LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Lubbock health inspectors checked out the cleanliness of dozens of Lubbock restaurants this week, and it’s a mixed menu in this week’s Food for Thought.
Chuy’s Mexican Food at 4805 S Loop 289 had 38 violations.
Here’s a look at their priority violations.
There was burnt residue inside the chip warmer.The water in the dish washer was not hot enough and there was no temperature indicator.Employees did not use a barrier, like a paper towel, to turn off the faucet at a hand sink. This prevents cross contamination.An employee plating food used a dry towel to wipe their hands and wipe down the prep area.Toxic items were not properly stored.Strawberry puree and a strawberry mixer had the wrong date mark.There was no soap at two hands sinks.Multiple utensils and containers were dirty or damaged.Sewage was surfacing from the floor drains of the dish washer and was pooling in the entire ware washing area. The inspector notes, multiple staff members were seen walking through that area. And a pipe snake was on the dishwasher.
The inspector notes, due to the nature of the violations – food safety knowledge was not demonstrated.
(Core)
Employee in the ware washing area was chewing gum while performing their ware washing duties.A small container of cut red onions was stored above a container of uncooked, ready-to-eat spinach leaves in the reach-in cooler.A box of cut tortillas was stored on the floor, and being used as a table to hold a container being used for the mixer.A container of ready-to-eat taco shells are being stored uncovered on top of the food warmer in the food prep area.A rack of frozen green sauce packages are being thawed at room temperature in the area with the ice machines.A clean mixing whisk is being stored on the 3-compartment sink surface behind the faucet.Ice scoop in the dining room drink station ice bin was not stored with the handle above the ice product.Various pans in the clean wares racks were wet stacked.A box of straws in the bar storage room were stored on the floor, and single-service lids were stored on the floor in the single-service to-go article storage area.The ware washing area table is not sealed to the wall on all it’s seams.A knife, tongs, and other utensils are stored on the flat grill in a container of 114°F standing water between uses.Multiple drinking cups were wet stacked in the bar area.A plumbing tool was stored on top of an open box of food service gloves in the ware washing area.Two clear plastic pitchers are stored inverted on the rusty poles sticking up from a metal rack between uses.Single service plastic cups, not-in current use pans, glassware, plates, and new silverware, are being stored in the south back side of the restaurant, in a room with exposed insulation, the water heater, and other mechanical equipment.Bags of white substance stored inside a food service container in the Westside drink station was not labeled. PIC identified substance as sugar.Food service racks, and shelves in the prep area are visibly soiled.Floors and walls in the ware washing area were visibly soiled.A plumbing pipe snake tool was stored on top of the mechanical dishwasher between uses.Personal clothing items hanging up on a rack were stored over the food service scale in the back prep area.
The report shows most of the violations were corrected at the time of the inspection.
7Brew at 6821 Slide had 23 violations.
Here’s a look at their priority violations.
Milk was above the safe cold temperature of 41 degrees.Milk was held past its use-by date.There was reddish, brown debris in the ice machine that was in contact with ice.An employee did not wash their hands after working the drive thru and continuing with food prep.An employee went to the restroom and did not wash their hands before returning to food prep.Two employees washed their hands for less than 10 seconds. Hand washing must be at least 20 seconds.An employee used the three-compartment sink to wash their hands. A sink specifically for hand washing must be used to prevent cross contamination.An employee did not use a barrier to turn off the faucet at a hand sink.Personal items and cleaners were in a hand sink. Hand sinks are for hand washing only.Toxic items were not properly stored.Food handler training certificates were not available.
The inspector notes, due to the number and the nature of the violations management did not show proper food safety knowledge.
(Core)
Gasket on glass front reach in cooler is damaged,In-use ice scoop stored in ice between-uses with handle in contact with ice.Single-use cup used as scoop stored in matcha powder.Bulk container with green powder is not identified with common name of food.Employee personal shirt stored on prep table.Employee personal drink, purse, and other personal items stored in front hand wash area.Employee personal drink stored on RIC used for facility product.The report shows most of the violations were corrected at the time of the inspection.
Ruffled Cup Sweet Shoppe at 5109 82nd had 19 violations.
Here’s a look at their priority violations.
Two bags of limes were discolored, puckered and shriveled.Ready-to-eat sausage was held past its use-by date.Cookie cutters were dirty, and some had retail stickers still on them.Dirty pans were stored above clean ones.Several cans were dented. This can cause botulism.Toxic items were not stored correctly.Multiple food contact items were damaged or broken. They must be kept in good repair.
The facility does not have a certified food manager.
(Core)
White bulk bin container of flour was not stored at least 6 inches above the floor in the walk-in cooler.Boxes of food items, and a shelf of food items in the walk-in-freezer were not stored at least 6 inches above the floor.Box of unpeeled bananas stored in the walk-freezer, and cakes in the walk-in cooler were stored uncovered.Hand sink by the ware wash area is not sealed to the wall to prevent seepage.Plastic containers of a brown mix, a white mix, and brown chips (identified by PIC as a brown sugar mix, flour, and chocolate chips), stored in the food prep area were not labeled.The fan covers in the walk-in cooler were visibly dusty. Walls and ceilings were visibly dusty in the prep area.
The report shows most of the violations were corrected at the time of the inspection.
Now to the good news. Here’s a look at this week’s Top Performers:
Crumbl Cookies at 11417 SlideBuns Up Burger Co. (Food truck)Olive Garden at 5702 SlideHeartland Bakes inside the Culinary Co-Op at 5044 FrankfordHot Diggity Dogs & Burgers inside the Culinary Co-Op at 5044 Frankford
Copyright 2025 KCBD. All rights reserved.