Restaurant Inspections: Chipotle, Chick-Fil-A and Others

Alexandria Health Department officials inspected numerous restaurants in West End Alexandria in recent weeks. We all want to know how our favorite restaurants stack up on cleanliness and sanitation.

Full reports can be accessed on the health department's website.

Cajun Gourmet III, 5801 Duke St. (Landmark Mall), Jan. 15

No violations were found.

See the full inspection report here.

Chick-Fil-A, 5801 Duke St. (Landmark Mall), Jan. 15

Corrected During Inspection Core Item Repeat - Food stored on the floor and/or food stored less than 6 inches off the floor. Food is improperly stored on the walk-in freezer floor. Lemons are stored on the floor in the prep area.

Core Item Repeat - Single service cups at the front counter were observed stored uncovered.

Core Item - The cutting board(s) in the food prep area are heavily scratched and scored. The food contact surface is no longer easily cleaned and sanitized due to condition.

Core Item Repeat - The rear hand sink is in poor repair.

Core Item Repeat - Employees are not using the dressing rooms or lockers provided. Employee's belongings are improperly placed in the prep area.

See the full inspection report here.

Cameron Café, 4911 Brenman Park Dr., Jan. 14

Priority Foundation Item - The Person in Charge (PIC) has a valid certificate of successful completion of an accredited Certified Food Manager (CFM) exam, but does not possess the Northern Virginia CFM card.

Priority Foundation Item - There is no test kit located in the facility for monitoring the concentration of the chemical sanitizing solutions.

Core Item - Observed that the area designated for employee's drink is not located to protect food, equipment, linens, and/or single-service items from contamination. Employee's drink is improperly placed on prep table with items that will be served to customers. Employees purse and scarf are improperly placed on top of soft drinks in the rear storage area. Items were relocated during the inspection.

See the full inspection report here.

Chipotle, 4531 Duke St., Jan. 14

Priority Foundation Item - Observed that paper towels were not provided at the prep handwashing sink.

Priority Item - Different types of raw animal foods stored in such a manner that may cause cross contamination as follows: the raw chicken was improperly stored above raw beef at the cookline area. 

Corrected During Inspection Priority Item - The following food item(s) were measured at improper temperatures: steak. The steak was reheated to 182°F during the inspection.

Core Item - No hot water is provided at the prep hand sink. Repair the hot water immediately.

See the full inspection report here.

Popeye’s, 25 S. Pickett St., Jan. 10

No violations were found.

See the full inspection report here.

Reynolds Street Café, 34 S. Reynolds St., Jan. 10

Corrected During Inspection Priority Item - Observed that poisonous and toxic materials are not properly stored to prevent the contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens or single service items. Chemicals were improperly stored on top of the dish machine with clean pots. Chemicals were relocated during the inspection.

Corrected During Inspection Core Item - Observed improper methods used to thaw food. Ground beef was improperly defrosted at room temperature. The ground beef was placed in the refrigerator to defrost.

Core Item Repeat - Plumbing connections under the 3 compartment sinks piping are leaking.

See the full inspection report here.