Two Lexington Food Service Providers Temporarily Shut Down by Local Health Department
The local health authority in Lexington conducted regular inspections last month, resulting in the temporary closure of two food outlets in the area; another establishment was discovered to have closed business, saving it from a potential shut down.
The Health Inspection Process
The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department conducts inspections for every local foodservice establishment on a minimum semi-annual basis. Some restaurants which have been flagged for issues are subject to heightened regulatory scrutiny and receive additional inspections. The department also conducts unscheduled inspections based on credible complaints received.
Restaurants that fail to meet the health department’s standards are temporarily closed. These establishments are visibly marked by a red sign placed on the door that communicates to potential customers that food service has been suspended. The specific restaurants that have been shut down, however, are not publicized by the health department.
This recent round of closures stands in contrast to the end of 2023, during which no restaurants were closed from October through January.
Restaurants Failed to Meet Standards
The downtown taco stand I Want Tacos Too, located at 400 W. Main St. in Triangle Park, and Gordon Food Service, at 1856 Plaudit Place, were the two establishments closed by the health department.
I Want Tacos Too
The taco stand failed repeated inspections, prompting its closure on Feb. 23. A health department spokesman revealed that the establishment scored a dismal 69 during inspection, with violations ranging from the presence of a personal phone on food preparation surfaces, to expired dairy, lack of proper sanitizing, food stored past seven days, absence of hair restraints in the kitchen, and even a sleeping area for a child located within the kitchen premises. The taco stand has since reopened on March 15.
Gordon Food Service
Meanwhile, Gordon Food Service was closed temporarily on March 1 due to an excessive amount of dust from ongoing renovation work. The construction forced all food stations to close, leading to the suspension of the food service provider’s operation. The establishment re-opened on the following day, March 2.
In a similar vein, the health department found that Tossin Tha Sauce Wings, located on South Limestone, had failed to pay for their 2024 permit to operate, prompting a closure notice to be posted. Upon visiting the establishment, health inspectors deduced that the business had potentially ceased operations.
