Duke’s Roadhouse Among 19 Establishments Under Inspection Spotlight

Just one day after Duke’s Roadhouse opened, health inspectors evaluated the honky-tonk restaurant, affirming that its cowboy cuisine meets the required standards. This confirmation comes amidst reports of long wait times to enter, with some residents noting “cars backed up two blocks trying to get in the parking lot.”

Over the past ten days, inspectors from the Pinal County Environmental Health Department assessed 14 businesses in Maricopa, all receiving “excellent” ratings. Additionally, five establishments in Stanfield also earned the same commendation, showcasing a consistent trend in food safety adherence.

This marks a continuation of a three-month period during which local businesses have achieved notable compliance. The last setbacks occurred on April 4, when a fast-food pizzeria on John Wayne Parkway received four violations during an inspection.

Recently rated “excellent” Maricopa businesses include:

• Children’s Learning Adventure Childcare Centers
• Fry’s Marketplace bakery
• Fry’s Marketplace deli
• Fry’s Marketplace sushi

On May 14, inspectors conducted assessments on five permitted businesses in Stanfield, finding no violations:

• El Rancho Barajas Meat Market
• El Rancho Barajas Restaurant

What do the ratings signify?

Excellent: All priority standards are compliant.

Satisfactory: One or more priority standards out of compliance, corrected during the inspection.

Needs Improvement: One or more priority standards are out of compliance; some violations remain uncorrected at the time of inspection, requiring follow-up to resolve.

Unacceptable: Observed violations indicate an “imminent health hazard,” compromising public health. Those include misuse of toxic materials, foodborne illness outbreaks, and unsanitary conditions. Corrective actions during follow-up inspections can lead to a satisfactory rating.