The latest round of surprise inspections from the Cheyenne-Laramie County Health Department reveals a wide spectrum of compliance across local dining establishments and schools. While several facilities passed with flying colors, others struggled with everything from basic hygiene to significant safety lapses. These biannual checks aim to balance enforcement with education, focusing on red critical violations that could lead to foodborne illnesses and black non-critical violations related to general maintenance and cleanliness.
One of the more concerning reports came from Spice Zone Indian Restaurant, which racked up 15 violations during its October 5 visit. Inspectors noted raw chicken stored above beef in the cooler, improperly functioning thermometers, and various unlabeled food containers. Other established names also faced scrutiny; Red Lobster saw nine violations including broken floor tiles causing puddles and odors in the kitchen, while Arby’s on College dealt with five infractions ranging from a lack of paper towels to hair restraint issues among staff. In these cases, as well as at Two Doors Down, officials have mandated reinspections to ensure corrective actions are taken.
It was not just traditional restaurants under the microscope this week. Childcare and educational centers also saw mixed results. While Jessup Elementary and Pine Bluffs High School remained spotless, burns Elementary had minor equipment issues, and La La’s Littles was cited for a leaning fence and pet waste in the playground area. Even hospitality services felt the heat, as the Fairfield Inn and Suites Marriott were flagged for improper spa recording logs and pests in their dry storage rooms.
Despite these findings, health officials emphasize that their primary mission is to help business owners improve their practices rather than simply penalizing them. Most critical errors are expected to be fixed within twenty four hours, though more severe problems allow for a ten day window before a formal return visit. Residents interested in the specific details of their favorite local spots can access full transparency via the health department’s public website.
