MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (WUSA) -- From roaches to mice to poorly trained managers, every week, we pull food inspection records from DC, Alexandria, Fairfax, Arlington, Prince George's, Loudon and Montgomery County for violations.
This report focuses on four Montgomery County suspensions including violations at a popular Bethesda café where the manager voluntarily quit serving customers before inspectors shut it down and a Quiznos manager who says she didn't know there was a rule requiring hot water to clean in restaurants.
Quiznos Boss Didn't Know Hot Water Rule For Cleaning
At Quiznos, 560 N. Frederick Avenue, in Gaithersburg , inspectors caught the store operating with no hot water, which is required to keep food handling safe.
"Just because we didn't have hot water," Krina Patel, the store manager, said.
She said the water seemed warm and she was surprised to learn health officials didn't want her to serve customers.
Patel said the store continued operating despite the potential danger because she didn't know experts say hot water is a key to preventing food borne illness.
"I didn't know about that because I just took over the store a few months ago," she said. "I mean, nobody told me about that."
She wasn't the only one to continue operations without hot water.
Strip Mall Concession Stand In Hot Water, Too
At 10121 New Hampshire Avenue in Silver Spring, inside a complex that includes Value Village and Unique Thrift Store, inspectors cited a concession stand called Philly Dawgz. Inspectors closed Philly Dawgz for operating with no hot water.
Philly Dawgz invited us in, and we tested their water supply. The water is now hot.
Mexican Restaurant Cited For Roach And Mice
At La Rumba, 2311 Price Avenue, Wheaton they wouldn't invite us in.
According to Montgomery County health records, officials ordered the place closed so the restaurant could clean after inspectors found a roach on the food prep cooler and mice droppings.
Popular Bethesda Cafe Cited For Vermin
In downtown Bethesda, regulars at Hard Times Café, 4922 Del Ray Avenue, were shocked at a suspension for vermin.
"So, they found mice, roaches, oh wow," said one guest. "I think I'm going to change my mind."
The café closed voluntarily when inspectors found 16 different violations, including vermin.
Still, the well-known Bethesda chili spot has its loyalists.
"If they give me a reasonable explanation, yeah, I'll continue to go back," said a guest who is a regular. "Yeah, yeah."
"We've already ordered," said another. I'm not sure that I'm going to eat though."
All the restaurants cleaned up, passed reinspections, and are back in business. We live Facebook and Tweet our Food Alert Patrols, follow us at http://twitter.com/russptacek or http://facebook.com/russptacek.
If you know about public health risks, corruption or government waste, let us know at tips@wusa9.com.