Restaurant inspections: Here's how Taqueria El Tapatio in Canyon, others scored

Amarillo Globe-News
·13 min read

The Food Establishment Inspection Report is a weekly report that appears Sundays. Information is taken from reports provided by the Environmental Health Department, and individual reports can be viewed at its website, http://amarillo.gov/departments/community-services/environmental-health/foodinspections. A numerical grading system is now being used, with a score of 100 points being equivalent to zero demerits.

  • 100 points – No major violation at the time of inspection

  • 85 points – Considered an average score

  • 70 points or below – Requires re-inspection within 24 hours

  • COS – Corrected on site during inspection

These points correspond to the following letter grades:

  • A – 90 to 100

  • B – 80 to 89

  • C – 70 to 79

  • F – 69 and below

The following establishments had a score of A/100 during a routine inspection:

Academy Sports and Outdoors, 4400 S. Soncy Road.

CHS-Football/Track Concession Stand, 1701 23rd St., Canyon.

Happy State Bank Stadium Concession Stand 1, 2800 N. 23rd St., Canyon.

Happy State Bank Stadium Concession Stand 2, 2800 N. 23rd St., Canyon.

High Plains Food Bank, 815 Ross St.

KPC Promise Hospital of Amarillo LLC, 1540 Research St.

Mitch Es, 2300 N. Western St.

Mixxology Daiquiris, 713 W. Amarillo Blvd.

Pizza Planet, 6801 Bell St.

Purple Flamingo Pops, 2821 Wolflin Ave.

Soda Jerks Beverage Co. Catering, 7148 Bell St.

Taqueria MTZ, 4411 S. Wilson St.

The following establishments had a score of A/100 during a follow-up inspection:

Chilis Grill & Bar, 5016 S. Coulter St.

Don Tonos Barrio Food, 3823 E. Amarillo Blvd.

Eddies Napolis Italian Restaurant, 700 S. Taylor St.

Gibbys, 4414 Willow St.

Groovy Pop Gourmet Popcorn, 3363 Bell St. #B.

Huds, 7311 W. Amarillo Blvd.

Kabuki Romanza Japanese Steakhouse, 8130 W. I-40.

Serranos Food Truck, 4415 S. Georgia St.

Staybridge Suites, 36 Western Plaza Drive.

Subway #25610, 2001 S. Western St.

Taqueria El Tapatio, 5630 W. Amarillo Blvd.

Tascosa Golf Club (Hacienda), 16 Country Club Drive.

Texas Firehouse Sports Bar & Grill, 3333 S. Coulter St. D1A.

Thai Diamond, 1653 N. Grand St.

The Acai Bar, 7306 S.W. 34th Ave.

Tooms Restaurant, 3416 N.E. 24th Ave.

Tortillas La Ranchera, 2730 S. Grand St.

Waffle House #534, 2110 S. Coulter St.

These establishments received the following scores for being out of compliance as stated:

(A/92) Bangkok Tokyo, 2413 S. Western St. Several foods in make table cooler at improper temperatures; wet wiping cloths must be stored in sanitizer solution between uses. COS. Food Manager Certificate expired. Correct by 10/30. Dust debris on fans in coolers. Correct by 12/28. Handle broken off door to reach-in cooler by fryers. Correct by 01/28/2024.

(B/85) Big Texan Steak Ranch, 7701 E. I-40. Cut tomatoes/lettuce and raw chicken stored in containers on ice at improper temperatures; several raw animal foods in meat cooler in front of steak grill at improper temperature; potato salad and coleslaw in cooler at improper temperature; quaternary ammonium solution not dispensing from mechanical dispenser at three-compartment sink; cups/bowls used as scoops in ice bins in kitchen and in cut strawberries in bakery area. COS. Two ice machines dirty inside. Correct by 10/05. Water pooling in bottom of several coolers; three coolers at improper temperature; rust inside cooler storing coleslaw and potato salad; large mechanical ware washing machine not reaching proper temperature for sanitizing; mechanical ware washer for bar not dispensing sanitizer. Correct by 10/12. Gap at bottom of back exit door must be sealed; several flies in kitchen; meat inside chest freezer missing wrappings (repeat violation); heavy food debris on racks in walk-in meat cooler; ceilings above food prep areas accumulating dust/debris; open wall behind hand sink, several areas with damaged walls throughout kitchen and damaged floor in front of ice machine on second floor need repairing (repeat violation); pipes leaking under three-compartment sink (repeat violation); several areas throughout kitchen with unfinished wood or chipped paint exposing wood must be sealed (repeat violation); several ceiling beams above food prep areas in kitchen rusted and must be sealed; fan cover in walk-in cooler rusted and must be sealed; condenser line in walk-in freezer must be sealed to prevent dripping condensation on food stored below (repeat violation). Correct by 01/02/2024.

(A/97) Chicken Express, 2106 2nd Ave., Canyon. Multiple flies in establishment; mildew build-up on soda nozzles; racks in walk-in cooler need cleaning (repeat violation). Correct by 03/28/2024.

(A/98) Churchs Chicken #591, 200 E. Amarillo Blvd. Multiple flies in establishment; dust on vents. Correct by 04/03/2024.

(A/99) Conner Place, 2 Cottonwood Lane, Canyon. Cutting boards heavily scored and stained; clean equipment and utensils stacked wet. Correct by 12/27.

(A/93) Dreams Sports Bar and Grill, 2650 Dumas Drive #152. Multiple condiments requiring refrigeration after opening sitting out at room temperature. Correct by 10/02. No soap and paper towels at hand sink in hallway (repeat violation). Correct by 10/09. Food items stored on ground; food still being stored in a residential cooler (repeat violation). Correct by 12/28.

(A/96) Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins, 4411 S. Soncy Road. No paper towels at back hand sink; drain clogged in back area causing standing water. COS. Build-up of dirt, debris and trash in some areas. Correct by 12/27.

(A/95) El Giro, 1800 Bell St. Large amount of flies in kitchen; bucket of sauce stored on floor; items stacked wet; dirt or dust build-up in kitchen areas; light burned out in kitchen; heavy build-up of dirt and grease on grill vents. Correct by 01/01/2024.

(A/92) El Tejavan, 3801 E. I-40. Chemical spray bottle not labeled. COS. Several items out of date in coolers. Correct by 10/06. Several bulk food items (salt/sugar/flour) without labels; dust accumulating on fans in coolers and walk-in cooler; food debris on racks in walk-in cooler; heavy grease accumulation on vent hood filters beginning to drip grease over flat top grill. Correct by 01/01/2024.

(A/94) English Field House Restaurant, 10609 American Drive. Some items not date marked; several food items stored uncovered. COS. Wet cloths must be stored in sanitizer solution between uses; utensils and dishes stacked wet (repeat violation). Correct by 12/28. Missing or broken tile where dining area and grill meet (repeat violation); weak spot and broken board in floor of walk-in cooler (repeat violation). Correct by 02/28/2024.

(A/93) Five Points Nursing & Rehabilitation, 1625 Point West Pkwy. Multiple chemicals stored above three-compartment sink. COS. Dishwashing unit not dispensing sanitizer solution. Correct by 10/05. Wet cloths must be stored in sanitizer solution between uses (repeat violation). Correct by 01/02/2024.

(A/95) Georgia Manor Nursing Home, 2611 S.W. 46th Ave. Grime accumulating in ice machine and needs to be cleaned (repeat violation); mechanical dispenser at three-compartment sink not dispensing sanitizer; quaternary ammonium solution too weak. Correct by 10/13. Holes in wall in dining area storing cereal, drink dispensers and ice must be sealed (repeat violation); missing coving tiles in kitchen near back exit; wall around door frame in kitchen is separating (repeat violation). Correct by 01/02/2024.

(A/97) Good Life Senior Living and Memory Care, 922 Westwood Drive. Old food in space beside ice machine; food on fan; spilled food mess next to dumpster; both household reach-in coolers must be replaced with commercial units. Correct by 01/02/2024.

(A/98) Good Life Senior Living and Memory Care, 928 Westwood Drive, Bldg. 2. Spilled food mess next to dumpster; all three household reach-in coolers must be replaced with commercial units. Correct by 01/02/2024.

(A/96) Holiday Inn West Medical Center, 8231 W. Amarillo Blvd. Pipe dripping in ceiling in front of hand sink. COS. Scoops with handles stored incorrectly; heavy dirt and dust build-up on fan used in kitchen; ceiling tiles in bathroom not smooth, easily cleanable and non-absorbent. Correct by 12/27.

(A/95) Huds, 4411 Bell St. Pre-cooked bacon stored below raw eggs; food in walk-in fridge not labeled or stored properly. COS. Scoops with handles stored incorrectly (repeat violation). Correct by 01/01/2024.

(A/98) Jones Grill and Treats, 811 N. Hughes St. Multiple flies in establishment; potable and waste water tanks must be labeled. Correct by 04/03/2024. Door and window open; gap in air conditioner. Correct by 04/08/2024.

(A/92) Lake Tanglewood Harbor Point, 1000 Tanglewood Drive. Catfish breading sitting out at room temperature and is same breading used for seven days. COS. Residential mini-fridge must be removed and replaced with a commercial unit (repeat violation). Correct by 10/12. Back door must be self-closing and tight fitting; many flies inside establishment; a splash guard on hand sink or guard on food shelf next to hand sink is needed to prevent water splashing onto food (repeat violation); utensil handle touching salad in reach-in cooler; dust on ceiling vents. Correct by 01/27/2024.

(A/99) Lupita’s To Go – Mobile, 2801 S.E. 27th Ave. Bag of tortillas stored on wet drain board of three-compartment sink. COS.

(A/90) Patys, 1500 S.E. 34th Ave., Space 100. Raw meat in cooler at improper temperature; hand sink blocked and employees unable to wash hands; items stored on top of hand sink (repeat violation); raw shelled eggs stored above ready-to-eat and cooked food; score card not posted. COS. Food establishment permit number must be posted on both exterior sides of mobile in at least 3-inch lettering. Correct by 12/28.

(A/99) Pepperidge Farm Inc., 901 N.E. 3rd Ave. Acoustic ceiling tiles in bathroom, mop/three-compartment sink room must be replaced to be smooth, durable, easily cleanable and non-absorbent (repeat violation). Correct by 09/11/2024.

(A/94) Pilot Travel Center #723, 9601 E. I-40. Broken cooler growing mold inside in kitchen; several live flies throughout establishment and at food station in front of store. Correct by 10/09. Food debris and dirt/dust accumulating in several areas including insides of microwaves, cappuccino machine, coolers, ceiling of walk-in cooler, floor in corner of walk-in cooler, wall behind three-compartment sink and racks in kitchen storing wares (repeat violation); two bulbs out in vent hood (repeat violation); acoustic ceiling tiles above pizza station near registers must be replaced to be smooth, durable, easily cleanable and non-absorbent. Correct by 12/27.

(A/98) Pizza Hut, 110 23rd St., Canyon. Extensive dust build-up above pizza oven in vent hood (repeat violation); three-compartment sink separated from wall behind it and extreme mold build-up on wall (FRP must be replaced). Correct by 03/28/2024.

(A/99) Pleasant Valley Elementary, 4415 River Road. Build-up behind ice machine guard (repeat violation). Correct by 01/03/2024.

(A/96) Pollos Y Hot Dogs, 1215 S. Grand St. Several bulk items without date labels. COS. Racks in cooler with chipped paint/rust need to be sealed. Correct by 10/29.

(A/96) Popeyes #9045, 7200 Bell St. One hand sink used for dumping; scoop in flour bin with handle in flour. COS. Several counters and the floor in need of cleaning (repeat violation). Correct by 12/27.

(A/91) Restaurant El Sol De Mexico, 3501 N.E. 24th Ave. Salsa in front well at improper temperature; no soap at hand sink by dish washing area; food stored on floor of walk-in cooler under racks (repeat violation); food stored on top of sitting water in reach-in cooler under make table (repeat violation). COS. Food debris on shelves in walk-in cooler (repeat violation); heavy rust accumulating on racks in walk-in cooler (repeat violation); hand washing signage needed in restroom stating employees must wash hands before returning to work. Correct by 01/27/2024. Microwave door missing. Correct by 01/29/2024. Stand-up freezer must be replaced with commercial unit unless documentation can be shown that it is commercial. Correct by 05/28/2024.

(A/98) Rockin J Barbeque, 11145 FM 1541. Food debris in coolers; grease build-up on equipment. Correct by 04/01/2024. Grease building up on walls behind griddle area. Correct by 04/03/2024.

(A/93) Slim Chickens, 8170 W. I-40. Employee touched phone then put on gloves to prep food. COS. No paper towels at hand washing station in back. Correct by 10/08. Build-up of debris in drain below soda machine (repeat violation); large build-up of condensation on floor and ceiling of walk-in freezer. Correct by 12/27.

(A/90) Super Mercado Los Olivos, 3803 N.E. 24th Ave. Dirty knife and pan stored as clean. COS. No name of product on food packaged by establishment (repeat violation); meat stored in trash bags. Correct by 10/12. All wet cloths must be stored in sanitizer solution between uses; scoops with no handles in spice bins in kitchen; acoustic and popcorn ceiling in bathroom in bakery and in store front area must be replaced with non-absorbent, easily cleanable material. Correct by 12/21.

(C/75) Taqueria El Tapatio #3, 2301 12th Ave., Canyon. Employee put on new gloves without washing hands; hands not properly washed due to no soap. COS. Raw chicken stored above ready-to-eat foods; old food debris build-up on lettuce chopper and knives; no sanitizer in food prep areas; cleaning products in containers without labels; glass cleaner and soap stored near drinks behind bar; multiple food items without date marks; no soap at any hand sinks; towels and scrapers stored in hand sinks; no paper towels at hand sinks; bread stored inside plastic grocery bags; multiple flies inside back dry storage shed; personal drinks in food prep areas; multiple food items uncovered; multiple produce, meat and cans of food stored on floor in establishment; thawing, whole Tilapia fish stored in its own blood and juices; dirty knives used behind bar for cutting lemons/limes; dirty scoops inside bulk food items; mold build-up on soda nozzle; scoop handles touching food items; multiple bulk food items (flour, sugar, etc) without labels; multiple areas in kitchen need cleaning; extensive amount of garbage outside building. Correct by 10/02. Racks in walk-in cooler extremely rusty and moldy. Correct by 10/09. Back dry storage shed door open; screened exit door in back does not completely self-close; weather strip needed on exit door past restrooms; splash guard needed on hand sink behind bar to prevent water splashing onto clean dishes. Correct by 12/27.

(A/99) Texas Bar and Grill, 2801 W. Amarillo Blvd. Old food debris on soda spout. COS.

(A/98) Toot ‘n Totum #79, 6802 Wolflin Ave. Broken glass bottles in hand sink in back. COS.

(A/98) TPC Crisis Respite, 2002 Hardy St. No sanitizer test strips. Correct by 10/12.

(A/99) Tropical Smoothie Café, 4280 S. Soncy Road, Suite 100. Two scoops with handles stored incorrectly (repeat violation). COS.

(A/99) Tru Bru Coffee Co., 1344 S.E. 10th Ave. Permit number must be posted on both sides of mobile in at least 3-inch letters; fresh water and waste water must be labeled on outside of mobile. Correct by 01/01/2024.

(A/99) Whataburger #114, 4111 S.W. 45th Ave. A few surfaces in need of cleaning. Correct by 12/27.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo Food Establishment Inspection Report for Oct. 8, 2023