Cook didn’t wash after nose wipe. Feces. Bugs. Wichita KS restaurant, hotel checks
Twenty-one restaurants, grocery stores, hotels and other businesses in Wichita were out of compliance during food safety and lodging inspections conducted by the Kansas Department of Agriculture during the two-week period between Aug. 25 and Sept. 7.
They were cited for a number of violations, including a cook who didn’t wash their hands after wiping their nose, living and dead bugs, mice, old foods, items that weren’t stored properly or kept at safe temperatures, mold, missing labels and more, according to inspection reports. One restaurant was investigated over a possible foodborne illness outbreak.
Nine businesses were non-compliant Aug. 25-31. The other 12 failed inspections Sept. 1-7.
Information about the food establishments and hotels and motels, as well as a summary of their violations, appears below. All of the businesses listed are in Sedgwick County. The list was compiled on Sept. 12 and updated on Sept. 17.
Nearly 100 establishments passed inspections during that same time period. A list of those also appears below. Some may have been non-compliant in previous weeks.
Business owners and managers can contact Eagle reporter Amy Renee Leiker at 316-268-6644 or aleiker@wichitaeagle.com to comment on inspection results that appear in this story. Comments will be added to the online version of this article.
More details about inspections are in The Eagle’s searchable database of non-compliant restaurant and hotel inspections at www.kansas.com/databases.
Out of compliance inspections
Aug. 25-31
Cracker Barrel, 619 S. Ridge Road in Wichita — Three violations on Aug. 29 during a foodborne illness outbreak investigation. A fly landed on the crust of a chicken pot pie, macaroni and cheese wasn’t kept hot enough, flies in kitchen area. Next inspection: Sept. 8.
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill, 1520 S. Webb, Suite 100 in Wichita — Five violations on Aug. 26 during a complaint inspection. A gallon of milk wasn’t labeled with its opening date, an employee preparing food didn’t wash hands after picking a piece of bacon up off the floor, a crate was blocking a hand-washing sink, gravy wasn’t hot enough in hot holding, an employee had their personal drink cup by the toasting unit and was touching it while preparing customer food. The next inspection date listed was Sept. 5.
The Eatery, 3928 E. 13th St. in Wichita — Nine violations on Aug. 28 during a routine inspection. No probe food thermometer on site, employee didn’t wash hands before handling food, raw eggs were stored above fresh produce and ready-to-eat foods in a cooler, bacon was stored touching ready-to-eat hot dogs and hot links, there was no consumer advisory warning customers of the risks of consuming undercooked meats and eggs, container of cooked cabbage and green beans weren’t labeled with their preparation dates, bags of thawed hot dogs and hot links weren’t labeled with the dates they were removed from the freezer, the restaurant wasn’t using food-grade containers for food storage, there wasn’t enough sanitizer in a sink, the restaurant was using a sink with a direct connection to the sewage system to prepare food. The next inspection date listed was Sept. 7.
Economy Hotel Plus Wichita, 5805 W. Kellogg Drive in Wichita — Two violations on Aug. 26 during a modified complaint inspection. Dirt and debris throughout hallways and spills and stains on carpet, leaky pipe in basement ceiling was dripping water on floor. The next inspection date listed was Sept. 6.
Fat Ernie’s Family Dining, 2806 S. Hydraulic in Wichita — Four violations on Aug. 26 during a modified complaint inspection. Accumulation of grease and food debris in the kitchen, standing water, dead flies in dining room and in kitchen, back door to the kitchen was propped open, cockroaches under soda machine and on kitchen floor by fryer, flies by the back door. Next inspection: Oct. 26.
Lee’s Chinese Restaurant, 6215 W. Kellogg Drive in Wichita — Two violations on Aug. 27 during a follow-up inspection. Frozen raw chicken was stored in a T-shirt bag instead of a food-grade container, soups were sitting out at room temperature. Next inspection: Oct. 27.
New Paradise Indian Restaurant, 1648 S. Rock Road in Wichita — Fourteen violations on Aug. 27 during an inspection that was a follow-up to an administrative order. Scoops and a rolling pin were stored inside containers of flour and salt, several bus tubs of cooked meat weren’t labeled with their preparation dates, a fly landed on cutting board, “thick build up of food debris” on wire racks in a cooler, flies in kitchen, grease encrusted unused cooking equipment and fan, employee washed their hands at the wrong sink, containers of flour and seasonings weren’t covered to protect them from contamination, fly strips handing directly above pots and sink, grease and grime, items encrusted with food debris, gap under back door, back door was propped open, dead mice, open containers of mouse poison were sitting in the kitchen. Next inspection: Oct. 27.
Outback Steakhouse, 233 S. Ridge Road in Wichita — One violation on Aug. 28 during a complaint inspection. Lettuce and cheese weren’t cold enough at the salad station, dressings and sauces weren’t cold enough. The restaurant was still out of compliance, with three violations, during a follow-up inspection on Sept. 9.
Papa’s General Store, 3700 E. Douglas, Suite 30 in Wichita — Three violations on Aug. 28 during a routine inspection. Dozens of fresh mouse droppings near cones and candy and ice cream toppings, mouse feces by water heaters and in other locations in basement, old cartons of oat milk and coconut milk, the shop didn’t have the right equipment to test the strength of sanitizer it was using in a three-compartment sink. The restaurant was in compliance, with no violations, on Sept. 11.
Sept. 1-7
54 Craft & Co., 549 S. Rock Road in Wichita — Three violations on Sept. 5 during a routine inspection. Food in a refrigerated preparation table wasn’t cold enough, water wasn’t hot enough at a three-compartment sink, there wasn’t a measurable amount of sanitizer in a bucket of wiping cloths. Next inspection: Sept. 15.
Cappuccino Connections, (mobile vendor/food truck) 1304 N. Doris in Wichita — Seven violations on Sept. 6 during a routine inspection. An employee was washing his hands in a sink designated for another use, a fly landed on sliced limes, a container of limes wasn’t covered to protect it from contamination, an employee touched limes used for drinks with their bare hands, there wasn’t enough sanitizer in a bucket of wiping cloths, a fly landed on metal whisks, flies were landing on food and food contact surfaces. The business was in compliance, with one violation, at its follow-up inspection the next day.
Charley’s Philly Steaks at Towne East Square, 7700 E. Kellogg Drive, Suite VC06 in Wichita — One violation on Sept. 4 during an inspection that was a follow-up to an administrative order. Lettuce and cheese in a cooler weren’t cold enough. Next inspection: Nov. 4.
Crazy Crab, 779 N. West St. in Wichita — Four violations on Sept. 4 during a modified complaint inspection. A hand-washing sink didn’t work, moldy lemons, raw eggs were stored above ready-to-eat produce in a walk-in cooler, flies were getting into the building because a door was open and due to gaps along the bottom of the door. Next inspection: Sept. 14.
Grace Market, 1030 S. Oliver in Wichita — Three violations on Sept. 5 during a routine inspection. Several foods in a refrigerated preparation table weren’t cold enough, a cook ate then used a tissue to wipe or blow their nose then put on gloves and started preparing customer food without washing their hands, raw pork belly was stored above ready-to-eat foods, raw eggs were stored above chili paste. Next inspection: Sept. 15.
Hong Kong Express, 7900 E. Harry in Wichita — Six violations on Sept. 4 during a routine inspection. Containers of raw chicken and noodles weren’t kept cold enough, water wasn’t hot enough at a hand-washing sink, an employee washed hands in a sink dedicated to food preparation, dirty kitchen equipment, no air gap at food preparation sink, container blocked hand-washing sink. Next inspection: Sept. 14.
Lil Garvey’s BBQ (mobile vendor/food truck), 753 N. Dougherty in Wichita — One violation on Sept. 7 during a routine inspection. The hot water wasn’t working at a sink. The business was in compliance during a remote/phone only inspection on Sept. 9.
Round1 Bowling & Arcade at Towne East Square, 7700 E. Kellogg Drive, Suite G03J in Wichita — One violation on Sept. 4 during a routine inspection. Pre-made pizzas weren’t cold enough in a cooler in the kitchen. Next inspection: Sept. 14.
Scooter’s Coffee, 13335 W. Maple in Wichita — Four violations on Sept. 4 during a routine inspection. The restaurant didn’t have a probe food thermometer, no soap at a hand-washing sink, no paper towels at a hand-washing sink, flies were landing on food and surfaces that touch food. Next inspection: Sept. 14.
Slim Chickens, 2313 N. Greenwich in Wichita — One violation on Sept. 4 during an inspection that was a follow-up to an administrative order. Raw chicken wasn’t kept cold enough. Next inspection: Nov. 4.
Super 8 by Wyndham Wichita North, 3741 N. Rock Road in Wichita — Three violations on Sept. 5 during a routine inspection. No paper towels at the hand-washing sink in breakfast room, waffle batter wasn’t labeled with the time it was removed from refrigeration, no probe food thermometer on site. Next inspection: Sept. 15.
Wichita Brewing Company Production Facility, 727 E. Osie in Wichita — Eight violations on Sept. 5 during an inspection related to an FDA contract. Three sides of the building exterior were covered with plant growth which can harbor pests, pallets of kegs and cans were stored directly against the walls of the coolers so they couldn’t be inspected, mold on equipment, doors that don’t have any screens to prevent pests were left open, flies in building, back flow prevention for the facility hadn’t been tested in more than a year, cobwebs and dead bugs, trash and other clutter, animal feces under stairs, bottles of isopropyl alcohol weren’t labeled, rodent feces “too numerous to count” along walls, bottle of key lime flavoring had cobwebs and “evidence of insect activity” on it. Next inspection: Sept. 15.
How do businesses fail inspections?
Businesses fall out of compliance when they have too many violations, issues that can cause a foodborne illness, when a problem can’t be fixed right away, such as bug and rodent infestations, and more. But most violations are minor and are corrected while an inspection is taking place.
Typically, establishments are reinspected within 10 days to ensure they are following the rules.
It’s rare for a business to shut down over a failed inspection. But it can happen. Usually, closures are temporary, voluntary and due to major problems, such as sewage backups, pest infestations, and water or power outages.
The lists in this story include only businesses from Sedgwick County. But you can search food and lodging inspection results anywhere in Kansas at https://foodsafety.kda.ks.gov/FoodSafety/Web/Inspection/PublicInspectionSearch.aspx.
Complaint? Here’s where to submit it
If you see problems at a food or lodging establishment, you can file a complaint.
To notify the state about unsavory or questionable conditions anywhere that serves or sells food to the public, email kda.fsl@ks.gov or call 785-564-6767. You can also file a complaint at www.foodsafetykansas.org.
To report an illness you think was caused by a restaurant, food or event, contact the Kansas Department of Health and Environment at 877-427-7317 or www.foodsafetykansas.org.
Complaints about conditions at hotels and motels can be submitted at www.agriculture.ks.gov/public-resources/comments-complaints/lodging-complaint.
For more information about foodborne illnesses, visit www.foodsafety.gov.
These businesses passed inspections
Aug. 25-31
- Barone Coffee at Towne East Square, 7700 E. Kellogg Drive, Suite K118-1 in Wichita
- Baymont Inn & Suites by Wyndham Wichita East, 12111 E. Central in Wichita
- Braum’s Ice Cream & Dairy Store, 201 N. Seneca in Wichita
- Bubbles Champagne Bar, 523 E. Douglas in Wichita
- Burgardt Liquor, 3027 E. Pawnee in Wichita
- Carnitas San Juan, 2247 N. Broadway in Wichita
- Central Kitchen at Derby Public Schools, 610 E. Market in Derby
- Chandlerdans at Botanica, 701 N. Amidon in Wichita
- Cheri’s Bakery, 2121 N. Tyler Road, Suite 300 in Wichita
- Cocoa Dolce Chocolates, 235 N. St. Francis in Wichita
- Criminal Rolls (prepared at The Shared Kitchen), 926 W. Harry in Wichita
- Crumbl Cookies, 2755 N. Maize Road in Wichita
- Dempsey’s Burger Pub, 3700 E. Douglas in Wichita
- Dunkin’ Donuts, 2560 N. Rock Road in Derby
- Firehouse Subs, 2755 N. Maize Road, Suite 111 in Wichita
- Five Below, 1936 N. Rock Road, Suite 800 in Derby
- Friends University Dining Hall, 2100 W. University in Wichita
- Gammon Elementary School, 3240 N. Rushwood in Wichita
- GHC Derby Sandbox Operator LLC at the Sandbox at Derby, 2412 N. Rock Road in Derby
- Gorditas Express, 1602 E. Harry in Wichita
- The Grill, 222 N. Second Ave. in Mulvane
- Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Wichita East, 411 S. Webb in Wichita
- ICY-T, 3700 E. Douglas, Suite 2 in Wichita
- Jersey Mike’s Subs, 1918 N. Rock Road in Derby
- KS Smoke Shop & Grocery, 5701 E. Lincoln in Wichita
- Kung Fu Tea, 2021 N. Amidon, Suite 140 in Wichita
- Kwik Shop (Burger King/Cinnabon), 5410 N. Air Cap Drive in Park City
- La Jarochita Mexican Food, (mobile vendor/food truck) 1919 N. Spruce in Wichita
- Longhorn Steakhouse, 2720 N. Maize Road in Wichita
- Lunas Tacos, (mobile vendor/food truck) 1113 W. Greenfield in Wichita
- Mariscos Culichi, (mobile vendor/food truck) 3220 S. Knight in Wichita
- Marisqueria El Tucanazo, 1607 S. Broadway in Wichita
- Meals on Wheels/Friendship Meals, 1901 S. Kansas in Wichita
- Meddys, 2441 N. Maize Road, Suite 1501 in Wichita
- Napoli Italian Eatery, 7718 E. 37th St. North, Suite 500 in Wichita
- Nori Japan at Towne East Square, 7700 E. Kellogg Drive, Suite VC02 in Wichita
- Oak & Pie, 2244 N. Greenwich, Suite 900 in Wichita
- Old School Tap House & Social, 210 E. Kechi Road in Kechi
- Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (Chix Seneca LLC), 1623 S. Seneca in Wichita
- Premier Food Service at Metal Arts, 3629 W. 30th St. South in Wichita
- Premier Food Service at Wickham Glass Company, 4747 N. Webb in Bel Aire
- Pizza Hut, 6505 E. 37th St. North, Suite 100 in Wichita
- The Popcorner, 2121 N. Tyler Road, Suite 141 in Wichita
- Prairie Donuts, 1652 S. Rock Road in Wichita
- QuikTrip, 750 S. Broadway in Wichita
- Sakura Japanese Cuisine, 605 W. Douglas in Wichita
- Sam’s Club, 3415 N. Rock Road in Wichita
- Smoothie King, 1861 E. Madison, Suite 600 in Derby
- Subway, 6218 E. 37th St. North in Bel Aire
- Taco Shop, 1010 E. Harry in Wichita
- Tallgrass Pool at Tallgrass Country Club, 2400 N. Tallgrass in Wichita
- Target, 10800 E. 21st St. in Wichita
- Thrive Kitchen, 1635 E. 37th St. North, Suite 4 in Wichita
- TJ’s Burger House, 1003 W. Douglas in Wichita
- TownePlace Suites Wichita East by Marriott, 9444 E. 29th St. North in Wichita
- Wheat Street Dogs, 751 S. George Washington Blvd. in Wichita
- Wichita Fellowship Club, 2206 E. 101st St. North in Valley Center
- Wichita Nutrition, 2929 N. Rock Road, Suite 145 in Wichita
- Wings and Burgers Grill Etc., 1714 E. Northern in Wichita
Sept. 1-7
- Arby’s, 2425 S. Seneca in Wichita
- Arby’s, 910 E. 53rd St. North in Park City
- Braum’s Ice Cream & Dairy Store, 444 E. Pawnee in Wichita
- Burger King, 1104 N. Broadway in Wichita
- Cake Stuff, 8909 W. Central in Wichita
- Champs 316 Bar & Grill, 1106 S. Seneca in Wichita
- Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, 11711 E. 13th St. in Wichita
- Chubbs & Spudds, (mobile vendor/food truck) 1304 N. Doris in Wichita
- Circle USD 375 Greenwich Elementary School, 3250 N. Greenwich in Wichita
- Club Billiards USA, 923 W. Douglas in Wichita
- Connie’s Funnel Cakes, (mobile vendor/food truck) 2310 N. Ridge Club Circle in Wichita
- Dillons, 8828 W. 13th St. in Wichita
- Dillons, 3932 W. 13th St. in Wichita
- Golden Corral Buffet & Grill, 616 S. Ridge Road in Wichita
- Hangar One Steakhouse, 5925 W. Kellogg Drive in Wichita
- Hopping Gnome Brewing Company, 1719 E. Victor in Wichita
- Jump Start, 911 E. 53rd St. North in Park City
- La Hacienda Tacos & Tequila, 5905 W. Kellogg Drive in Wichita
- McDonald’s, 917 N. Baltimore in Derby
- McDonald’s, 545 N. Hillside in Wichita
- Morrison Management Specialist, 3333 N. Webb in Wichita
- Mulligan’s Pub, 8343 E. 32nd St. North, Suite 110 in Wichita
- The Old Spaghetti Factory, 1421 N. Waterfront Parkway in Wichita
- Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, 1718 N. Rock Road in Derby
- Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, 665 N. Ridge Road in Wichita
- Pinole Blue, 242 N. Cleveland in Wichita
- The Popcorner, 11330 E. Central, Suite 800 in Wichita
- RibCrib BBQ & Grill, 1440 N. Rock Road in Derby
- Sonic Drive-In, 1414 E. Grand in Haysville
- SPK Grocery Cheney, 412 N. Main in Cheney
- Station 8 BBQ, 1100 E. Third St. in Wichita
- Super 8 by Wyndham Wichita North, 3741 N. Rock Road in Wichita
- Tacos El Chaparro, (mobile vendor/food truck) 508 W. 29th St. North in Wichita
- Uncle Scottie’s BBQ, 3851 S. Seneca in Wichita
- Walmart Neighborhood Market, 1106 S. Rock Road in Derby
- Wichita Country Club, 8501 E. 13th St. in Wichita
- Wichita Northwest High School, 1220 N. Tyler Road in Wichita
- Wingstop, 7809 E. Harry in Wichita
Note: Sometimes addresses listed — especially for mobile vendors and food trucks — are not where food is actually served to the public. Contact those establishments directly for specific service locations.
This story was originally published September 14, 2024 at 4:33 AM.
