Food inspections: Two Springfield restaurants close briefly this week

Two separate Springfield-area restaurants were forced to temporarily close this past week, each for different reasons, according to Springfield-Greene County Health Department's food inspection reports. Both restaurants have since been approved to re-open.

A small fryer fire closed Big Whiskey Bar and Grill, 1440 W. Republic Road, on July 7. According to the food inspection report, the restaurant was approved to re-open on July 8.

Another Springfield restaurant was set to close for 24 hours due to a risk control plan violation, according to a report from noon on July 6. Sam's Southern Eatery 2, 2259 S. Campbell Ave., has been on a risk control plan since April 4 due problems with keeping potentially hazardous food items at 41 degrees or below.

However, a report from 4:30 p.m. the same day states that "Owner attended a meeting with health department supervisor to discuss risk control plan violation. After meeting owner was allowed to reopen" the restaurant.

According to the health department, a 24-hour closure is default action for a risk control violation, but in some cases the health department will "meet with the establishment owner to discuss the violation of the risk control plan and make steps toward reopening sooner than the 24 hours stated in the risk control plan."

Food inspections take place one to three times a year, depending on the type of food served, the population served, difficulty of food preparation and past history. Restaurants preparing food from raw ingredients are inspected more often "than convenience stores that serve only non-potentially hazardous foods, such as popcorn and soda," according to the Springfield-Greene County Health Department.

Each report identifies what was happening at the establishment at that time. Consumers who want to know whether a violation is a one-time thing or a pattern are encouraged to refer to previous reports.

More: Frequent reader of Greene County food inspections? Here's what inspectors want you to know

Issues found during inspection fall into either priority or non-priority violations. Priority violations impact the safety of the food, such as cross contamination between raw and ready-to-eat food, improper food temperature and poor personal hygiene and employee health. Multiple priority violations can lead to an establishment being shut down. Non-priority violations alone do not directly affect food safety, such as dirty floors, sticky tabletops or outside trash cans not being covered.

Here are food inspections from the last week:

Last week: Food inspections: Greene Co. restaurant cited for not sanitizing utensils, equipment

Arbor Suites Medical Mile, 1260 E. Independence St., Springfield. July 6 routine inspection – Result: active. Discussed temperatures in counter-top cooler in breakfast area and presence of thin-probe thermometer. No violations cited.

Big Momma's Coffee & Espresso Bar, 217 E. Commercial St., Springfield. July 6 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. Two non-priority violations: Observed inside chute of ice machine not clean, education given; observed seals falling off prep table door on kitchen unit and low-boy door behind front counter.

Big Whiskey's American Bar & Grill No. 3, 1440 W. Republic Road, Springfield. July 8 suspended permit re-inspection – Result: approved. Approved to re-open after small fire in fryer area on July 7.

Boltons General Store. July 10 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed refrigerated, ready-to-eat foods that lacked use-by dates, including liver-cheese and pre-cooked hamburgers, which was promptly corrected. Two non-priority violations: Observed several tubes of ground beef being thawed at room temperature, which was promptly put into the refrigerator at the inspector's request; observed drain lines leaking under three-vat sink.

Braum's Ice Cream No. 193, 3020 E. Sunshine St., Springfield. July 11 routine inspection – Result: active. Two priority violations: Observed potentially hazardous foods not cooled properly, which were voluntarily discarded; observed potentially hazardous foods above required temperature using time as a public health control, which were voluntarily discarded. No non-priority violations.

Bullseye Convenience Store, 8374 W. Farm Road 68, Willard. July 12 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. A re-inspection will be made on or after July 19 to check for compliance. If these violations are not corrected, other actions may be taken, including restricting food service to pre-packaged items. Three priority violations: 1. Observed half-and-half dispenser measured at 48 degrees Fahrenheit, and was taken out of service at inspector's request. 2. Determined through staff interview that dishes were being washed, rinsed and then air-dried, not sanitized. Education was given, but as this is a repeat violation, a re-inspection needs to be made to determine compliance. 3. Observed hamburger and sausage patties in prep refrigerator without use-by dates, which is a repeat violation. One non-priority violation: Observed no paper towels at hand sink. Staff indicated they use cloth towels. This is a repeat violation.

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Cafe Cusco, 234 E. Commercial St., Springfield. July 10 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed inside of food container on storage rack was dirty, which was corrected during inspection. Three non-priority violations: Observed kitchen and cook line ceiling vents were not clean, which is a repeat violation; observed walls along the cook line were not clean, which is a repeat violation; observed old date labeling stickers on the outside of food containers, which is a repeat violation.

Casey's General Store No. 3011, 2805 N. Kansas Expressway, Springfield. July 11 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed four outdated subs and salads in display case, which were removed from service. One non-priority violation: Observed cabinets under drink station and area around fans in walk-in refrigerator were not clean.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store No. 127, 2858 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield. July 11 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed multiple containers of hash browns being cooled since last night that have not reached 41 degrees or lower within the appropriate time. Education given and corrected on-site by staff discarding the hash browns that were not cooled appropriately.

Crossroads Eagle Stop, 2785 W. State Highway O, Springfield. July 11 routine inspection – Result: active. Two priority violations: Observed items in prep table found without proper date labeling, education was given and violation corrected during inspection; observed five boxes of Tylenol found on the store shelf past expiration date, education given and violation corrected during inspection. Two non-priority violations: Observed upper part of the backsplash on soda machine not clean; observed door to the walk-in freezer not shutting tightly.

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Dairy Queen 11678, 3665 E. Sunshine St., Springfield. June 10 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations noted at time of inspection. One priority violation: Observed prep table holding potentially hazardous foods at 43 degrees. While the food was within the four-hour time control, it is a refrigerated prep table. Inspector instructed the staff to put all their potentially hazardous foods in a water/ice bath to keep them below 41 degrees. Corrected at time of inspection. Note: The general manager, Linda, called the inspector at the end of the inspection and instructed them that the refrigeration repair company had been called and should be arriving soon. No non-priority violations.

Down South Fried Fish Co., Republic. July 7 re-inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. The sauces in the refrigerator were below 41 degrees, but the refrigerator is still holding above 41 degrees. Staff is putting sauces in freezer to chill, then putting sauces in refrigerator and taking frequent temperatures and placing sauces back in freezer as they warm up close to 41 degrees. This will work until they get the refrigerator fixed. Owner will call inspector when it is fixed and will be emailing a time-control policy to approve. No violations noted.

Enterprise Park Lanes, 1625 E. Enterprise Ave., Springfield. July 12 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations at time of inspection.

Eurasia Coffee & Tea/Culture Cafe, 445 E. Commercial St., Springfield. June 10 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed chlorine sanitizer concentration in three-vat sink above 100 parts per million, education given and violation corrected. Two non-priority violations: Observed wood holding kitchen utensils and wood wall by three-vat sink not painted or sealed, which is a repeat violation and education was given; observed daylight visible along bottom of two exterior doors for hotel and front exterior door for coffee shop, which is a repeat violation.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, 615 W. El Camino Alto Drive, Springfield. July 13 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. One priority violation: Observed chocolate custard mix in custard hopper measured at 43 degrees to 44 degrees. Manager started to make custard immediately and agreed to call in work order. One non-priority violation: Observed chicken, sliced tomatoes and other potentially hazardous foods on ice-bath and time control, but no time stamped for discard. Manager immediately corrected.

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Hillbilly Cook Shack, 511 E. Maple St., Fair Grove. July 8 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations cited.

Hy-Vee - Meat/Seafood/Demo, 1720 W. Battlefield Road, Springfield. July 7 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed shrimp on iced display touching outside of scallop container, so kale added as barrier between outside of container and shrimp. The shrimp that was touching the container was voluntarily discarded. No non-priority violations.

Korean Garden, 414 E. Jackson St., Willard. July 7 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. Discussed making sure that can with cigarette butts is left outside in future. Two priority violations: Observed less than 10 ppm chlorine in final rinse; observed two live cockroaches in dry storage area. Two non-priority violations: Observed some areas of counters and equipment weren't clean, which could be contributing to cockroach problem; observed areas of floor and walls, especially in back room, were not clean.

Kum & Go No. 465, 5443 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield. July 13 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. One non-priority violation: Observed ice bagged does not have place of business noted on it, so store manager added store number to all bags in freezer immediately.

Longhorn Steakhouse, 3121 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield. July 10 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. One non-priority violation: Observed open employee drink in food preparation area.

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MacCheesey's, 1920 E. Independence St., Springfield. July 7 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. One non-priority violation: Observed soap dispenser detached from wall. Repair or replace dispenser.

Mama Jean's Natural Market - Deli and Coffee, 3530 E. Sunshine St., Springfield. July 11 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations cited.

McDonald's, 3510 W. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield. July 7 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. One priority violation: Observed bathroom cleaner on food prep surface, which was corrected at time of inspection. Two non-priority violations: Observed numerous flies throughout facility, staff needs to work on closing drive-thru windows between customers and checking air curtains; observed bulk milk tube dispenser not cut at an angle and is longer than one-inch, which was corrected at time of inspection.

McDonald's Battlefield 33174, 4022 W. Republic Road, Springfield. July 7 re-inspection – Result: active. Flies have decreased significantly, none observed in food prep, grill and kitchen area. There are still a few in the lobby area. Manager stated pest control was out and treated areas inside and out, new traps are also in place. No violations cited.

McSalty's Pizza Cafe, 1550 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield. July 10 routine inspection – Result: active. One priority violation: Observed employee eating in food prep area, food was removed and employee educated at time of inspection. One non-priority violation: Observed open employee drinks in food prep area, which are required to have lids and straws.

Mudhouse Coffee & Tea, 323 S. South Ave., Springfield. July 10 routine inspection – Result: permitted with re-inspection. One priority violation: Observed one-door prep table's ambient air temperature was at 48 degrees, with ground sausage testing at 45 degrees. All potentially hazardous food items in cooler were voluntarily discarded and person in charge stated they will have a repair guy come out or take actions themselves to fix the cooler. Re-inspection required. No non-priority violations.

Pine Garden, 1725 W. Sunshine St., Springfield. July 11 routine inspection – Result: active. Two priority violations: Observed container of crab rangoon in walk-in cooler kept over 24 hours was not date marked, which was corrected on site; observed can opener has build-up of debris on blade, education was provided and corrected on site. Two non-priority violations: Observed one-compartment sink has leak when water is turned on, and three-compartment sink is on or off, education provided; observed fried chicken and eggrolls placed on time as a control were not properly marked, as board where times are marked still contain times from yesterday evening.

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Pizza Hut No. 1847, 304 E. Jackson St., Willard. July 7 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. Two non-priority violations: Observed the back door self-closure is disconnected; observed missing wall trim by mop sink.

Purple Burrito No. 5, 3459 W. Kearney St., Springfield. July 11 routine inspection – Result: active. Discussed need to cover pans in walk-in refrigerator and freezer once they have cooled. No priority violations. Two non-priority violations: Observed one of the soda nozzles wasn't clean; observed caulking behind three-vat sink in poor repair.

Q Enoteca, 308 W. Commercial St., Springfield. July 6 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. Two non-priority violations: Observed daylight along bottom of front and back exterior door; observed floor behind bar was damaged and no longer smooth.

Quality Inn & Suites, 3930 S. Overland Ave., Springfield. July 10 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations. Borderline temperatures observed in whirlpool cooler, adjust temperature to maintain 41 degrees or below. No violations cited.

Sam's Southern Eatery 2, 2259 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield. July 6 compliance check 2 – Result: suspend. Facility closed for 24 hours due to violation of risk control plan for cold holding. One priority violation: Observed three containers of sauces — ranch, mayo and Sam's Sauce — were left out on at room temperature on top of two-door prep table no. 1. Ranch tested at 76 degrees, mayo at 76 degrees and Sam's Sauce at 77 degrees. Two-gallon jugs of Miracle Whip were being stored inside two-door cooler that was not functioning properly. Jugs tested at 45 degrees and 46 degrees, and cooler's ambient air tested at 46 degrees. All sauces voluntarily discarded. Violation of risk control plan occurred, facility is closed for 24 hours.

Sam's Southern Eatery 2, 2259 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield. July 6 suspended permit re-inspection – Result: approved. Owner attended a meeting with health department supervisor to discuss risk control plan violation. After meeting owner was allowed to reopen. A re-inspection for cold holding will occur within two weeks, with another inspection for cold holding one week later. Risk control plan is still in effect until last reinspection occurs with no cold holding violations being cited.

That Lebanese Restaurant, 338 E. Commercial St., Springfield. July 12 routine inspection – Result: active. No priority violations. Three non-priority violations: Observed chute in ice machine was not clean, staff started to break down ice machine during inspection to properly clean; observed kitchen hood not clean; observed seal was loose on small kitchen fridge door.

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The Healthy Edge, LLC, 3604 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield. July 7 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations noted.

The Hive, 304 E. Jackson St., Willard. July 10 routine inspection – Result: active. Discussed storing foil pans inverted. No priority violations. Two non-priority violations: Observed vent in restroom wasn't clean; observed one kitchen employee did not have hair restrained.

Tortilleria Perches, LLC, 1601 W. Sunshine St., Springfield. July 6 re-inspection – Result: active. Previous cold-holding violation corrected. No re-inspection required. No violations cited.

Triple Eights, 1710 S. Kansas Expressway, Springfield. July 11 routine inspection – Result: active. Four priority violations: 1. Observed container of noodles tested at 48 degrees. Three small service plates of noodles left out tested at 59 degrees. One large bin of lettuce tested at 58 degrees. Person in charge stated items were prepared around noon, inspection was around 3:30 p.m. Items were not marked for time control or being held at 41 degrees or below. Items voluntarily discarded and education provided. 2. Observed employee retrieve white bin from outside and put raw meat inside bin to place in walk-in cooler. Education provided and corrected on site. 3. Observed employee prepping raw pork, then grab a drink and drink over the food being prepared. Education provided and corrected on site. 4. Observed mice feces in dry storage area in shed on floor; person in charge said they will contact pest control. One non-priority violation: Observed unsealed wood above three-compartment sink. Education provided.

Veteran and First Responders Service Organization Company, 3335 W. Sunshine St., Springfield. July 13 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations noted.

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Walmart Neighborhood Market No. 3111 Deli, 545 W. El Camino Alto Drive, Springfield. July 7 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations observed at time of inspection.

Walmart Neighborhood Market No. 5692 Deli, 3150 W. Republic Road, Springfield. July 7 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations observed at the time of inspection.

Wendy's No. 05, 1312 W. Kearney St., Springfield. July 11 routine inspection – Result: active. Two priority violations: 1. Observed employee handling raw ground beef at cook station, then leaving station to handle other tasks in facility without washing hands and returning to cook station. Education given and corrective action taken during inspection to correct situation. 2. Observed cracked food container lids in use and found on storage shelf. Education given and corrected during the inspection. Four non-priority violations: Observed hood above fryers not clean; observed mops stored in mop sink; observed kitchen hand-washing sink without paper towels; observed daylight along bottom of back exterior door.

Wendy's No. 27, 3334 E. Sunshine St., Springfield. July 11 routine inspection – Result: active. No violations cited.

Susan Szuch is the health and public policy reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on Twitter @szuchsm. Story idea? Email her at sszuch@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Food inspections: 2 Springfield restaurants close temporarily