During the visit, no certified food protection manager was on duty. Health codes require every restaurant to have a trained and accredited food safety manager who understands proper sanitation, food handling and cross-contamination prevention. Restaurant leadership said certification is already underway to ensure full compliance.

Inspectors also noted residue inside the restaurant’s ice machine above the ice level. Staff cleaned the area immediately to prevent contamination and agreed to perform regular visual checks and cleanings to avoid buildup.

 Health officials said both findings were minor and addressed on the spot, so they rated The New HQ “excellent.”

During the same Nov. 6 trip, food inspectors with the Pinal County Environmental Health Department gave excellent ratings to Duke’s Roadhouse, Roots Eatery and Domino’s. On Nov. 7, La Quinta Inn & Suites was handed an excellent rating, too.

At Duke’s, inspectors found some residue inside the ice machine above the ice level. The person in charge was notified and cleaned the area immediately, taking care not to contaminate the ice. Staff were reminded to keep up regular cleaning and visual checks to prevent any future buildup.

Since our last inspection report ending Oct. 16, inspectors have given “excellent” ratings to 18 additional Maricopa businesses:

• Burger King
• Children’s Learning Adventure Childcare Centers
• Chipotle Mexican Grill 
• Denny’s 
• Farmers Restaurant 
• Firehouse Subs
• Frys Marketplace Sushi 
• Good Donuts
  • Inspectors noted grime buildup on the oven and hand-sink handles, as well as on floors and walls near food prep areas. They also found flour accumulated under some equipment. The person in charge agreed to clean the affected areas and maintain a regular cleaning schedule to prevent cross-contamination or pest attraction. Health officials said they’ll verify the cleaning during the next routine inspection.
•  Jack In the Box 
• JB Farmer Convenience Store 
• Jersey Mikes Subs
• Jimmy John’s
  • Inspectors found residue buildup around the grease receptacle, which could attract pests. The person in charge said the equipment and surrounding area would be cleaned, including the floors. Health officials will check during the next routine inspection to confirm the area is being properly maintained.
• Maricopa Community Hospital  
• Plaza Bonita 
• Raceway Bar & Grill 
• The Slab Premium Meats 
• Sunrise Preschool – Maricopa

What do the ratings mean?      

Excellent: All priority standards are observed as compliant. Some nonpriority standards may be critiqued.  

Satisfactory: One or more priority standards is out of compliance. All priority standards are corrected at the time of inspection.     

Needs improvement: One or more priority standards is out of compliance. At least one violation is not corrected at the time of inspection. When violations are corrected to the satisfaction of the department during a follow-up inspection, a satisfactory rating will be given.     

Unacceptable: One or more violations observed are an “imminent health hazard.” Hazards include the misuse of poisonous or toxic materials, onset of an apparent foodborne illness outbreak and unsanitary conditions that may endanger public health. Hazards can stem from fires, floods, electrical or water problems, and sewage backup. When violations are corrected to the satisfaction of the department during a follow-up inspection, a satisfactory rating will be given.