Inspection Report

Business Name
Liquor Wheel

Business Address
2302 E VAN BUREN ST PHOENIX AZ 85006

Permit Number
FD-91041

Permit Type
Food Establishment - Retail Food

Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection

Inspection Date
6/1/2026

Grade
Not Participating

Priority Violation
1

Inspection Status
Re-inspection required

Violations

Violation #: 15

Description: Food Separated and Protected

Comments:

3-302.11 (A3-8) - Core: Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation, Packaging, and Segregation; General Food Protection. 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/4621/AMC-Toolbox---Cross-Contamination. Addl Notes: Observed packages of raw bacon stored above ready to eat (RTE) foods, Hotpockets, burritos, and tortillas. Informed PIC that all raw animal proteins must be stored below any RTE foods. PIC properly stored all raw animal proteins at time of inspection. All raw animal proteins must be stored below ready-to-eat (RTE) foods and stored according to cooking temperature at all times to prevent cross contamination. PIC properly stored all raw animal proteins according to the final cooking temperature based on the cooking parameters in § 3-401.11 of the Food Code. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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: Observed milk, burritos, deli meat, and other TCS foods (see embargo) with internal temperatures ranging 48*F-50*F located in the reach-in style refrigerator. Ambient air temperature of the unit was 46*F, measured using min/max. PIC stated that the foods in the unit have been there for over four hours. Informed PIC that the foods must be discarded. PIC discarded all improperly cold held at time of inspection. Foods embargoed. PIC agreed to not use unit until it is capable of holding foods at 41*F or below. PIC called in maintenance request 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. All TCS foods improperly cold held were discarded by PIC 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: Observed the front reach-in unit improperly cold holding TCS foods. The ambient air temperature of the unit was 46*F, measured using min/max. PIC called in maintenance request at time of inspection. Cold holding equipment must have the capacity to maintain TCS foods at 41°F or below. Must repair cold holding equipment such that it maintains TCS foods at 41°F or below. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection on 6/4/2026.

Violation #: 37

Description: Food Properly Labeled; Original Container

Comments:

3-602.11 (A)(B1-4)(B6-7)(C)(D) - Core: Food Labels Addl Notes: Observed gelatin cups and fruit cups available for sale without labels. Informed PIC that all packaged foods must be properly labeled. Observed establishment's self-packaged ice without a label with the business name and address. Informed PIC that the ice needs to be properly labeled. All packaged food labels must include the following items: (1) the common name of the food, or absent a common name, an adequately descriptive identity statement; (2) If made from two or more ingredients, a list of ingredients and sub-ingredients in descending order of predominance by weight, including a declaration of artificial colors, artificial flavors and chemical preservatives, if contained in the food; (3) an accurate declaration of the net quantity of contents; (4) the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor; (5) the name of the food source for each major food allergen contained in the food unless the food source is already part of the common or usual name of the respective ingredient; (6) except as exempted in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act § 403(q)(3) -(5), nutrition labeling as specified in 21 CFR 101 -Food Labeling and 9 CFR 317 Subpart B Nutrition Labeling; and (7) for any salmonid fish containing canthaxanthin or astaxanthin as a color additive, the labeling of the bulk fish container, including a list of ingredients, displayed on the retail container or by other written means, such as a counter card, that discloses the use of canthaxanthin or astaxanthin. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Violation #: 47

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

Comments:

4-501.11 - Core: Good Repair and Proper Adjustment-Equipment Addl Notes: Observed the handle at the front left "shot" walk-in and the walk-in in the backroom to be in disrepair. Bring back into good repair prior to next routine inspection. 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.

Violation #: 48

Description: Warewashing Facilities, Installed, Maintained, Used, Test Strips

Comments:

4-302.14 - Priority Foundation: Sanitizing Solutions, Testing Devices. 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/4574/AMC-Toolbox---Food-Contact-Surfaces. Addl Notes: Establishment uses chlorine bleach to sanitize food contact surfaces and does not possess chlorine test strips. Informed PIC that chlorine test strips must be obtained prior to reinspection on 6/11/2026. Discussed the importance of monitoring sanitizer levels with PIC. Test strips are required for any sanitizers used with food contact surfaces. Provide sanitizer test strips prior to re-inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection on 6/11/2026.

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.