3 Establishments Earn ‘Excellent’ Ratings from Food Inspectors

Maricopa’s new Pizza Hut location is preparing for its grand opening on January 2, 2025. Inspectors conducted recent evaluations of several local establishments, including a pizzeria, a sushi restaurant, and a grocery store on Wednesday. These inspections were the only ones held from January 17 to January 23, according to the Pinal County Health Department, following a round of 20 other restaurant assessments earlier in the month.

Despite minor issues, each inspected location received “excellent” ratings. During their visit to Pizza Hut, food inspectors identified a gap under the doors allowing sunlight—and potentially pests—to enter. In response, the manager assured them that plans to replace the door seals were underway.

At Say Sushi, the inspectors found several food handlers with valid cards but noted the absence of food manager certificates, which are necessary to demonstrate adherence to food safety standards. The establishment is expected to present the required documentation during the next inspection.

The day concluded on a positive note as inspectors visited Fry’s Marketplace, where they reported no violations. The consistent ratings across these inspections reflects a commitment to maintaining high food safety standards in the community.

Brian Petersheim Jr. is a crime and breaking news reporter for InMaricopa. He joined the newsroom in October 2020 and studied at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.