Restaurant Roundup: Chinese spot fails again, doughnut shop
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) - A Chinese restaurant in Fountain is facing renewed scrutiny after failing a recent routine health inspection with multiple violations. Meanwhile, a popular local doughnut shop is earning praise for both its cleanliness and growing community support!
Szechwan Panda Fails Routine Health Inspection
Among the concerns, inspectors found crab cheese wontons stored in a cardboard box that had previously contained raw chicken, creating a potential cross-contamination risk.
The report also noted that multiple food preparation knives were dirty and being stored in unclean locations. In addition, inspectors found several food items that were not properly date-marked.
An employee at the restaurant said the issues have since been corrected and that the business is prepared for a follow-up inspection.
The restaurant's manager said they would provide additional information but had not responded by the time this story was published.
Szechwan Panda is still awaiting its re-inspection.
Top Scores
Several area restaurants recently received high marks during health inspections, including:
- Blue Moose Tavern in Green Mountain Falls
- Applebee's in Fountain
- Happy Hour Donuts on Rockrimmon Boulevard
Happy Hour Donuts Finds Success Through Social Media
Happy Hour Donuts has built a loyal following, thanks in part to its social media presence and unique menu.
Owners Gabby Main and her husband, Ryan, launched the business from their home in 2020. At the time, they specialized in alcohol-infused doughnuts.
"We don't do that anymore," Gabby Main said. "We're now focused on unique, gourmet donuts."
Although the menu has changed, the business kept its original name.
Main says the response from the community has exceeded expectations.
"It's like more support than I ever imagined that we could get and it's been absolutely incredible," she said.
Keep an eye out for the KRDO13 Restaurant Roundup awards at your favorite restaurant to know the kitchen inside is clean.
Reminder: all of our high and low-scoring restaurants 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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