Inspection Report

Business Name
Ghost Ranch Modern Southwestern Cuisine
Business Address
1006 E WARNER RD TEMPE AZ 85284
Permit Number
FD2501020
Permit Type
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Inspection Purpose
Food Routine Inspection
Inspection Date
6/24/2026
Grade
Not Participating
Priority Violation
2
Inspection Status
Completed

Violations

Violation #: 20

Description: Proper Cooling Time and Temperatures

Comments:

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.14 - Priority: Cooling. 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 Aztec cake inside reach-in cooler with internal temp of 51*F degrees, PIC stated they had been prepped and placed in the reach-in the previous day. Cooked TCS foods must be cooled from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours, and from 70°F to 41°F within 4 hours for a total of 6 hours for cooling. TCS foods prepared from cold or ambient room temperature ingredients must be cooled from 70°F to 41°F within 4 hours. All TCS foods improperly cooled were discarded by PIC at time of inspection. Advised PIC to chill cast-iron pot before prepping. 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 salsa in reach-in cooler with a temperature of 45*F. PIC stated it had been inside for more than a day. 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 #: 38

Description: Insects, Rodents and Animals not Present

Comments:

6-202.15 - Core: Outer Openings, Protected Addl Notes: Observed light gap in back door of the establishment. Outer openings of food establishment shall be protected against the entry of insects and rodents. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

Comments/Details


No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Of note: 1) Discussed cooling methods with PIC, acceptable methods include: Placing food in shallow pans, separating the food into smaller or thinner portions, using rapid cooling equipment (i.e. a blast chiller), stirring the food in a container placed in an ice water bath, using containers that facilitate heat transfer, adding ice as an ingredient, other effective methods. 2) Discussed creating a seal in back door to protect outer opening from entry of pests.

"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.