Restaurant inspections: Here's how Wal-Mart, Grandpas Donuts, Volcano scored

Amarillo Globe-News
·16 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:

Canyon Ranch Mobile, 410 15th St., Canyon.

Curtis Fleming Learning Center, 3001 Wolflin Ave.

Los Cocos, 2501 S. Arthur St.

Mickey’s Place, 1512 5th Ave., Canyon.

Mi Gente-Mobile, 800 N. Buchanan St.

Texas Premier Childcare, 2455 W. I-40.

Wal-Mart #822-Meat & Seafood, 3700 E. I-40.

Wal-Mart #3383-Meat & Seafood, 4215 Canyon Drive.

Wal-Mart #4464, 2711 S.W. 58th Ave.

Wal-Mart #4464-Bakery, 2711 S.W. 58th Ave.

Wal-Mart #4464-Deli, 2711 S.W. 58th Ave.

Wal-Mart #4464-Meat & Seafood, 2711 S.W. 58th Ave.

Wal-Mart #7362-Bakery, 2035 S.E. 34th Ave.

Wal-Mart #7362-Meat & Seafood, 2035 S.E. 34th Ave.

Water Still Inc., 4712 S.W. 58th Ave.

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

A & D Discount, 801 N. Taylor St.

Black Fig Food Catering, 1111 N. Buchanan St.

Family Dollar #22344, 1781 S. Avondale St.

Fat Boys BBQ, 103 N. 23rd St., Canyon.

Jones Grill and Treats, 103 S. Tennessee St.

K & L Discount Foodmart, 803 N. Polk St.

Kids Cafe Kitchen Catering, 2199 S.E. 8th Ave.

Mudd Rack, 500 E. Hastings Ave.

Rockin' Zebra Soda Shoppe, 404 15th St., Canyon.

Sad Monkey Mercantile Chuckwagon, 9800 E. SH 217.

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

Tortillera Lupita, 4013 S.E. 10th Ave.

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

(A/99) Black Fig Food, 1111 N. Buchanan St. Scoops in bulk bins with handles in product. Correct by 10/04.

(A/96) Brady’s Dairy Queen, 2601 S. Soncy Road. Dented can of pumpkin on shelf. COS. Some areas heavily soiled with dust, dirt and food debris. Correct by 10/09.

(A/95) Cada Vez, 9200 Town Square Blvd, Suite 1000. No paper towels at bar fridge (repeat violation); personal items stored in incorrect areas (repeat violation); multiple scoop handles stored incorrectly (repeat violation). COS. Areas with heavy dirt and debris build-up (repeat violation). Correct by 10/09.

(B/88) Café Boulevard, 5316 E. Amarillo Blvd. Bean sprouts and noodles sitting out at room temperature; eggs and meat stored above vegetables; meat stored with vegetables; wet rags must be stored in sanitizer solution between uses. COS. No chlorine sanitizer in dishwasher. Correct by 07/13. Uncovered food items in coolers; ice build-up and dripping onto food items; rice spoons stored in water at improper temperature; silverware stored incorrectly. Correct by 01/09.

(A/97) Chisum Travel Center #25, 890 S. FM 1912.Ready-to-eat /TCS (temperature/time controlled for safety) foods with expired or missing date marks; raw shelled eggs stored above ready-to-eat foods. COS.

(A/99) Comanche Trail Golf Complex, 4200 S. Grand St. Cabinets under soda dispenser need to be replaced. Correct by 10/10.

(A/94) Coyote Bluff Café, 2417 S. Grand St. Refrigerator in storage room containing raw packaged meat not holding at proper temperature. Correct by 07/24. Debris inside soda machine diffusers (repeat violation); racks in cooler in storage building soiled with food debris; dust accumulation on cooler fan guard (repeat violation); large gap leading to attic at wall and ceiling junction in restroom (repeat violation). Correct by 10/09.

(A/99) Crackin’ Crab, 2207 S. Western St., Space 70. Ice machine needs cleaning. Correct by 01/10/2024.

(A/96) Daniels Drive In, 2911 E. Amarillo Blvd. Vegetables sitting at room temperature. COS. Grease trap needs to be pumped. Correct by 08/06.

(A/90) David’s Mexican Restaurant, 400 E. Hastings Ave. Small broken cooler storing TCS foods, shrimp, pico, fish and oysters at improper temperature; inside ice machine dirty. Correct by 07/18. No sanitizer test strips; internal thermometers missing or broken inside several coolers; mechanical ware washing machine not sanitizing. Correct by 07/24.

(A/98) Edible Arrangements #1026, 121 Westgate Pkwy, Suite 60. No hand soap at front hand sink (repeat violation). Correct by 07/20.

(A/93) El Bracero, 2116 S. Grand St. Unlabeled chemical spray bottle near server area. COS. Rusted racks in reach-in cooler must be replaced or resurfaced; intake and exhaust air ducts must be cleaned and filters changed; back stock room needs to be completely enclosed if to be used for to-go items and equipment (repeat violation); stand-up freezer in kitchen must be replaced with a commercial or chest freezer (repeat violation). Correct by 01/10/2024.

(A/93) El Charro Mexican Food, 4207 E. K-40. Plant insecticide stored on shelf and above clean equipment; soda machine diffusers dirty (repeat violation). COS. Door to outdoor storage room needs to be sealed; outdoor storage room needs to be cleaned and rid of all signs of pests; unsealed containers of drinks stored on floor of walk-in cooler; to-go items soiled with food debris (repeat violation); Swai fish labeled as catfish on menu. Correct by 10/09.

(A/93) El Manantial, 3823 E. Amarillo Blvd. Household fryer must be replaced with commercial grade; minimal date marking being done; wet rags must be stored in sanitizer solution between uses; multiple uncovered food items (repeat violation); dishes stacked wet. COS.

(A/90) El Tejavan, 3801 E. I-40. Items out of date in coolers; uncovered containers of flour, sugar and salt under prep table in kitchen (repeat violation). COS. Raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food in walk-in cooler; raw chicken stored above raw meat (repeat violation); prep sink in kitchen next to hand sink is leaking and missing a leg; heavy grease accumulation on vent hood filters and beginning to drip grease over flat top grill (repeat violation). Correct by 10/08.

(B/86) Espe Groceries Store Suite 130, 4515 S. Georgia St. Frozen fish in coolers without proof of approved source. Correct by 07/09. Air gap needed under three-compartment sink (repeat violation). Correct by 07/10. Food packages must be adequately identified with common name of food, name and place of business of manufacturer, packer or distributor. Correct by 07/16. Back door must be selfclosing (repeat violation); acoustic ceiling tiles in restroom must be changed to be non-absorbent (repeat violation); restroom door must be self-closing (repeat violation); sign needed in restroom reminding employees to wash hands before returning to work; establishment permit not posted. Correct by 10/04.

(A/90) Fairfield Inn AMA Airport, 1740 Airport Blvd. No Certified Food Manager on site; sign needed reminding guest to use clean tableware upon each visit to buffet (repeat violation); allergen advisory needed near self-serve breakfast area (repeat violation); no paper towels at employee hand sink; microwave rusted and needs to be cleaned, repaired or replaced. Correct by 07/24. Ceiling tiles in employee restrooms are absorbent and need to be replaced (repeat violation); hole in wall under three-compartment sink needs to be repaired (repeat violation); household refrigerator and household freezer must be replaced with commercial units (repeat violation). Correct by 08/11.

(A/98) Fat Cat-Mobile, 1309 Dumas Drive. Lemons and sauces at improper temperatures. COS.

(A/99) FujiSan Sushi, 2201 Ross Osage Drive. Frozen shrimp thawing incorrectly. COS.

(C/79) Grandpas Donuts, 2700 S. Grand St. Kolaches and scrambled eggs at room temperature and not date marked; employees did not wash hands (only rinsed) between tasks and before putting on new gloves; pitcher and hand soap stored in front hand sink. COS. No sanitizer prepared (repeat violation); numerous dead cockroaches in entire establishment (repeat violation); wet rags must be stored in sanitizer solution between uses; box of tortillas stored on floor; multiple food items not covered; frozen sausage chubs thawing in room temperature water on floor; donut boxes stored on floor; establishment is not getting thoroughly cleaned; entire kitchen needs to be deep cleaned. Correct by 07/14. Household griddle and crock pot used must be commercial grade. Correct by 01/09/2024.

(A/95) Helados El Tropico, 207 N. Lincoln St. Back hand sink used for dumping; tape around lid on one of the back freezers (repeat violation); fly swatter stored on top of a freezer directly by limes. COS.

(A/95) Home Plate Diner, 5600 Bell St. Raw chicken and raw beef in same bin; raw beef and chicken stored above vegetables; flour scoops stored incorrectly; dirt and dust buildup on shelves in cooler handles (repeat violation). COS.

(A/95) King & Queens Fries, 7701 W. I-40. No paper towels at hand sink in back (repeat violation); items stored in front hand sink (repeat violation); employee items stored incorrectly. COS. Dirt and debris inside cabinets and drawers; hole in bathroom and hole above mop sink must be repaired. Correct by 10/04.

(B/85) Los Picuchos, 701 S.E. Taylor St. Eggs stored incorrectly in front reach-in cooler; chlorine sanitizer too weak (repeat violation); wiping cloths must be stored in sanitizer solution between uses; large bag of onions stored directly on floor; frozen shrimp thawing incorrectly; utensil handles must not come into contact with food. COS. All foods must be date marked; hand sinks being used for dumping. Correct by 07/20. Food stored in containers must be labeled with common name of food on containers. Correct by 10/08.

(A/98) Love’s Travel Stop #261, 8615 Canyon Drive. Packages of meat thawing incorrectly. COS. Some surfaces in need of cleaning, including inside of ice maker. Correct by 01/12.2024.

(A/97) Lupita’s To Go, 2801 S.E. 27th Ave. Prepared meat dish with incorrect internal temperature. COS.

(A/99) Martha’s Bar, 3904 E. Amarillo Blvd. Mold inside ice maker (repeat violation). Correct by 07/12.

(A/97) McDonalds, 1720 Ross St. One hand sink being used for dumping. COS. Several areas in need of cleaning. Correct by 01/11. 2024.

(A/90) McDonalds, 6312 W. Hollywood Road. Cooler heavily iced over preventing maintaining proper temperature. COS. Quaternary ammonium sanitizer too strong at three-compartment sink; broken vacuum breaker on mop sink must be repaired; clean equipment and utensils stacked wet (repeat violation). Correct by 07/14.

(A/90) Mexico Lindo, 4515 S. Georgia St. Food in stand-up reach-in cooler at improper internal temperature; ice scoop stored in container filled with water; scoops inside flour containers with handles touching top of flour. COS. Thermometer in stand-up reach-in cooler not reading proper temperature; new internal thermometers needed in both cold holding tables by expo window; grease interceptor needs to be serviced and invoice provided. Correct by 07/14. Food in walk-in cooler uncovered. Correct by 10/04.

(A/97) Mitch’s BBQ #699, 8507 E. I-40. Sanitizer solution at 0 ppm in three-compartment sink. COS.

(A/97) Oasis Snocone, 900 23rd St., Canyon. Improper internal temperature of Half and Half; pickle juice requiring refrigeration stored at room temperature. COS.

(A/97) Rotini and the Alfredos, 7701 W. I-40. Personal items in walk-in cooler not correctly labeled. COS. Hand washing station not working due to plumbing issue inside wall. Correct by 07/16.

(B/82) Sabaidee, 3318 S. Georgia St. Bleach sanitizer solution in kitchen too strong. COS. Rice spoon stored in water at improper temperature; utensils stored incorrectly; clean equipment and utensils stacked wet. Correct by 07/15. Internal temperature of all foods in large/old cooler tested in temperature danger zone; raw chicken stored above raw beef; rodent bait in water heater closet must be removed and replaced with ones that are covered; all unnecessary items and liter in establishment must be removed; dead mouse in back room; bags of onions stored on bottom of dirty and wet cooler; previously cooked chicken thawing at room temperature; scoop handle touching flour; scoops in bulk food items need to be cleaned; vegetable peeler stored in bin of cabbage with handle touching cabbage; multiple places and equipment need deep cleaning and sanitizing (repeat violation); kitchen very dirty with old food debris, dust and mold on floor and inside equipment (repeat violation); strong sewage smell in dishwashing area (repeat violation). Correct by 07/17.

(A/98) Starbucks Coffee #6634, 2335 S. Georgia St. Multiple employees without hair restraints (repeat violation); food debris in milk reach-in cooler and ready-to-eat areas. Correct by 07/06.

(C/75) Sweet Boutique, 7701 W. I-40. Milk sitting on counter without continuous use; chocolate, caramel and strawberry syrups not refrigerated (repeat violation); ice scoop handle in ice (repeat violation). COS. No sanitizer buckets or solution prepared; employees not properly informed of food codes and conducts; employees never washed hands. Correct by 07/10. No manager on duty (employees contacted manager multiple times but he/she never showed); employees on site lacked knowledge of safe food handling; no date marking on milks or cut fruits; no sanitizer test solutions; no hand soap (repeat violation). Correct by 07/16. Ice, milk containers and other containers without lids; milks and other liquids not labeled and not in original containers; crock pot does not show temperature. Correct by 10/04.

(A/99) Texas Premier Childcare at Amarillo Netplex, 3723 S.W. 58th Ave. Personal items not stored correctly in cooler. COS.

(C/71) Thai House Restaurant, 5601 E. Amarillo Blvd. Chicken and beef products stored at room temperature; Tapioca pearls requiring refrigeration after opening stored at room temperature; cut vegetables at improper temperature; food thawing in dirty mop sink. COS. No food in walk-in cooler was date marked; eggs stored on top of vegetables in make table; beef stored on top of raw chicken next to vegetables; dirty fly swatter on food prep surface; establishment is not sanitizing at end of wash cycle in three-compartment sink; chemical spray bottles not labeled; all food must be date marked; bleach sanitizer test kit needed; soap stored in back hand sink; plastic grocery bags cannot be used to store food; scored and stained cutting boards must be replaced; mouse droppings under dry storage shelves; multiple flies in establishment; wet rags must be stored in sanitizer solution between uses; cut limes stored in direct contact with bottom of dirty cardboard box; food items in multiple areas of kitchen stored on floor; multiple food items without lids or covers; beef products and food in bin thawing in room temperature water (repeat violation); flour, sugar and MSG scoops stored with handles in food; spoons stored incorrectly; entire walk-in cooler is dirty and needs to be deep cleaned and sanitized. Correct by 07/13.

(B/87) Thai Thai Restaurant, 2515 S. Grand St. Several food items stored on a cart at room temperature; no paper towels at hand sink in back prep area next to mop sink; fried egg rolls stored in cardboard box. COS. Written procedures needed if TCS foods are to be kept out at room temperature. Correct by 07/14. Uncovered food in reach-in coolers; handle of pan inside sugar container touching top of sugar; heavy food and grease build-up on cart holding spices and sauces for cooking area (repeat violation). Correct by 11/10.

(A/95) Toot ‘n Totum #10, 4021 S. Washington St. Test strips needed for ware washing machine; ware washing machine not sanitizing; condensation leak in back room. Correct by 07/20.

(A/93) Toot ‘n Totum #25, 7201 S. Western St. Quaternary ammonium sanitizer too strong; air gap needed at three-compartment sink. Correct by 07/17. Floor excessively sticky by three-compartment sink due to soda leak. Correct by 01/10/2024.

(A/99) Toot ‘n Totum #92, 2300 Dumas Drive. Several uncovered food items in coolers in kitchen. COS.

(A/99) Toot ‘n Totum #99, 8507 E. I-40. Sign needed at hand sink by tea area stating for hand washing only. Correct by 07/12.

(A/96) United Supermarket #527, 1501 E. Amarillo Blvd. Wet rags on table tops in deli. COS. Leak in frozen food cooler; food affected by leak in frozen food cooler must be discarded if contaminated (repeat violation). Correct by 07/18. Dishes stacked wet in deli (repeat violation). Correct by 10/09.

(B/84) Volcano Korean BBQ, 8518 W. I-40. Cut lettuce on cold hold table at improper temperature; raw chicken stored on top of bulk rice bins; hand sink next to dishwashing area blocked by large bins; ice scoop stored inside ice machine in kitchen and ice bin at bar. COS. Chemical spray bottles not labeled. Correct by 07/14. No sanitizer test strips at three-compartment sink. Correct by 07/21. Wet wiping cloths must be stored in sanitizer solution between uses; bulk food containers (flour/sugar/etc) not labeled. Correct by 10/09.

(A/95) Wal-Mart #822-Bakery, 3700 E. I-40. No sanitizer test strips; no soap at back hand sink; several employee cell phones stored on main food prep table. COS.

(A/97) Wal-Mart #822-Deli, 3700 E. I-40. No paper towels at one hand sink; employee cell phones stored on food prep area. COS.

(A/97) Wal-Mart #822-Grocery, 3700 E. I-40. Hose for sanitizer disconnected in produce area. COS. (A/97)

Wal-Mart #3383-Bakery, 4215 Canyon Drive. Mechanical dishwasher not reaching proper hot water sanitizing temperature; several racks with bread missing a pan on top rack (repeat violation). COS.

(A/97) Wal-Mart #3383-Deli, 4215 Canyon Drive. Clean utensils stored on rusted racks; excess ice accumulating on walk-in cooler condenser. COS.

(A/93) Wal-Mart Supercenter #3383, 4125 Canyon Drive. Areas with product stacked too high in open coolers at improper temperatures; raw beef patties stored next to ready-to-eat cheese, missing divider (repeat violation). COS. Peeling tape and exposed insulation around pipes attached to mop sink. Correct by 10/09.

(A/98) Wal-Mart #4464-Fuel Station, 2711 S.W. 58th Ave. No paper towels at hand sink. COS.

(A/98) Wal-Mart #7362, 2035 S.E. 34th Ave. Ice dripping onto food products inside walk-in freezer; dust build-up on shelving in milk coolers and fans in walk-in cooler. Correct by 10/11.

(A/97) Wal-Mart #7362-Deli, 2035 S.E. 24th Ave. Chemicals stored next to/above food products areas. COS.

(A/98) Wendy’s #244, 8507 E. I-40. Multiple cutting boards deeply scored. Correct by 01/12/2024. Food debris and dust on multiple floors, walls, ceilings and equipment (repeat violation). Correct by 01/13/2024.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo Food Establishment Inspection Report for July 16, 2023