Inspection Report

Business Name
Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar

Business Address
6259 E SOUTHERN AVE MESA AZ 85206

Permit Number
FD-35302

Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Inspection Purpose
CI Food Routine Inspection

Inspection Date
10/31/2025

Grade
B

Priority Violation
0

Inspection Status
Re-inspection required

Violations

Violation #: 38

Repeat Violation

Description: Insects, Rodents and Animals not Present

Comments:

6-501.111 (C) - Priority Foundation: Controlling Pests; Approved Trapping Methods/Existence Addl Notes: 2ND CONSECUTIVE VIOLATION Observed several live and dead roaches throughout the kitchen: behind the cook-line equipment, under the dish machine area, at the 3-compartment sink, and the prep area near the office. Discussed the pest control services that are received and removing pests promptly in order to prevent their accumulation, decomposition, or the attraction of additional pests. The most recent treatments were applied on 10/29 and 10/7. PIC is in the process of scheduling a fogging. The PREMISES shall be maintained free of insects, rodents, and other pests. The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests shall be controlled to eliminate their presence by routinely inspecting incoming shipments of FOOD and supplies, routinely inspecting the PREMISES for evidence of pests and eliminating harborage conditions. Re-inspection will be done after the treatment, and PIC will follow-up within 10 days. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection.

Violation #: 41

Description: Wiping Cloths; Properly Used and Stored

Comments:

3-304.14 - Core: Wiping Cloths, Use Limitation Addl Notes: Observed in-use sanitizer buckets storing wiping cloths with a lactic acid (sink and surface sanitizer) concentration of 0 ppm (tested multiple times). PIC ran the line until the concentration was correct and will contact the chemical company to service the chemical dispenser to ensure that the sanitizer is at the correct concentration of 704-1875 ppm. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 55

Repeat Violation

Description: Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained, and Clean

Comments:

6-501.12 - Core: Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions Addl Notes: Observed accumulations of soil and debris under the equipment along the cook-line and under the equipment in the bar area. Discussed doing a deep cleaning in order to prevent pest harborage conditions, pathogen growth and for general sanitation. PHYSICAL FACILITIES shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean to prevent pest activity and pathogen growth. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

6-201.11 - Core: Floors, Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability Addl Notes: 2ND CONSECUTIVE VIOLATION Observed the bottom part of the exterior wall of the walk-in cooler to be deteriorating and in disrepair. According to PIC, a work order has been made to replace the metal. Observed holes and gaps/voids around plumbing protrusions (mop sink) and walls throughout the kitchen. Observed the foam around the soda/beverage chase lines to not be smooth and easily cleanable. Kitchen surfaces must be smooth, easily cleanable, durable and non-absorbent to deter pest activity and pathogen growth. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Comments/Details

Re-inspection 11/17/2025 for violation #38. Discussed sealing the cook-line ventilation hood with a high-temp resistant silver silicone.
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.
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.