Inspection Report

Business Name
Little Caesars

Business Address
7435 W LOWER BUCKEYE RD PHOENIX AZ 85043

Permit Number
FD-11237

Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Inspection Purpose
CI Food Routine Inspection

Inspection Date
2/23/2026

Grade
B

Priority Violation
1

Inspection Status
Completed

Violations

Violation #: 2

Description: Certified Food Protection Manager

Comments:

2-102.12(A) - Core: Certified Food Protection Manager. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these resources on our website. https://www.maricopa.gov/5114/Food-Restaurants Addl Notes: -- No certified food protection manager on site at the time of inspection. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Violation #: 24

Description: Time as a Public Health Control: Procedures and Records

Comments:

3-501.19 (A1, B2, C2-3) - Priority Foundation: Time as a Public Health Control; Documentation. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4125/Food-SafetyOperator-Resources. Addl Notes: -- Time as a public health control timers not being used for multiple racks of cheese and pepperoni pizzas out at room temperature at the time of inspection. The person in charge stated the pizzas were prepared approximately 1 hour prior to the inspection. Requested that the PIC properly time stamp all TCS foods being held under time as a control at time of inspection. Time as a Public Health Control requires written procedures detailing process for Time as a Public Health Control and time-stamping for items actively held under Time as a Public Health Control. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 28

Description: Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, and Used; Held for Retail Sale, Properly Stored

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-7-201.11 - Priority: Separation-Storage

Addl Notes: -- Observed multiple containers of disinfectant wipes being stored above gloves used for food prep on shelf in restroom. No visible contamination observed. Chemicals must be stored away from food, utensils, and single service items at all times to prevent contamination. All chemicals were relocated and properly stored by PIC at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 45

Description: Single-Use/Single-Service Articles; Properly Stored, Used

Comments:

4-903.11 (A) and (C) - Core: Equipment, Utensils, Linens and Single-Service and Single-Use Articles - Storing; Single-Use/Single-Service Items Addl Notes: -- Multiple boxes of gloves used for food prep being stored on shelf in bathroom. No visible contamination observed. Reviewed approved storage locations for items used for food prep with the person in charge: equipment, utensils, linens and single-service/single-use articles must be stored in a clean, dry location; where they are not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination; and at least 15 cm (6 inches) above the floor. Requested the gloves be relocated to an approved dry storage area at the time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 47

Description: Food and Non-Food-Contact Surfaces Cleanable, Properly Designed, Constructed and Used

Comments:

4-501.11 - Core: Good Repair and Proper Adjustment-Equipment Addl Notes: -- Time as a public health control (TPHC) timer for 4 of 4 pizza speed racks appeared to be non-functional when the PIC tried using them at the time of inspection. Speed racks were actively being used to hold pizzas at room temperature, and employees must manually document time as a public health control. All equipment must be maintained in good repair at all times. Repair all equipment to a state of good repair prior to next routine inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Violation #: 51

Description: Plumbing Installed; Proper Backflow Devices

Comments:

5-205.15 (B) - Core: System Maintained in Good Repair; Maintained Addl Notes: -- Pipe for hand sink near bathroom/pizza dough prep area leaks significantly when running. All plumbing must be maintained in good repair at all times. Must repair all plumbing to a state of good repair prior to next routine inspection.

Violation #: 53

Description: Toilet Facilities: Properly Constructed, Supplied, Clean

Comments:

5-501.17 - Core: Toilet Room Receptacle, Covered Addl Notes: -- No closed trash bin available for use in women's restroom. Uni-sex and female toilet rooms requires a covered waste receptacle. Provide prior to next routine inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Comments/Details

No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Switch water lines for hand sink near office area prior to the next routine inspection. The standard color codes for water lines are red for hot water and blue for cold water. Ensure the correct connections are made, with red going to the hot water supply and blue to the cold.

"A" for Food Safety

Through our grading system, Maricopa County Environmental Services Department provides at-a-glance indications of how food establishments perform during food safety inspections. This system is designed to grade food establishments in terms of food safety requirements and provide recognition to those who choose to participate.

How does it work?

The issuance of grade cards to food establishments is based on voluntary participation. The person in charge, who is present during the inspection, will be asked whether they would like to participate in the Grading System. This will be decided prior to each inspection. If an establishment does not participate in the Grading System, Not Participating or NP will appear on the inspection report, and the inspection will still occur. If an establishment does participate, a grade of A, B, C, or D will be determined at the conclusion of the inspection using the Grading System chart below. Participating establishments will then be provided with a grade card that can be posted in the establishment. The status of the establishment’s grade will also appear on the Restaurant Ratings page of the department’s website.

How can I determine the grade?

The Grading System chart can be used to determine grades earned for establishments that do not participate. Grades are determined by the number of Priority and Priority Foundation violations received at the time of inspection. Violation types are defined in general terms below.

Definitions

Priority Violation: Major violation that directly contributes to increasing the risk of foodborne illness or injury (e.g. Food employees do not properly wash hands when required).
Priority Foundation Violation: Minor violation that does not directly contribute to an increased risk of foodborne illness but failure to correct this violation may lead to the occurrence of a priority violation. For example, hand washing soap and paper towels not available at hand wash sink (may lead directly to food employees not properly washing hands when required).
Core Violation: Minor violation that relates to general maintenance and sanitation (e.g. No sign reminding employees to wash hands).
Cutting Edge Program: All county food-related establishments can partner with Maricopa County to implement a proactive approach to reducing foodborne illness risk factors by implementing food safety systems that include policies, training, and verification processes. Partners enrolled in the Cutting Edge Program receive an A+ when an A is earned.

Grading System The matrix below is used to grade food inspections under the voluntary grading system.
Violation Category	Grade A	Grade B	Grade B	Grade B	Grade B	Grade B	Grade B	Grade B	Grade C	Grade C	Grade C	Grade C	Grade C	Grade C	Grade D	Grade D
Priority	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	1	0	1	1	2	2	2	more than 2	more than 3
Priority Foundation	0	1	2	3	4	0	1	2	5	3	4	0	1	2	more than 3	more than 0

Any legal action for a pattern of non-compliance or permit suspension results in a D.