Inspection Report

Business Name
The Pony Express Cafe
Business Address
28190 N ALMA SCHOOL PKWY SCOTTSDALE AZ 85262
Permit Number
FD-90814
Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection
Inspection Date
9/16/2026
Grade
Not Participating
Priority Violation
0
Inspection Status
Completed

Violations

Violation #: 44

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

Comments:

4-904.11 - Core: Kitchenware and Tableware-Preventing Contamination; Utensils, Equipment and Linens Addl Notes: Observed clean glasswares and equipment stored within the splash zone of the front service hand washing sink. Install a splash guard to the sink or maintain clean equipment at least 24 inches from the sink. Staff relocated the items at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

Violation #: 58

Description: Dog Friendly Patio Requirements (FD)

Comments:

MCEHC Chap. 8, Sec. 2, Reg 4(b) - A sign with at least half inch letters shall be posted at the front entrance of the food establishment so that it is easily visible to the public. The sign shall state: "Dog Friendly Patio - Dog access only through outdoor patio. For violations, contact Maricopa County Environmental Services Department (602) 506- 6616." Addl Notes: Establishment does not have an approved Dog Friendly Patio permit with department. Dog Friendly Patio applications are available through the customer portal "Permit Center" at https://maricopacountyaz-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice#/home. Provide. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Comments/Details


No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Reviewed cooking processes. Ensure they are limited to the processes discussed at time of original permitting: Do not fry/re-heat bacon, meats, fatty/oily foods in flat top or frying pans. Use oven for bacon/re-heating. Owner stated she is looking at buying a ventless hood.
Advised owner regarding submitting plans for future coffee shop.

"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.