CJ's Patio Grill Requires Re-Inspection After Multiple Food Safety Violations Found
CJ's Patio Grill in Loveland was ordered to undergo a re-inspection after health officials found multiple food safety violations during an October 24 inspection, including improper cold holding temperatures and the absence of a certified food protection manager on site.
The American grill at 1331 Eagle Drive received a score of 50 points, placing it in the "Re-Inspection Required" category, according to Larimer County health inspection records. Under county scoring guidelines, establishments in the 50-109 point range have a higher level of risk with several priority, priority foundation or core violations.
Health inspectors found multiple foods in the walk-in cooler holding at temperatures above the required 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut tomatoes measured 43 degrees, french onion soup and green chili also measured 43 degrees, while salsa reached 44 degrees. Rice measured 43 degrees and lasagne reached 44 degrees. Improper temperature control is considered a critical violation because it can allow harmful bacteria to multiply to dangerous levels.
The restaurant, which has operated in Loveland for more than a decade and serves a range of American comfort food from breakfast through dinner, also lacked a certified food protection manager on site when the inspection began. A manager with certification arrived approximately one hour into the inspection. County regulations require at least one certified food protection manager with supervisory authority to be present during all hours of food preparation and service.
Additional violations included no soap provided at the bar hand sink, though the restaurant provided soap when requested during the inspection. No signage reminding employees to wash their hands was posted in the women's restroom, which is required at all handwashing facilities used by food workers.
Inspectors also found date marking issues, including meatballs dated September 9 that had been pulled from the freezer but lacked updated thaw dates. Noodles prepared on a Sunday were observed without any date marking in the bottom of the left make table cooler. Ready-to-eat foods must be properly date marked to track how long they have been stored.
The restaurant lacked written procedures for par-cooked chicken, which requires specific documentation describing cooling, cold holding, heating to at least 165 degrees before service, and proper storage away from ready-to-eat foods. A written procedure was created during the inspection.
CJ's Patio Grill operates Monday through Thursday from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Saturday from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The establishment offers dine-in, takeout, patio dining and catering services.
A follow-up inspection will be conducted to ensure the violations have been corrected and basic food safety standards are met. The restaurant was not ordered to close and remains operational.