Lubbock Eateries Face Inspection Woes: Sandwich Shop Shuttered, Asian Spot Struggles

In the bustling culinary landscape of Lubbock, Texas, two local eateries found themselves in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. A popular sandwich shop was forced to temporarily close its doors, while a beloved Asian spot landed at the bottom of the week's Food for Thought List, raising concerns about food safety and sanitation practices.

Uncovering the Unsavory: Lubbock's Inspection Challenges

Earl of Sandwich: A Sandwich Shop Shuttered

The Earl of Sandwich, located at 11824 Indiana Ave., faced a daunting array of violations during its latest health inspection, leading to a temporary closure. The report cited a staggering 25 violations, ranging from improper food storage and handling to unsanitary equipment and facilities.Among the concerning findings were the presence of roast beef held past its date mark, meatballs, tuna salad, and tater tots without proper date markings, and visibly soiled soda nozzles. The inspection also uncovered heavily dented cans stored alongside good cans, posing a potential botulism risk, and an employee who failed to wash their hands before donning gloves.The report further highlighted issues with damaged rubber spatulas, a damaged plastic food container lid, an unlabeled spray bottle, and a 3-compartment sink with an incorrectly plumbed waste pipe. Even the hand sink was found to be leaking onto the floor, further exacerbating the sanitation concerns.The inspector's notes emphasized the lack of active managerial control, which contributed to the extensive nature and severity of the violations, including multiple priority violations. This raised serious questions about the establishment's commitment to food safety and proper operational procedures.

Pei Wei Fresh Kitchen: Struggling with Temperature and Cleanliness

Pei Wei Fresh Kitchen, located at 4210 82nd, also found itself on the wrong side of the health inspection, with 18 violations cited. The report revealed issues with temperature control, as cooked chicken and minced garlic were found to be above the safe cold temperature of 41 degrees. The cooler itself was not maintaining the proper temperature, further compromising food safety.The inspection also uncovered a black residue on the blade of the can opener, food residue on knives, and a broken tip on a knife. These findings highlighted concerns about the establishment's overall cleanliness and the maintenance of its equipment.Additionally, the report noted instances of employees not following proper handwashing protocols, with one individual failing to wash their hands before putting on gloves and another not turning off the faucet after washing. The presence of a bowl in the hand sink, which is intended for handwashing only, further exacerbated the cross-contamination risks.The report did, however, indicate that most of the violations were corrected while the inspector was on-site, suggesting a willingness to address the issues promptly.

Shining Lights: Top Performers in Lubbock's Food Scene

Amidst the challenges faced by the two establishments, the report also highlighted the positive news, showcasing the Top Performers in Lubbock's food scene. Pe Chiquillo BBQ Trailer & Catering (a food truck) and Carlitos' Way Foods (another food truck) were recognized for their exemplary food safety and sanitation practices.These top-performing eateries serve as a testament to the dedication and commitment of Lubbock's food service providers in maintaining the highest standards of food safety and hygiene, even in the face of the challenges faced by their peers.The contrasting fortunes of these establishments underscore the importance of vigilance, proper training, and a strong commitment to food safety in the dynamic and competitive Lubbock food landscape. As the community continues to navigate the complexities of the industry, the spotlight on these inspection results serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for diligence and continuous improvement in ensuring the safety and quality of the dining experience.