Inspection Report

Business Name
Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar

Business Address
5210 W BASELINE RD LAVEEN AZ 85339

Permit Number
FD-35320

Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Inspection Purpose
CI Food Routine Inspection

Inspection Date
6/22/2026

Grade
B

Priority Violation
1

Inspection Status
Re-inspection required

Violations

Violation #: 22

Description: Proper Cold Holding Temperatures

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.16(A)(2) and (B) - Priority: Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Cold Holding. 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/4576/AMC-Toolbox---Cold-Holding.

Addl Notes: -- In walk-in refrigerator, observed the following TCS items with temperatures ranging between 45°F-49°F: baby back ribs, turkey breast, penne pasta, fettuccine pasta, andouille sausage, Swiss cheese, coleslaw. The ambient temperature of walk-in refrigerator measured at 44.2°F using min/max thermometer. The PIC stated they completed food safety temperature checks about 2 hours prior the inspection and all TCS food was cold holding at 41°F or less. All TCS foods improperly cold held were relocated to alternative functioning refrigeration (walk-in freezer) unit to rapidly cool to 41°F at time of inspection. Except during preparation, cooking, cooling or when time is used as a control all TCS foods must be maintained at 41°F or below. Eggs not treated to destroy Salmonellae can be stored in equipment that maintains an ambient air temperature of 45°F or below. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 28

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

Comments:

7-202.11 - Priority Foundation: Restriction-Presence and Use Addl Notes: -- Observed multiple cans of aerosol pesticides being stored in dry storage chemical area and the office. All pest control for the establishment must be performed by a certified pest control specialist and chemicals for pest control must not be stored onsite. PIC removed pest control chemicals from premises at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 33

Description: Proper Cooling Methods Used; Adequate Equipment for Temperature Control

Comments:

4-301.11 - Priority Foundation: Cooling, Heating, and Holding Capacities-Equipment. 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/4617/AMC-Toolbox---Cooling. Addl Notes: -- The ambient temperature of main walk-in refrigerator measured at 44.2°F using min/max thermometer. See violation above. The PIC placed a work order to repair unit at the time of inspection. The establishment has sufficient refrigeration space to safely remain open while awaiting repairs. Cold holding equipment must have the capacity to maintain TCS foods at 41°F or below. Repair cold holding equipment such that it maintains TCS foods at 41°F or below within 24 hours. Corrective Action: Correct within 24 hours.

Violation #: 38

Description: Insects, Rodents and Animals not Present

Comments:

6-501.111 (A-B, D) - Core: Controlling Pests; Monitoring Addl Notes: -- Observed drain and fruit flies throughout the kitchen, dish area, and the bar area. The person in charge provided the most recent pest control reports from June 9th, 2026. Provided additional recommendations to reduce the attraction of pests: - Limit standing water - Inspect shipments of food - Sealing food in containers - Repair plumbing leaks - Eliminating cardboard clutter/ remove food from original cardboard packaging - Sealing open spaces in floors, walls, and ceiling - Maintain a clean and sanitary facility Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Violation #: 47

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

Comments:

4-501.12 - Core: Cutting Surfaces Addl Notes: -- Observed multiple cutting boards on prep line with heavy scoring and discoloration. Scratched and scored cutting surfaces are not smooth and easily cleanable. All food-contact surfaces must be smooth, non-absorbent, and easily cleanable. 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.

Comments/Details

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.