The Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District has shut down the Sonic Drive-In on Kemp Boulevard.
The district ordered the restaurant closed following an inspection conducted Dec. 17 in response to a rodent complaint from Dec. 9.
The city-county health district has closed the Sonic Drive-In on Kemp Boulevard for health violations.
The inspector found the business out of compliance in 18 areas that included:
-
Rodent feces in dry storage area, on the soda fountain, under the back hand-washing sink and under the three-compartment sink. Also observed flies in drink prep area and a strong odor in the back of the kitchen by the three-sink compartment.
-
Rodent feces under shelves in the dry storage area, by the back hand-washing sink and by the three-compartment sink. New holes developed in ceiling to allow pest entry.
-
Wiping cloths stored on several food contact surfaces instead of in a sanitizer bucker or laundry basket.
-
Ice scoop stored directly on top of the ice machine instead of in cleanable container or tray.
-
Rodent feces on a package of napkins that is exposed to contamination.
-
Grease and grime buildup on the electrical cords and wall behind the fryer that must be cleaned.
-
Holes in ceiling tiles must be repaired. Floor appeared in clean condition in food prep areas.
-
Two holes in ceiling tiles that must be repaired to prevent pest entry.
-
Floors are damaged, not cleanable and collecting water that can attract pests.
-
Two observations of employees having bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat food items without washing hands or adorning gloves. Manager was unaware and unaware how to provide a policy.
The restaurant was out of compliance in two areas that were corrected during the inspector’s visit. Those were:
-
Manager with an e-cigarette/vape and cellphone in food prep area. A personal drink was also being stored on a food prep surface.
-
Food items stored directly on the floor as an employee prepped onions.
The business was given notice of permit suspension by the environmental health administrator, and managers were instructed to close the establishment and cease all operations. Health department notices were posted on the doors.
The restaurant on Kemp Boulevard opened in 1971 and is the oldest of the Sonic Drive-In locations in Wichita Falls. Tax appraisal records show it is owned by BEM LC, Sonic Drive-In of Palatka, in Fort Worth.
More: Grace Ministries, Times Charities help family fallen on hard times
More: Big box retailer’s store in Wichita Falls poised to close
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Health department shuts down Kemp drag burger joint
