Inspection Report

Business Name
Denny's

Business Address
1150 S COUNTRY CLUB DR MESA AZ 85210

Permit Number
FD-74243

Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Inspection Purpose
CI Food Routine Inspection

Inspection Date
5/6/2026

Grade
Not Participating

Priority Violation
1

Inspection Status
Completed

Violations

Violation #: 8

Description: Hands Clean and Properly Washed

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-2-301.14 - Priority: When to Wash. 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: Employee handled/cracked raw shell eggs; then went to handle clean plates and toasted bread without changing gloves and washing hands. Second employee picked items up off of the floor; then changed gloves and went to handle clean plates and food items without changing gloves and washing hands. Both employees were asked to wash hands and did so. Ensure that employees wash hands after engaging in activities that may contaminate hands and when changing tasks. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 33

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

Comments:

3-501.15 (A) - Priority Foundation: Cooling Methods. 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: Pan of sausage-105-106F cooling at ambient temperature in the cookline area. Employee stated that sausage began cooling about an hour prior and relocated to the walk in cooler. Ensure that proper cooling methods are followed: (1) Placing the FOOD in shallow pans; Pf (2) Separating the FOOD into smaller or thinner portions; Pf (3) Using rapid cooling EQUIPMENT; Pf (4) Stirring the FOOD in a container placed in an ice water bath; Pf (5) Using containers that facilitate heat transfer; Pf (6) Adding ice as an ingredient; Pf or (7) Other effective methods. Pf Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 49

Description: Non-Food-Contact Surfaces Clean

Comments:

4-601.11(B) and (C) - Core: Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils Addl Notes: Interior of the reach in cooler where the eggs are stored in the the cookline area with excess old food debris. The handles on both microwaves in the kitchen area have soil reside present. Ensure that the all items are cleaned as needed. NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Violation #: 56

Description: Adequate Ventilation and Lighting; Designated Areas Used

Comments:

6-403.11 - Core: Designated Areas-Employee Accommodations for Eating/Drinking/Smoking Addl Notes: Employee cell phone, charger, and open drink stored over/next to clean plates in the cookline area. Employee personal food items stored directly in clean bowls in the rear prep area. All items were relocated to proper areas. Storage of employee possessions was discussed with the person in charge. Personal belongings can contaminate food, food equipment, and food preparation surfaces and consequently must be stored in properly designated areas. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Comments/Details

Provided the PIC with when to wash hands and cooling handouts.
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.
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.