Inspection Report

Business Name
Thirsty Lion Pub and Grill
Business Address
2000 E RIO SALADO PKWY TEMPE AZ 85288
Permit Number
FD-19667
Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection
Inspection Date
8/24/2026
Grade
Not Participating
Priority Violation
0
Inspection Status
Completed

Violations

Violation #: 10

Description: Adequate Handwashing Sinks, Properly Supplied and Accessible

Comments:

6-301.14 - Core: Handwashing Signage. 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/4573/AMC-Toolbox: Handwashing. Addl Notes: Observed no handwashing signage was posted at the employee handwashing sinks. The Person in Charge (PIC) was advised that handwashing signs must be provided at employee handwashing sinks to remind employees to properly wash their hands. PIC printed signed and posted on all 3 handwashing sinks. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 39

Description: Contamination Prevented during Food Preparation, Storage and Display

Comments:

3-305.11 - Core: Food Storage - Preventing Contamination from the Premises Addl Notes: Observed multiple boxes containing food and/or supplies to be stored directly on the floor in the entrance area near the back door. The Person in Charge (PIC) was advised that food and supplies must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor to protect them from contamination. PIC moved all items to shelving at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 44

Description: Utensils, Equipment and Linens; Properly Stored, Dried, Handled

Comments:

4-901.11 - Core: Equipment and Utensils, Air-Drying Required Addl Notes: Observed clean pans stacked while still wet. Food-contact surfaces must be allowed to air-dry completely before being stacked or stored to prevent potential contamination and bacterial growth. Person in charge (PIC) was advised of the proper procedure for washing, rinsing, sanitizing, and allowing utensils and equipment to completely air-dry before stacking. PIC moved all items to be re-washed, rinsed, and sanitized at the time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 51

Description: Plumbing Installed; Proper Backflow Devices

Comments:

5-205.15 (B) - Core: System Maintained in Good Repair; Maintained Addl Notes: Observed the handwashing sink located near the prep area on the south side of the kitchen to be leaking water from pipes underneath the sink. A pan was placed underneath the sink to collect the leaking water and prevent water from reaching the floor. Upon turning on the faucet, the faucet nozzles were observed to be extremely loose. Handsink was functional at time of inspection. 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. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Comments/Details


Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.

"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.
A B B B B B B B C C C C C C D D
Priority 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 2 2 2 2 3
Priority Foundation 0 1 2 3 4 0 1 2 5 3 4 0 1 2 3 0

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