CONDITIONAL
Grumpy Cafe Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection
November 18, 2025
10:20 AM - 11:55 AM
Routine Inspection
5
Total Violations
4
Major
1
Minor
1
Corrected On Site
Inspector's Report
Inspector found multiple potentially hazardous foods improperly held at room temperature between 47-49°F, including shredded cheese, cooked potatoes, and raw eggs. The mechanical dishwasher dispensed inadequate sanitizer at only 10-25ppm instead of required levels. Additional violations included frozen pork thawing at room temperature, a non-functional hot water faucet at handwashing sink, and missing food safety manager certification.
Violations Cited
5
#14
MAJOR
Food Contact Surfaces Not Properly Sanitized
Why This Matters
Dirty cutting boards and utensils cause 76% of cross-contamination. Biofilms protect bacteria from cleaning. One contaminated surface spreads pathogens to dozens of foods.
What Was Observed
Mechanical dish washing machine dispensed sanitizing agent measured 10-25ppm. Discontinue using this machine for warewashing until repairs have been made. Use the 3 compartment sink for all warewashing as repairs are underway. Contact inspector when repairs have been made for a follow up.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114099, 114099.6, 114117
#26
MAJOR
Improper Thawing Methods
Why This Matters
Improper vacuum packaging creates anaerobic conditions allowing Clostridium botulinum growth. Botulism is fatal in 5-10% of cases. Causes paralysis and respiratory failure.
What Was Observed
Observed frozen bag of boneless pork butt left out to improperly thaw at room temperature by the food prep sink. Discontinue this thawing practice. Discussed proper thawing methods with PIC.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114419
#5
MAJOR
Hot Water Faucet at Handwashing Sink Not Working
Why This Matters
Sewage contains billions of pathogens including hepatitis A, norovirus, and E. coli. One tablespoon contains 100 million bacteria. Causes immediate severe illness.
What Was Observed
Hot water faucet at the front hand washing sink isn't working. Per PIC, there was a leak at the faucet that's why it was turned off. Fix the faucet for adequate handwashing.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 114193, 114197
#7
CORRECTED
MAJOR
Improper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
Why This Matters
Temperature abuse causes 63% of foodborne outbreaks. Clostridium perfringens multiplies rapidly between 70-120°F. Listeria grows even at refrigeration temperatures.
What Was Observed
Observed several PHFs left out to hold at at room temperature measured between 47*F- 49*F by the non functional steam table. Shredded cheese, Cooked potatoes, raw shelled eggs. Discontinue this food storage practice at once. Discussed proper food cold holding using an ice bath or store inside the cooler at 41*F and below at all times. Operator relocated the foods to the cooler.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 113996, 114037
#7
CORRECTED
MAJOR
Improper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
Why This Matters
Temperature abuse causes 63% of foodborne outbreaks. Clostridium perfringens multiplies rapidly between 70-120°F. Listeria grows even at refrigeration temperatures.
What Was Observed
Observed several PHFs left out to hold at at room temperature measured between 47*F- 49*F by the non functional steam table. Shredded cheese, Cooked potatoes, raw shelled eggs. Discontinue this food storage practice at once. Discussed proper food cold holding using an ice bath or store inside the cooler at 41*F and below at all times. Operator relocated the foods to the cooler.
CA Retail Food Code: Section 113996, 114037