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RESTAURANT INSPECTIONS

13 businesses red-tagged in city’s latest inspection report

Published Modified

These are summaries of Albuquerque Environmental Health restaurant inspections. For more information or to view previous reports, visit .

GREEN: Food establishment received a passing grade, demonstrating the skills to create a safe and sanitary food-service environment.

YELLOW: Food establishment can operate but must follow a plan to correct violations observed during inspection.

RED: Food establishment had major violations that presented an imminent hazard and required an immediate downgrade or closure.

July 12-18

GREEN

Albuquerque Nursery, 1423 Wyoming NE (July 15)

Albuquerque 8051, 8051 Palomas NE (July 16)

Applebee’s, 2600 Menaul NE (July 13)

Baca Boys’ Cafe, 102 4th NW (July 13)

Bamboo, 7202 Menaul NE (July 17)

Burger King 14034, 9380 Coors NW (July 14)

Cafe Lush, 700 Tijeras NW (July 15)

Circle K, 8601 Central NE (July 15)

Circle K, 900 Eubank NE (July 15)

Congregation B’nai Israel, 4401 Indian School NE (July 14)

Cross of Hope Lutheran Church, 6104 Taylor Ranch NW (July 13)

Domino’s Pizza, 6010 Coors NW (July 15)

East Gate Kids’ Child Care, 12120 Copper NE (July 17)

El Ranchito Meat Market, 8319 Central NE (July 14) (Class 5, Class 6)

Fairfield Inn & Suites, 2300 Centre SE (July 14)

Gourmet Doner Kebab, 6320 Zuni SE (July 18)

Hella Dog, 2500 Central SW (July 17)

Holiday Inn Express, 2500 Menaul NE (July 15)

Homewood Suites, 7101 Arvada NE (July 13)

Hot Stuff Cafe, 6320 Zuni SE (July 18)

Jalacore Grazing & Gifting, 4770 Montgomery NE (July 14)

Joe’s Pasta House, 6650 Holly NE (July 14)

Kiddie Academy, 7010 Alameda NE (July 13)

Kids World Coors, 3501 Coors NW (July 17)

Kona Ice of ABQ, 6320 Zuni SE (July 13)

Kulantro, 1909 Bellamah NW (July 13)

Lindo Mexico, 5220 Eubank NE (July 15) (Class B, Class C)

Nekter Juice Bar, 8001 Wyoming NE (July 14)

Panda Express 2021, 8126 San Pedro NE (July 13)

Pho Nho, 2641 Coors NW (July 14)

Popeye’s, 10074 Coors NW (July 15)

Royal Buffet Restaurant, 6111 San Mateo NE (July 16)

Rush Bowls, 8100 Wyoming NE (July 17)

Schlotzsky’s, 6001 San Mateo NE (July 13)

Sipps, 6901 San Antonio NE (July 18)

Sonic Drive-In, 11715 Central NE (July 16)

Spicy Junction, 5017 Menaul NE (July 14)

Springhill Suites, 1101 Central NE (July 14)

Steps Ahead Learning Center, 3500 Indian School NE (July 14)

Taco Bell, 9395 Coors NW (July 16)

Taco Cabana, 10210 Central NE (July 15)

The Learning Experience, 4131 Coors NW (July 15)

Tranquil Retreat, 6400 Coors NW (July 16)

Vick’s Vittles, 8810 Central SE (July 13)

YELLOW

Bamboo, 7202 Menaul NE (July 17)

Lindo Mexico, 5220 Eubank NE (July 15) (Class B)

Pho Nho, 2641 Coors NW (July 14)

Presbyterian, 1100 Central SE (July 15)

Rise + Roast, 9160 Coors NW (July 13)

Taco Cabana, 10210 Central NE (July 14)

RED

66 Diner, 1405 Central NE

Caked-on food debris and black matter accumulated on the prep kitchen ice machine shield, slicer and can opener blade. Employee liquid skin was stored improperly on prep kitchen food storage racks next to food thermometers. Frozen fish and green chile were thawed improperly in 80-degree standing water at the three-compartment sink. Rodent droppings and a rodent were found in a cabinet under the milkshake counter, alongside a live cockroach in the dining room. Soiled wiping cloths and a chemical spray bottle were stored on a wire rack directly above an open bag of onions. The person in charge failed to demonstrate food safety knowledge or prevent employee cross-contamination practices. The handwashing sink near the three-compartment sink provided hot water at only 80 degrees to 81 degrees. Unsealed structural gaps along an exterior CO2 port allowed potential pest entry into the facility. Chopped green chile and cooked sausages were stored outside cold holding on top of a cook line drawer unit. A box of cereal was left directly on the floor, and cooling ice wands were stored unprotected. The cookline handwashing sink was dirty, blocked by a trash can and improperly used as a water source for steam wells. Employees wore unapproved wrist jewelry, lacked hair restraints and stored personal drinks on prep-kitchen food shelving. Food handlers failed to wash their hands when changing gloves, switching tasks, or touching their face and body. An employee touched raw burger patties and then immediately handled a ready-to-eat burrito and lettuce garnish using the same gloved hands. Heavy grease and debris accumulated on walls and floors throughout the kitchen, bakery, walk-in cooler and dishwashing areas. The menu did not have the required consumer advisory reminder statement regarding raw or undercooked animal products, only a disclosure. Food scoops were stored with handles touching ingredients, food pans were stacked wet, and boxes were stored directly on the ground. Nonfood contact surfaces including equipment sides, cabinet interiors, walk-in fan shrouds and shelves had significant debris buildup. Kitchen, bakery and warewashing walls were in disrepair, with numerous holes, gaps and cracks.

Result: Closure (July 14); re-inspection required (July 14); unsatisfactory (July 16); re-inspection required (July 16)

El Ranchito Meat Market, 8319 Central NE (Class 5)

Red and green chile in the display case lacked required common name labels. The establishment did not have a certified food protection manager on staff. Nonfunctional and unused items like toys, tires, tools, car parts and appliances cluttered the back storage room and disused restrooms. Food temperature-measuring devices were not provided or readily accessible. Self-service slushie equipment near the cashier area lacked utensils or dispensing protection to prevent contamination. The handwashing sink in the meat department was in disrepair due to a plumbing disconnect at the sink basin. The facility lacked required temperature logs for stored and received raw meats and dairy products. No calibration logs were maintained for temperature-measuring devices. Raw meat inside the walk-in freezer was stored uncovered and unprotected from contamination. The food establishment permit was not posted on the premises. A meat slicer stored behind the meat display case was put away with food debris. Knives stored on the knife rack were put away soiled with raw meat debris. The facility failed to provide a designated area for employee dining or drinking. Handwashing sinks in the meat department and employee restroom lacked approved hand-drying provisions. Employee Gatorade bottles and soda cans were stored improperly on cutting boards and prep tables.

Result: Unsatisfactory (July 14); re-inspection required (July 14); passed follow-up inspection (July 14)

Joe’s Pasta House, 6650 Holly NE

Chlorine sanitizer concentration in the dish machine measured at zero ppm. Debris and slime accumulated inside the ice machine, and dried food debris built up on the can opener blade. Detergent was not dispensing from the dish machine because the chemical container was empty. An employee touched ready-to-eat bread with bare hands at the server station. The dish machine drain pipe was misaligned with the floor drain, causing water to spill onto the floor. A handwashing sink in the server area was used improperly to dump and melt ice. Lighting in the warewashing area was inadequate. A kitchen line employee prepared food without proper facial hair restraints. An employee put on new gloves without washing their hands first. Soil buildup and debris accumulated on floors underneath equipment and prep tables.

Result: Unsatisfactory (July 14); re-inspection required (July 14); passed follow-up inspection (July 14)

KFC, 12921 Central NE

A dozen dead cockroaches were allowed to accumulate in the kitchen area and dining room. Prepared coleslaw and pot pies stored in the walk-in cooler lacked required date markings. Floor drains under the front counter and near the drive-through window had inadequate air gaps. Exterior front doors on the east side had small holes and gaps along the bottom that let light through. Food service pans in the warewashing area were wet-stacked instead of being allowed to air dry. Nonfood contact surfaces including soda machine backplates, dining furniture, windows, sink sides and kitchen pipes had heavy debris and grease buildup.

Result: Unsatisfactory (July 17); re-inspection required (July 17)

Lindo Mexico, 5220 Eubank NE (Class C)

Quaternary ammonium sanitizer solution in a wiping-cloth bucket on the cook line measured at zero ppm. Yellow slime built up inside the ice machine bin, and dried food debris accumulated on the can opener blade. Soiled wiping cloths were stored improperly on cutting boards and prep tables. The establishment lacked a certified food protection manager on staff. Food employees did not have required food handler cards. Working containers of sugar and salt in dry storage and service areas lacked proper common name labels. The female restroom lacked a covered receptacle for sanitary napkins. Employee drinks were stored on prep tables and coolers directly above open food items. The establishment was operating with an expired food permit. A food employee switched tasks and donned new gloves without washing their hands first. Chef knives were stored improperly inside pans of lettuce on the main cook line. Pans in the warewashing area were wet-stacked instead of being allowed to air dry.

Result: Unsatisfactory (July 15); re-inspection required (July 15); passed follow-up inspection (July 15)

Dragon Sushi, 6904 Menaul NE

Unlabeled chlorine sanitizer was stored directly on the floor in the sushi bar area. The facility lacked documentation or evidence of routine pest control procedures. Cooked meats, tempura shrimp, fried vegetables and imitation crab were held at room temperature below 135 degrees. Over-the-counter Raid pesticide was present in the sushi preparation area. Sliced vegetables stored in the walk-in refrigerator lacked date markings. The person in charge failed to demonstrate required food safety knowledge. The three-compartment sink faucet was in disrepair and could not shut off completely. A bulk container of flour in the kitchen lacked a common name label. Raw eggs were stored directly above fresh produce in the walk-in refrigerator. Garage doors remained wide open during operations, and the front entrance door was not self-closing. Raw fish and seafood in the sushi bar were held at unsafe cold temperatures up to 54 degrees. Food probe thermometers were not provided, and cold-holding units lacked ambient measuring devices. The facility failed to provide a designated break area for employees. The main kitchen handwashing sink was blocked by a Gatorade bottle inside the basin. Chlorine sanitizer solution in a bucket exceeded maximum allowable concentration at over 200 ppm. An employee kept an unapproved twist-top Gatorade bottle in food preparation areas. The food establishment permit was not posted on the premises. Floor and wall surfaces in the kitchen and sushi bar area were not smooth or easily cleanable.

Result: Closure (July 13); re-inspection required (July 13)

Panera Bread, 3550 N.M. 528 NW

The warewashing machine failed to sanitize utensils, organic growth built up inside the ice machine and a blender was left soaking in dirty sink water. Live cockroaches were present in the dining room and beverage station area. Dead cockroaches accumulated on the floor in the mop sink and bakery areas. Damaged wood composite shelving in the beverage and bakery areas was in disrepair and improperly used as a cutting board. The warewashing machine operated below required temperatures at 84 degrees and 97 degrees. Outdoor waste bins were left open and uncovered. The person in charge failed to demonstrate required food safety knowledge or maintain sanitary facility conditions. Self-service beverage bar dairy exceeded allowable time limits while held outside temperature control. Plumbing under dump sinks, the three-compartment sink, beverage stations, mop sink, and water heater leaked water onto floors and inside cabinets. Kitchen sinks lacked required backflow prevention air gaps. Food employees did not have required food handler cards. Ventilation ducts and a pedestal fan shroud had heavy debris buildup. Exterior doors were not tight-fitting, allowing light through the edges. A cardboard box of melons was stored directly on the floor in the walk-in cooler. A toilet fixture in the men’s restroom had significant soil residue buildup. An employee wore unapproved wrist jewelry while preparing open food items. Food employees worked on the kitchen line and bakery area without proper hair restraints. A line cook wiped down prep boards and donned gloves without washing hands first. Soil buildup and debris accumulated on walls and floors throughout the kitchen, prep and warewashing areas. Food service pans were stacked wet in the warewashing area. Nonfood contact surfaces on equipment sides, shelving and cabinets had significant debris accumulation. Walls in the back area, drive-thru and prep areas were in disrepair, with holes, gaps and cracks.

Result: Closure (July 13); re-inspection required (July 13); unsatisfactory (July 15); re-inspection required (July 15)

Presbyterian, 1100 Central SE

Debris accumulated on the ice machine ice chute and can opener blade. Minimal rodent droppings were found along a pillar near the steam kettles. Sliced meat in juice, chicken strips and potato wedges were held at unsafe hot temperatures between 110 degrees and 126 degrees. Soiled wiping cloths were stored on prep tables and draped over sanitizer bucket edges. Open bulk tubs of hummus and jelly in a pitcher lacked required date markings. A hot-holding unit door gasket was torn and dangling, and the can opener blade had visible damage. Plumbing at the prep sink, equipment piping and dish area leaked water onto the floor. Prep sinks and washing sinks lacked required backflow prevention air gaps. Working containers of bulk dried spices lacked common name labels. Hummus and grape jelly were held at unsafe cold temperatures of 45 degrees and 46 degrees in a reach-in cooler. An employee handled soiled patient dishes and then handled clean utensils without washing hands first. Buildup and debris accumulated on walls, floors and refrigerator shelving throughout the kitchen. Assorted pans and food containers were wet-stacked on drying racks instead of air drying. Nonfood contact surfaces on equipment, ovens, vents, hot-holding unit interiors and caster wheels had heavy debris buildup. Kitchen walls and floors were in disrepair with numerous gaps, holes, cracks, and crevices. Kitchen floor surfaces made of poorly repaired concrete and eroded tile grout were not smooth or easily cleanable.

Result: Closure (July 15); re-inspection required (July 15); conditionally approved (July 15)

Royal Buffet Restaurant, 6111 San Mateo NE

A stainless steel lid was washed improperly in a prep sink next to thawing raw baby octopus. Six chemical spray bottles containing degreaser, ortho concentrates and unknown liquids lacked common-name labels. Hot foods in the self-service buffet steam table were double-panned, preventing adequate hot-holding capacity. Canned food items in the dry storage area were dented on and around their seams. Shredded crab meat and sushi rolls in the sushi area were held at unsafe temperatures of 72 degrees and 60 degrees. The sushi display cooler had a broken glass door missing a large piece, allowing cold air to escape. Probe food temperature-measuring devices were not provided or readily accessible.

Result: Unsatisfactory (July 16); re-inspection required (July 16); passed follow-up inspection (July 16)

Sonic Drive-In, 11715 Central NE

Yellow and brown soil residue built up inside the ice machine bin, and dried food debris accumulated on the food dicer, tomato slicer and food service pans. Spray bottles of degreaser were stored on a prep table on top of Ziploc bags and next to utensils at the front three-compartment sink. Prepared burger patties stored in the walk-in and upright coolers lacked required date markings. An ice scoop was stored inside a wall holder filled with stagnant water near the ice machine. Plumbing pipes under the three-compartment sink leaked grey water directly onto the floor. Interior ventilation intake and exhaust ducts in the kitchen and restrooms had debris buildup. Raw burger patties were stored directly above ready-to-eat red chile in an upright cooler. Exterior doors were not tight-fitting, and the back door was propped open. Kitchen handwashing sinks had soil debris buildup, and paper towel dispensers were covered in heavy dust. Lighting inside the walk-in cooler was inadequate. A kitchen food employee handled open food items without proper hair restraints. Substantial soil debris and grease accumulated on floors, walls and ceilings throughout the facility. Single-use drinking cups and portion cups were stored directly on the floor in the storage area outside the back door. Nonfood contact surfaces across all equipment, shelving, prep tables, and sinks had heavy grease and food buildup.

Result: Unsatisfactory (July 16); re-inspection required (July 16); passed follow-up inspection (July 16)

Spicy Junction, 5017 Menaul NE

Chlorine sanitizer in a sanitizing bucket was below the required concentration at less than 50 ppm at 88 degrees. A standing mixer and stainless-steel containers were stored in the clean dish area with food debris buildup. Multiple spray bottles containing chlorine sanitizer and concentrated bleach lacked common name labels. Hot white rice at 111 degrees was cooled improperly inside a prep unit, and the kitchen lacked adequate equipment to cool large stock pots of cooked beef. Food employees did not have required food handler cards or approved food safety training. A working container of flour stored on prep table shelving lacked a common name label. Foil used to line a spice rack shelf and cold-holding unit interior was not smooth or easily cleanable. The female restroom lacked a covered trash receptacle for sanitary napkins. Unused equipment and cluttered miscellaneous items, including a nonfunctional small refrigerator, accumulated near the cashier area. Multiple cold-held foods in prep and standing coolers were held at unsafe temperatures ranging from 46 degrees to 111 degrees. The facility lacked designated storage facilities for employee personal items, with eyeglasses found stored above a microwave. The food establishment permit was not posted on the premises. Purchase stickers remained on beverage glasses stored on clean dish shelving.

Result: Unsatisfactory (July 14): re-inspection required (July 14); passed follow-up inspection (July 14)

Stuffed Lust Sopapilla Co., 6320 Zuni SE

Potentially hazardous foods in standing cold-holding and prep units — including red chile, cooked meats, beans, rice, cheese and vegetables — were held at unsafe temperatures between 45 degrees and 65 degrees. The cold-holding prep table was nonoperational and frozen over, failing to maintain safe cold-holding temperatures. The three-compartment sink lacked sufficient hot water and failed to reach 110 degrees.

Result: Closure (July 18); re-inspection required (July 18)

Taco Cabana, 10210 Central NE (July 14)

Brown and yellow organic growth built up inside the ice machine near the tortilla machine. Spray bottles containing degreaser lacked required common name labels. An electrocution insect control device was installed directly over a food preparation area on the main cook line. Prepared beef and chicken flautas stored in the walk-in cooler lacked required date markings. An employee touched ready-to-eat rice with bare hands while moving it to a food container. Chile rellenos and shredded cheese in prep coolers on the main cook line were held at unsafe temperatures of 51 degrees and 54 degrees. The handwashing sink in the men’s restroom lacked required handwashing signage. Employees failed to wash hands when changing tasks and gloves, including transitioning from dishwashing to food preparation. Substantial soil buildup and debris accumulated on floors under equipment and inside floor drains, particularly near the lobby soda machine. The facility failed to provide written allergen notifications for unpackaged foods served to consumers. Food service pans in the warewashing area were stacked wet without air drying. Nonfood contact surfaces — including walk-in cooler fan shrouds, ice bin lids, and the soda machine backplate — had food and soil debris buildup.

Result: Unsatisfactory (July 14); re-inspection required (July 14); conditionally approved (July 14); passed follow-up inspection (July 15)


Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to fix minor inaccuracies in the 66 diner summary.