Restaurant Roundup: Decomposing mouse found at veteran hangout, popular joint awarded for meticulous cleaning routine
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) - A bar known as a veteran hangout failed its recent routine health inspection, while another popular Colorado Springs restaurant is earning praise for its cleaning routine.
Peak 31 cited for 12 violations
The inspector noted that some sauce containers, shelves and utensils were “soiled.” Some dairy and meat products were also being held at unsafe temperatures.
A decomposing mouse was found in the dry food storage area, along with mouse droppings.
The inspector also reported a gap under the back door and holes in the walls.
When KRDO13 stopped by, Peak 31’s Randy Ketterer said the restaurant had gone through its boxes and removed the affected items.
The restaurant is also doing some rehiring and ordering a new cooler.
They also let our crew take a peek at the kitchen.
“We’ve still got a little bit more to do, but it wasn’t just getting it cleaned up; it’s more routine,” Ketterer said.
He also showed KRDO13 holes in the ceiling panels that the restaurant plans to replace, along with the gap underneath the back door. The door also does not stay shut, and Ketterer said they are working on that as well.
Three restaurants earn high scores
The Panda Express in Fountain received a perfect score on its recent health inspection.
Two other restaurants also earned high scores: the Popeyes on Centennial Boulevard and Panino’s on South 8th Street.
Panino’s is a family-owned company that has been around for more than 50 years!
Owner AJ Frasca said personal experience taught him to work with the health department.
“When I was 20-something, we got into a big fight, and they’re like, ‘AJ, we’re here to help.’ And I, since that day about 20 years ago, have changed my outlook,” Frasca said.
Frasca said he hopes to share the message that the health department is there to educate and help restaurant owners, rather than hurt them.
He said guidance from inspectors inspired him to create a high-tech, interactive spreadsheet with a real-time pie chart to help keep chores on track.
Despite his meticulous system, Frasca credited his staff for keeping everything running.
“We have lists and procedures and processes, but without them, none of it would get done,” he said.
And the 'Paninos' themselves? They're like a sandwich and a pizza had a baby – delicious!
Keep an eye out for the KRDO13 Restaurant Roundup Awards at your favorite restaurant as a sign that its kitchen has met the inspection standards. A high score means the kitchen has passed its routine health inspection.
Reminder: All high and low scores in this roundup are based on routine health inspections conducted by the El Paso County Health Department.
Click here for a look at all the most recent health inspection scores.
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