Health Department Shuts Down Three Restaurants With Imminent Health Hazards

The Southern Nevada Health District shut down Famous Dave’s at 4390 Blue Diamond Road on March 9 after finding the barbecue restaurant was operating without hot water. While the restaurant self-closed, it neglected to inform the health department and reopened when it thought the situation was resolved. The restaurant reopened the same day with an eight-demerit A grade. The restaurant now offers takeout and delivery, and tells KTNV that those who cannot cook were furloughed due to the statewide shutdown of dine-in restaurants.

The heath department shut down Cold Stone Creamery at 6640 N. Durango Drive on March 10 after someone complained that employees did not wash their hands before serving ice cream. Health inspectors found that the toilet did not flush in the bathroom that employees could use. Dirty shelves, floors, coolers, equipment, walls, and food contact surfaces rounded out the demerits issued. The restaurant reopened on March 11 with a zero-demerit A grade.

The health department shut down Thai Place at 4019 S. Maryland Parkway on March 13 after finding a multi-generational cockroach infestation. Roaches crawled in an outlet, inside cabinets, on the walls, and under metal shelves, where bulk ingredients were stored with trash. Heath inspectors also found roach feces behind the freezer, near sinks, and on the walls. The restaurant also had grease built up and old food throughout the space. The restaurant remains closed.

China Star at 1075 W. Craig Road earned 39 demerits during an inspection on March 9. Heath inspectors found fly strips hanging over a prep sink, a rusted freezer, and food held at a dangerous temperature for more than four hours. Inspectors issued demerits for dirty equipment and work surfaces that weren’t sanitized after preparing different raw meats and a dish machine that did not sanitize equipment. The restaurant reopened on March 13 with a zero-demerit A grade.

The health district conducts unannounced inspections at least once a year. Inspections are posted online about five days after the inspection. The Southern Nevada Health District routinely shuts down restaurants that receive more than 40 demerits. Restaurants have the option of requesting a re-inspection before the next scheduled inspection.

• All DOH Chronicles [ELV]