Dead crickets, roaches found at Fort Worth restaurants. 1 closed for serious violations
One Fort Worth restaurant was temporarily closed for serious health violations during Nov. 24-Dec. 7 inspections, and roaches were found at five others, according to data from the city compiled by the Star-Telegram.
Black Bear Diner at 12613 South Freeway scored 34 on Dec. 2. Restaurants that receive more than 30 demerits are required to immediately fix the most critical violations and start corrective procedures on all the other violations within 48 hours.
The establishment was required to close because of insufficient hot water at the hand-washing sinks. The inspector also noted expired food handlers’ cards and high dust buildup on the fan vents.
Black Bear Diner reopened and scored 11 on Dec. 5.
Ocean Seafood Market at 3835 Chesser Boyer Road received a high score of 30 on Nov. 26. The inspector found debris and rust seeping onto ice inside the ice maker, improperly stored food and condensation from thawed clams and oysters in the walk-in cooler.
The establishment scored 18 in a Dec. 4 follow-up inspection.
Boo Rays of New Orleans at 5728 Boat Club Road scored 28 on Dec. 5. Some foods weren’t being held at a safe temperature, raw shellfish products were stored above dairy products and oysters were stored on the floor of the cooler.
El Merendero Restaurant at 3000 South Freeway scored 28 on Dec. 3. Dead roaches were found on sign tape by the hand sink, cloths for wiping up spills were dirty and a certified food protection manager wasn’t present at the facility.
Spice By Thai Select at 411 W. Magnolia Ave. scored 28 on Dec. 3. Some food wasn’t maintained at a safe temperature, employees weren’t following proper hand-washing procedures and black organic matter was found inside the ice machine.
El Tacolote at 1511 NW 28th St. scored 27 on Dec. 3. The inspector found beans being cooled by a dusty fan, debris on the ice machine and freshly cut raw chicken placed on the floor.
Joe’s Pizza and Pasta at 7832 South Freeway also scored 27 on Dec. 3. Pizzas were kept at room temperature with no time stamp, raw chicken was stored above the lettuce and some chemicals were stored next to food products.
Monarca Taqueria at 3734 E. Rosedale St. scored 27 on Dec. 5. Some food items were stored without date labels, employees hadn’t completed an accredited food handler course within the required amount of time and thermometers weren’t readily visible in several coolers.
The inspector also noted that raw eggs were stored above ready-to eat food, which was a repeat violation of food not being protected from cross-contamination at Monarca.
Yummy Buffet at 215 NE 28th St. scored 27 on Dec. 3. The inspector found residue on a can opener, a dented can of pineapple and several trays of cooked chicken, fish and frozen pizza uncovered in a cooler.
Restaurante El Patron at 1329 N. Main St. scored 26 on Dec. 4. The inspector noticed employees touching ready-to-eat food with their bare hands, a fly in the back kitchen area and open water bottles on the table where food was being prepped.
Rice Bowl Express at 915 E. Seminary Drive also scored 26 on Dec. 4. Raw eggs were stored next to vegetables, an employee wasn’t following correct hand-washing procedures and utensils were stored with food residue.
Mariscos Elwero Grill at 114 Sycamore School Road scored 25 on Dec. 3. Raw meat was stored above the ice cream, chemicals were stored next to open food and several flies were seen in the dry storage area.
Dead roaches and crickets were found throughout the food preparation area at Sunny Food Mart, located at 4600 Sycamore School Road.
Two dead roaches were found inside Prima Pasta and Pizza at 6108 S. Hulen St.
An inspector also found one dead roach at two establishments — Steak ‘n Shake at 5020 Overton Ridge Blvd. and the Taste Project at 1200 S. Main St.
Here are the inspection scores and violations for restaurants within the city limits of Fort Worth for Nov. 24th -Dec. 7th, 2024. Scores are based on a demerit system. When the total exceeds 30, the restaurant must take immediate corrective action on all identified critical violations, then has 48 hours to initiate corrective action on all other violations. To search the restaurant inspections, type in a keyword or restaurant name. You can also sort by score.
Some data analysis in this story was conducted using AI. For more information on how the Star-Telegram and McClatchy newsrooms are using AI, go here.
