected. The restaurant received a “fail” for not correcting the critical violation.
- Follow-up: Failed Feb. 23; passed March 4.
- Response: Owner or manager wasn’t available for comment.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
El Molinito (February)
5380 E. 22nd St.
- History: Failed two inspections in 2010, but has received “good” and “excellent” ratings since.
- What the inspector saw: The restaurant received a “provisional” rating after seven critical violations were seen on Feb. 12. Broken refrigeration devices and hand- and dish-washing violations were noted. “A used chunk of chewing gum was observed on a clean dish rack.” Other items were encrusted with dry food and grime.
- Follow-up: Passed Feb. 22.
- Response: “We had a few things that weren’t up to code, but we fixed them and passed shortly after,” said manager
- Jenny Garcia
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Circle K (February)
3128 N. First Ave.
- History: Received a “fail” in 2012 and a “needs improvement” on Feb. 11.
- What the inspector saw: On a Feb. 16 follow-up to the “needs improvement” rating, the inspector noted that a walk-in refrigeration unit in the convenience store was not keeping food and beverages below the required 41 degrees.
- Follow-up: Failed Feb. 18; Passed Feb. 26.
- Response: A representative from Circle K’s corporate office did not respond to a request for comment.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Coffee X-Change (February)
8501 E. Broadway
- History: Mostly “good” and “excellent” ratings over the years. Failed an inspection in 2006.
- What the inspector saw: Rodent droppings were seen throughout the restaurant in a Feb. 25 inspection, one of eight critical violations that earned a “provisional” rating. “Observed employee handle the bottom of an ice bucket which had been stored on the floor. Without washing his hands, the employee scooped powdered vanilla-flavored mix from a bin,” the inspector wrote. There were also issues with cross-contamination of raw foods and dishes with food debris stored as clean.
- Follow-up: Passed March 7.
- Response: “The health inspector has been back. We’re new management now and we did not take over until after this provisional was given,” said manager
- Mary Helton
- . “When he came back three days after the provisional ... he went ahead and reinspected and we have passed. He said everything was taken care of.”
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Chopstix Asian Diner (February)
3820 S. Palo Verde Road
- History: Received a “provisional” rating during a 2009 inspection, and two “needs improvement” ratings in 2014.
- What the inspector saw: Five critical violations in a Feb. 10 inspection, earning the restaurant a “provisional” rating. Raw beef was stored directly on top of raw chicken in a walk-in cooler, and the shelving in the walk-in was “rust covered and dirty.” Cooked chicken and egg rolls stored at room temperature tested above safe holding temperature, and date markings were missing from containers of cooked meats.
- Follow-up: Passed Feb. 22.
- Response: Owner or manager could not be reached for comment.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Bushi Sushi (February)
4689 E. Speedway
- History: “Good” and “excellent” ratings since its opening in 2012.
- What the inspector saw: On a Feb. 8 inspection, the restaurant was cited for seven critical violations and received a “provisional” rating. “Numerous food contact utensils and surfaces throughout the facility not clean to sign and touch, or stored on unclean surfaces,” the inspector wrote. Also noted was dried food debris on the sushi bar, cross-contamination of foods, hand-washing violations and unsafe holding temperatures.
- Follow-up: Passed Feb. 18.
- Response: Owner or manager could not be reached for comment.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Chicken Nuevo (February)
3102 E. Grant Road
- History: Failed an inspection in November 2013. Received passing ratings until Jan. 26, when it received a “provisional” rating.
- What the inspector saw: The restaurant received a “fail” during a Feb. 5 reinspection for its provisional status, when two critical violations still hadn’t been corrected. A “hot hold” cabinet for cooked chickens wasn’t keeping the birds hot enough, and roach activity was seen near the mop and hand sinks.
- Follow-up: Passed Feb. 16.
- Response: Owner or manager could not be reached for comment.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Broadway Pizza Cafe (February)
4558 E. Broadway
- History: Had only “excellent” ratings since it opened in October 2013.
- What the inspector saw: Eight critical violations, including rodent feces found in the dish room and kitchen, in a Feb. 3 inspection. A cooked pizza to be cut and reheated to order throughout the day was held at 77 degrees, below the required 130 degrees for cooked food. The restaurant got a “provisional” rating.
- Follow-up: Passed Feb. 16.
- Response: “We did get a provisional, but they came back the next week and we got an excellent. The provisional was brought upon by an unknown pest problem that was actually not as bad as anyone made it sound,” said manager
- Mike Babick
- . “The very next day we had Arizona Pest Control come out and it was taken care of immediately. All of the issues they found that they put us in their provisional for were corrected the very next day.”
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Crossroads Restaurant (January)
2602 S. Fourth Ave.
- History: Restaurant has received mixed ratings since 2000, and failed an inspection in 2007.
- What the inspector saw: Seven critical violations were noted during a Dec. 1 inspection, causing the restaurant to receive a “provisional” rating. The violations dealt with issues including unsafe temperatures, employee handwashing technique, improperly stored food and dirty utensils and food prep equipment.
- Follow-up: Failed Dec. 11, when one of the violations hadn’t been corrected. Passed Dec. 14.
- Response: Owner or manager didn’t respond to requests for comment.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Kikka at Whole Foods Oracle (January)
7133 N. Oracle Road
- History: The sushi counter received “excellent” ratings on health inspections in 2013 and 2014. But during a Dec. 15 inspection, Kikka received a “needs improvement” rating due to food measuring at unsafe temperatures.
- What the inspector saw: On a Dec. 28 reinspection, all of the food temperature issues had been corrected, but the facility still didn’t have a county-approved food safety plan in place, which is a requirement. Because that critical violation hadn’t been corrected from the previous inspection, Kikka received a “fail.”
- Follow-up: Passed Jan. 7.
- Response: “Food safety is our number one priority. Our sushi rice is controlled by pH level which renders it safe for room temperature holding. During the health inspection, the pH level of our white rice was within the critical limit but our brown rice was not. The whole batch of brown rice was discarded immediately at the time of the inspection,” said Kikka’s food safety specialist,
- Stella Tjakralaksana
- . “We took this matter very seriously. Our food and safety manager together with our district manager retrained all personnel and ensure the (food safety) plan is being followed properly.”
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Lee Lee Oriental Supermarket (January)
1990 W. Orange Grove Road
- History: “Good” and “excellent” ratings since it opened in 2010.
- What the inspector saw: Lee Lee’s holds separate permits for the supermarket and meat market. On Dec. 30, both areas received “fail” ratings on health inspections. The inspector noted five critical violations in the supermarket, including food stored at unsafe temperatures; an employee sweeping the floor, then cutting vegetables without washing his hands; and numerous food items without labels. The meat market report noted eight critical violations, most involving hand-washing problems. “Also observed an employee use hose to quickly rinse off hands,” the inspector wrote, after noting that other employees were washing their hands in the dish sink, not the handwashing sink.
- Follow-up: Failed Jan. 13; passed Jan. 14
- Response: “In response to the recent rating for the supermarket and meat market at the Lee Lee International Supermarket Tucson location, we immediately undertook employee training and updated store signage,” said Chief Financial Officer
- Kelly Brendel
- . “The location has been re-inspected and successfully passed the follow-up inspection with all noted issues corrected.”
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Lucky Wishbone (January)
2545 N. Campbell Ave.
- History: All “good” and “excellent” ratings since it opened in 2001, but received a “needs improvement” during a Nov. 23 inspection because of problems with food storage and date marking.
- What the inspector saw: On a Dec. 3 reinspection, two of the three critical violations had been corrected, causing the restaurant to receive a “fail.” The inspection report noted that wood shelving above a food prep table and dish sink was in disrepair and hadn’t been fixed or replaced. “Wood particles ... become airborne with the slightest touch,” the inspector wrote.
- Follow-up: Passed Dec. 4.
- Response: Owner or manager could not be reached for comment.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Nan Tian BBQ Gourmet (inside Lee Lee’s) (January)
1990 W. Orange Grove Road
- History: Mostly “good” ratings, but received a “provisional” rating in 2013 and a “needs improvement” last March.
- What the inspector saw: Eight critical violations were noted during the Dec. 30 inspection, causing the restaurant to receive a “provisional” rating. The violations dealt with unsafe temperatures, cross-contamination of food items, and meat hooks and storage racks with food debris. The inspector also noted that the person in charge “was seen handling money, raw foods and cooked foods without washing hands.”
- Follow-up: Failed Jan. 11.
- Response: No phone number listed.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
New China Super Buffet (January)
1160 N. Wilmot Road
- History: Mixed ratings over the years, but has received three “fail” or “provisional” ratings since 2000.
- What the inspector saw: The restaurant received a “provisional” rating on a Dec. 23 inspection, with nine critical violations noted in the report. Numerous food items on the buffet were above or below safe holding temperatures, and the inspector wrote that “no potentially hazardous foods in facility are datemarked.” In addition, dirty towels were laying inside of the hand sink, the soap dispenser was broken and no paper towels were available.
- Follow-up: Failed Jan. 4.
- Response: Manager declined to comment.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Szechuan Omei Restaurant (January)
2601 E. Speedway
- History: Received “provisional” and “fail” ratings in May, and a “provisional” again on Oct. 28. Failed an inspection on Nov. 9, and failed the reinspection
- Nov. 19.
- What the inspector saw: One critical violation was recorded during a Dec. 4 inspection, which was a follow-up to the three previous failed inspections. Because items in the walk-in refrigerator still measured above safe temperatures, the restaurant received a “fail.”
- Follow-up: Passed Dec. 14.
- Response: Owner or manager was not available for comment.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Tino’s Pizza (January)
6610 E. Tanque Verde Road
- History: Mostly “good” and “excellent” ratings since 2000, but received a “needs improvement” on a Dec. 3 inspection for two critical violations involving food above and below safe temperatures.
- What the inspector saw: On a Dec. 8 reinspection, one of the critical violations had been corrected, but the restaurant received a “fail,” because items in a walk-in refrigerator were still measuring above safe-holding temperatures.
- Follow-up: Passed Dec. 10.
- Response: “As far as I know, everything is clear with the health department and we got a good inspection,” said owner
- William Chonis
- . “Everything is in good standing.”
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Thuan Kieu (January)
1990 W. Orange Grove Road
- History: Received a “provisional” rating in 2010, but all “good” and “excellent” inspections since.
- What the inspector saw: With six critical violations, the restaurant received a “provisional” rating during a Dec. 14 inspection. Violations included temperature issues, dirty food prep surfaces, open employee beverage cups throughout the kitchen and inconsistent date marking. “In the walk-in, observed two pots of liquid with a mold-like substance on surface,” the inspector wrote in the report.
- Follow-up: Passed Dec. 24.
- Response: Owner or manager could not be reached for comment.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Circle K No. 3458 (January)
4990 N. Oracle Road
- History: “Excellent” ratings since it opened in Dec. 2012, but received a “needs improvement” on a Dec. 7 inspection, because items in a walk-in refrigerator were measuring at below safe-holding temperatures.
- What the inspector saw: When the inspector returned on Dec. 8 to see if the critical violation had been corrected, milk in a far corner was still measuring above temperature, causing the convenience store to receive a “fail.”
- Follow-up: Passed Dec. 9.
- Response: A representative from Circle K corporate offices did not respond to a request for comment.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
U-Like Oriental Buffet (January)
5101 N. Oracle Road
- History: “Good” ratings since it opened in 2012, but received a “provisional” rating last April.
- What the inspector saw: Six critical violations observed during a Dec. 28 inspection caused the restaurant to receive a “provisional” rating. The inspector found hot food items measuring below safe temperatures, cross-contamination of food in the walk-in refrigerator, and food debris on racks and in the dish drying area. When the inspector asked the person in charge about the employee illness policy, the person answered, “I don’t think we have one of those.”
- Follow-up: Failed Jan. 7.
- Response: No answer at the phone number provided.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Old Peking Restaurant (January)
2522 E. Speedway
- History: Mostly good ratings over the years, but failed two inspections in 2006.
- What the inspector saw: Five critical violations during a Dec. 16 inspection earned the restaurant a “provisional” rating. Violations included an employee handling utensils covered with raw meat, then touching clean items without washing his hands; styrofoam containers used to store raw chicken being used for takeout orders; and soda nozzles with “dark slimy buildup.”
- Follow-up: Passed Dec. 28.
- Response: Owner or manager could not be reached for comment.
- By Caitlin Schmidt Arizona Daily Star
Subway (January)
7635 N. La Cholla Blvd.
- History: “Good” ratings since 2013, but received a “needs improvement” on Dec. 4, when employees failed to demonstrate proper handwashing technique and the person in charge was unable to show adequate food safety knowledge.
- What the inspector saw: As a condition to the “needs improvement” rating, one employee was required to attend a food safety class. When the inspector returned on a Dec. 14 follow-up inspection, no one had taken the class yet, causing the restaurant to receive a “fail.”
- Follow-up: Passed Dec. 17.
- Response: A representative of Subway’s corporate office didn’t respond to a request for comment.
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