28 Restaurants In Niagara County With Health Inspection Violations Last Month

These 28 restaurants in Niagara County had health inspection violations last month. Dining out can be convenient and even a treat for a special occasion, but we often don't know what's happening in the kitchen. Is it clean? Are there pests? Are employees following hygiene rules? Thankfully, Niagara County has published a list of restaurants that had issues during their latest inspections in September.

According to StateFoodSafety.com, food inspectors look for things like food temperatures, refrigerator and freezer unit temperatures, running water, proper utensils used in food preparation, proper food storage, and employee hygiene.

Obviously, it's important that a restaurant and its employees are handling food properly. We have seen many instances where food services businesses haven't and it had dire and sometimes deadly consequences.

These 28 Niagara County restaurants had either critical violations or multiple violations in September of 2023:

1. SYROS RESTAURANT
869 CAYUGA STREET, LEWISTON

Item 4A- Critical Violation [RED] Toxic chemicals are improperly labeled, stored or used so that contamination of food can occur.
Item 5C- Critical Violation [RED] Potentially hazardous foods are not stored under refrigeration except during necessary preparation or approved precooling procedures (room temperature storage).
Item 8A- Food not protected during storage, preparation, display, transportation and service, from potential sources of contamination (e.g., food uncovered, mislabeled, stored on floor, missing or inadequate sneeze guards, food containers double stacked).
Item 10B- Non-food contact surfaces and equipment are improperly designed, constructed, installed, maintained (equipment not readily accessible for cleaning, surface not smooth finish).
Item 11A- Manual facilities inadequate, technique incorrect; mechanical facilities not operated in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

2. BROADWAY HOTEL
158 MAIN STREET, NORTH TONAWANDA

Item 10A- Food (ice) contact surfaces are improperly designed, constructed, installed, located (cracks, open seams, pitted surfaces, tin cans reused, uncleanable or corroded food contact surfaces).
Item 12C- Plumbing and sinks not properly sized, installed, maintained; equipment and floors not properly drained.

3. AGUACATES MEXICAN RESTAURANT LLC
5674 SOUTH TRANSIT ROAD, LOCKPORT

Item 1B- Critical Violation [RED] Water/ice: unsafe, unapproved sources, cross connections.
Item 4A- Critical Violation [RED] Toxic chemicals are improperly labeled, stored or used so that contamination of food can occur.
Item 4C- Critical Violation [RED] Foods or food area/public area contamination by sewage or drippage from waste lines.
Item 6A- Critical Violation [RED] Potentially hazardous foods are not kept at or above 140°F during hot holding.
Item 8A- Food not protected during storage, preparation, display, transportation and service, from potential sources of contamination (e.g., food uncovered, mislabeled, stored on floor, missing or inadequate sneeze guards, food containers double stacked).
Item 8F- Improper thawing procedures used.
Item 11A- Manual facilities inadequate, technique incorrect; mechanical facilities not operated in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
Item 14B- Effective measures not used to control entrance (rodent-, insect-proof contruction). Harborage areas available for rodents, insects and other vermin.

4. PITA GOURMET
1930 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS

Item 10A- Food (ice) contact surfaces are improperly designed, constructed, installed, located (cracks, open seams, pitted surfaces, tin cans reused, uncleanable or corroded food contact surfaces).
Item 10B- Non-food contact surfaces and equipment are improperly designed, constructed, installed, maintained (equipment not readily accessible for cleaning, surface not smooth finish).
Item 14A- Insects, rodents present.
Item 15A- Floors, walls, ceilings, not smooth, properly constructed, in disrepair, dirty surfaces.

5. SPRUCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
195 SPRUCE STREET, NORTH TONAWANDA

Item 10B- Non-food contact surfaces and equipment are improperly designed, constructed, installed, maintained (equipment not readily accessible for cleaning, surface not smooth finish).
Item 11D- Non food contact surfaces of equipment not clean.

6. NORTH TONAWANDA MIDDLE SCHOOL
455 MEADOW DRIVE, NORTH TONAWANDA

Item 12C- Plumbing and sinks not properly sized, installed, maintained; equipment and floors not properly drained.
Item 15A- Floors, walls, ceilings, not smooth, properly constructed, in disrepair, dirty surfaces.
Item 15B- Lighting and ventilation inadequate, fixtures not shielded, dirty ventilation hoods, ductwork, filters, exhaust fans.

7. FRANKIE'S DONUTS
717 PORTAGE ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS

Item 7A- Critical Violation [RED] All poultry, poultry stuffings, stuffed meats and stuffings containing meat are not heated to 165°F or above.
Item 11A- Manual facilities inadequate, technique incorrect; mechanical facilities not operated in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

8. DE SALES CATHOLIC SCHOOL CAFETERIA
6914 CHESTNUT RIDGE ROAD, LOCKPORT

Item 5E- Critical Violation [RED] Enough refrigerated storage equipment is not present, properly designed, maintained or operated so that all potentially hazardous foods are cooled properly and stored below 45°F as required.
Item 11C- Food contact surfaces not washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any time of operations when contamination may have occurred.

9. GREAT WALL CHINESE RESTAURANT
8233 NIAGARA FALLS BOULEVARD, NIAGARA FALLS

Item 8A- Food not protected during storage, preparation, display, transportation and service, from potential sources of contamination (e.g., food uncovered, mislabeled, stored on floor, missing or inadequate sneeze guards, food containers double stacked).
Item 11B- Wiping cloths dirty, not stored properly in sanitizing solutions.
Item 11D- Non food contact surfaces of equipment not clean.
Item 12C- Plumbing and sinks not properly sized, installed, maintained; equipment and floors not properly drained.
Item 14B- Effective measures not used to control entrance (rodent-, insect-proof contruction). Harborage areas available for rodents, insects and other vermin.
Item 15A- Floors, walls, ceilings, not smooth, properly constructed, in disrepair, dirty surfaces.

10. PANERA BREAD #1014
5744 SOUTH TRANSIT ROAD, LOCKPORT

Item 6A- Critical Violation [RED] Potentially hazardous foods are not kept at or above 140°F during hot holding.

11. RAPIDS BOWLING CENTER
9524 NIAGARA FALLS BOULEVARD, NIAGARA FALLS

Item 10B- Non-food contact surfaces and equipment are improperly designed, constructed, installed, maintained (equipment not readily accessible for cleaning, surface not smooth finish).
Item 12A- Hot, cold running water not provided, pressure inadequate.
Item 15A- Floors, walls, ceilings, not smooth, properly constructed, in disrepair, dirty surfaces.

12. TIN PAN ALLEY
775 CAYUGA STREET, LEWISTON

Item 1H- Critical Violation [RED] Food from unapproved source, spoiled, adulterated on premises. Item 10A- Food (ice) contact surfaces are improperly designed, constructed, installed, located (cracks, open seams, pitted surfaces, tin cans reused, uncleanable or corroded food contact surfaces).
Item 14B- Effective measures not used to control entrance (rodent-, insect-proof contruction). Harborage areas available for rodents, insects and other vermin.

13. NIAGARA FALLS CHINESE BUFFET
7325 NIAGARA FALLS BOULEVARD, NIAGARA FALLS

Item 5C- Critical Violation [RED] Potentially hazardous foods are not stored under refrigeration except during necessary preparation or approved precooling procedures (room temperature storage).
Item 8A- Food not protected during storage, preparation, display, transportation and service, from potential sources of contamination (e.g., food uncovered, mislabeled, stored on floor, missing or inadequate sneeze guards, food containers double stacked).
Item 11C- Food contact surfaces not washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any time of operations when contamination may have occurred.
Item 12C- Plumbing and sinks not properly sized, installed, maintained; equipment and floors not properly drained.
Item 14C- Pesticide application not supervised by a certified applicator.
Item 15A- Floors, walls, ceilings, not smooth, properly constructed, in disrepair, dirty surfaces.

14. FRICANO PRIMARY SCHOOL
4363 MAPLETON ROAD, LOCKPORT

Item 12E- Handwashing facilities inaccessible, improperly located, dirty, in disrepair, improper fixtures, soap, and single service towels or hand drying devices missing.
Item 15B- Lighting and ventilation inadequate, fixtures not shielded, dirty ventilation hoods, ductwork, filters, exhaust fans.

15. KALAMATA FAMILY RESTAURANT
5690 SOUTH TRANSIT ROAD, LOCKPORT

Item 6A- Critical Violation [RED] Potentially hazardous foods are not kept at or above 140°F during hot holding.; Item 8A- Food not protected during storage, preparation, display, transportation and service, from potential sources of contamination (e.g., food uncovered, mislabeled, stored on floor, missing or inadequate sneeze guards, food containers double stacked).
Item 10B- Non-food contact surfaces and equipment are improperly designed, constructed, installed, maintained (equipment not readily accessible for cleaning, surface not smooth finish).
Item 11B- Wiping cloths dirty, not stored properly in sanitizing solutions.
Item 12E- Handwashing facilities inaccessible, improperly located, dirty, in disrepair, improper fixtures, soap, and single service towels or hand drying devices missing.
Item 14B- Effective measures not used to control entrance (rodent-, insect-proof contruction). Harborage areas available for rodents, insects and other vermin.
Item 15A- Floors, walls, ceilings, not smooth, properly constructed, in disrepair, dirty surfaces.

16. MAPLE AVENUE SCHOOL
952 MAPLE AVENUE, NIAGARA FALLS

Item 3C- Critical Violation [RED] Food workers do not use proper utensils to eliminate bare hand contact with cooked or prepared foods.
Item 5B- Critical Violation [RED] Potentially hazardous foods are not cooled by an approved method where the food temperature can be reduced from 120oF to 70oF or less within two hours and 70oF to 45oF within four hours.

17. TIM HORTONS
5816 SOUTH TRANSIT ROAD, LOCKPORT

Item 8B- In use food dispensing utensils improperly stored.
Item 8C- Improper use and storage of clean, sanitized equipment and utensils.

18. LITTLE ITALY
360 RAINBOW BOULEVARD, NIAGARA FALLS

Item 10B- Non-food contact surfaces and equipment are improperly designed, constructed, installed, maintained (equipment not readily accessible for cleaning, surface not smooth finish).
Item 11A- Manual facilities inadequate, technique incorrect; mechanical facilities not operated in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
Item 11D- Non food contact surfaces of equipment not clean.
Item 12E- Handwashing facilities inaccessible, improperly located, dirty, in disrepair, improper fixtures, soap, and single service towels or hand drying devices missing.
Item 14A- Insects, rodents present.
Item 15B- Lighting and ventilation inadequate, fixtures not shielded, dirty ventilation hoods, ductwork, filters, exhaust fans.

19. NT CHINA WOK INC
983 PAYNE AVENUE, NORTH TONAWANDA

Item 2E- Critical Violation [RED] Accurate thermometers not available or used to evaluate potentially hazardous food temperatures during cooking, cooling, reheating and holding.
Item 8A- Food not protected during storage, preparation, display, transportation and service, from potential sources of contamination (e.g., food uncovered, mislabeled, stored on floor, missing or inadequate sneeze guards, food containers double stacked).
Item 11B- Wiping cloths dirty, not stored properly in sanitizing solutions.
Item 11D- Non food contact surfaces of equipment not clean.
Item 12E- Handwashing facilities inaccessible, improperly located, dirty, in disrepair, improper fixtures, soap, and single service towels or hand drying devices missing.
Item 14B- Effective measures not used to control entrance (rodent-, insect-proof contruction). Harborage areas available for rodents, insects and other vermin.
Item 14C- Pesticide application not supervised by a certified applicator.
Item 15A- Floors, walls, ceilings, not smooth, properly constructed, in disrepair, dirty surfaces.

20. SPRING ASIAN CUISINE LLC
92 WEBSTER STREET, NORTH TONAWANDA

Item 8B- In use food dispensing utensils improperly stored.
Item 11A- Manual facilities inadequate, technique incorrect; mechanical facilities not operated in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
Item 11D- Non food contact surfaces of equipment not clean.
Item 12C- Plumbing and sinks not properly sized, installed, maintained; equipment and floors not properly drained.

21. ANGIE'S SOUL KITCHEN LLC
2301 HYDE PARK BOULEVARD, NIAGARA FALLS

Item 5C- Critical Violation [RED] Potentially hazardous foods are not stored under refrigeration except during necessary preparation or approved precooling procedures (room temperature storage).
Item 8F- Improper thawing procedures used.

22. BLONEVA BOND PRIMARY SCHOOL
2513 NIAGARA STREET, NIAGARA FALLS

Item 6A- Critical Violation [RED] Potentially hazardous foods are not kept at or above 140°F during hot holding.
Item 11A- Manual facilities inadequate, technique incorrect; mechanical facilities not operated in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
Item 11C- Food contact surfaces not washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any time of operations when contamination may have occurred.
Item 14B- Effective measures not used to control entrance (rodent-, insect-proof contruction). Harborage areas available for rodents, insects and other vermin.

23. VIOLA'S SUB HOUSE
1539 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS

Item 2E- Critical Violation [RED] Accurate thermometers not available or used to evaluate potentially hazardous food temperatures during cooking, cooling, reheating and holding.
Item 10B- Non-food contact surfaces and equipment are improperly designed, constructed, installed, maintained (equipment not readily accessible for cleaning, surface not smooth finish).
Item 12C- Plumbing and sinks not properly sized, installed, maintained; equipment and floors not properly drained.

24. CHOPS SHOP PIZZERIA
8405 ROCHESTER ROAD, GASPORT

Item 15A- Floors, walls, ceilings, not smooth, properly constructed, in disrepair, dirty surfaces.
Item 15B- Lighting and ventilation inadequate, fixtures not shielded, dirty ventilation hoods, ductwork, filters, exhaust fans.

25. HOOVER'S DAIRY, INC.
6035 WARD ROAD, SANBORN

Item 10A- Food (ice) contact surfaces are improperly designed, constructed, installed, located (cracks, open seams, pitted surfaces, tin cans reused, uncleanable or corroded food contact surfaces).
Item 10B- Non-food contact surfaces and equipment are improperly designed, constructed, installed, maintained (equipment not readily accessible for cleaning, surface not smooth finish).
Item 11D- Non food contact surfaces of equipment not clean.
Item 15A- Floors, walls, ceilings, not smooth, properly constructed, in disrepair, dirty surfaces.

26. MOLINARO'S PIZZERIA & CAFFE'
90 WALNUT STREET, LOCKPORT

Item 15B- Lighting and ventilation inadequate, fixtures not shielded, dirty ventilation hoods, ductwork, filters, exhaust fans.

27. LEON'S ITALIAN BISTRO & PIZZA
8890 PORTER ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS

Item 11C- Food contact surfaces not washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any time of operations when contamination may have occurred.
Item 12C- Plumbing and sinks not properly sized, installed, maintained; equipment and floors not properly drained.
Item 14A- Insects, rodents present.
Item 15A- Floors, walls, ceilings, not smooth, properly constructed, in disrepair, dirty surfaces.

28. MC DONALD'S
8320 NIAGARA FALLS BOULEVARD, NIAGARA FALLS

Item 10B- Non-food contact surfaces and equipment are improperly designed, constructed, installed, maintained (equipment not readily accessible for cleaning, surface not smooth finish).
Item 12C- Plumbing and sinks not properly sized, installed, maintained; equipment and floors not properly drained. Item 16- Miscellaneous, Economic Violation, Choking Poster, Training.

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