Little Mesa Cafe
C°Cutting Edge3929 E Main St, Mesa 85205
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking · Permit FD-01260
Score based on 10 scored inspections over the county's rolling 3-year window, weighted toward recent visits. How scoring works
An inspection on Mar 16, 2026 found violations at the county's most serious (D-equivalent) level. Scores are held in the “Poor” band for 6 months after such events — until Sep 12, 2026, assuming no further incidents. How scoring works
Score over time
Inspection history10 on record
2026
Jun 25, 2026Routine2 priority1 coreC°
report emailed.Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Inspector's notes
please ensure facility has a certified food manager during the hours of operations. also, food works must have a proper online foodservice training certificate. please visit resources at esd.maricopa.gov
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2-102.12(A) - Core: Certified Food Protection Manager. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these resources on our website. https://www.maricopa.gov/5114/Food-Restaurants
Inspector's notes
observed on site sausage gravy at 118-122 inside the steam table. also noted the steam table very low on hot water. discussed with kitchen staff on duty. recommended to adjust steam table to an adequate level. also, the tcs food shall be kept at 135 deg f or higher. staff reheated the sausage gravy to 165 deg f . please ensure tcs food is kept at 135 deg f or higher. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
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PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.16(A)(1) - Priority: Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Hot Holding. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4614/AMC-Toolbox---Hot-Holding.
Inspector's notes
checked chlorine sanitizer prepared, noted at 200 ppm. flashing black on the chlorine test strip. discussed with staff and manager the proper sanitizer residual. manager drained and refilled chlorine. 50 ppm sanitizer established. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
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PRIORITY VIOLATION-7-204.11 - Priority: Sanitizers, Criteria-Chemicals
Mar 25, 2026Re-InspectioncleanA°
report emailed.Predefined Comment: Upon re-inspection, all violations due for correction have been corrected.
Mar 16, 2026Routine3 priority1 foundation1 coreD°
report emailed. re-inspection scheduled for salad cooler, and automatic dishwasher, 10 days, 3-26-2026. Cutting edge program guidance information and application reviewed with facility manager on sitePredefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.Predefined Comment: This establishment has failed to demonstrate the necessary level of compliance to continue participation in the Cutting Edge Program.
Inspector's notes
checked sanitizer at the automatic dishwasher. noted at 0ppm. manager ran equipment several times. still at 0ppm. manager placed a service call. re-inspection scheduled. meanwhile, suggested to use facilities manual ware washing basin, manager will show staff how to prepare chlorine at 50 ppm. manual ware washing sequences, (wash, rinse, Sanitize) setup reviewed. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection.
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PRIORITY VIOLATION-4-501.114 (A-E) - Priority: Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment, Chemical Sanitization- Temperature, pH, Concentration and Hardness. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4574/AMC-Toolbox---Food-Contact-Surfaces.
Inspector's notes
observed at the salad service station, cut tomatoes, sour creme, sliced cheese , at 51 -54 deg f . discussed the proper cold holding for the tcs food. manager discarded tcs food. please ensure rte/tcs food is kept at 41 deg f Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
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PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.16(A)(2) and (B) - Priority: Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Cold Holding. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you.https://www.maricopa.gov/4576/AMC-Toolbox---Cold-Holding.
Inspector's notes
proper sanitizer mixture set up reviewed. checked sanitizer in the front bar and the middle expo salad station. both exceeding 200 ppm, flashing black on chlorine test strip. manager will provide training for the food staff to ensure sanitizer is prepared at 50-100ppm. manager discarded sanitizer. fresh proper sanitizer prepared. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
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PRIORITY VIOLATION-7-204.11 - Priority: Sanitizers, Criteria-Chemicals
Inspector's notes
observed the salad reach-in cooler at 51-53 deg f . manager placed a work order. re-inspection scheduled. Suggested to place new cut lettuce, cut tomatoes, sour creme in the facility walk-in or small shallow metal pans utilizing ice bath till the unit repaired. please ensure the cooler can maintain 41 deg f or cooler. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection. 3-501.15 (B) - Core: Cooling Methods; Covered and Properly Arranged Containers. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4617/AMC-Toolbox---Cooling. Addl Notes: observed in the grill station, food reach-in cooler, sliced ham/sliced turkey at 54 deg f. pans overfilled, some pans had China food bowl underneath to raise the portioned food. also sliced pepper jack, sliced turkey, sliced ham in another pan, highly overfilled. food temperatures indication 51-55 deg f . discussed with manager. please ensure food cooler lids are closed and food pans are not overfilled. use of a smaller metal food pans reviewed. also, the cooler door gasket partially fallen. please ensure tcs food is reached and kept at 41 deg f . manager removed excess food Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
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4-301.11 - Priority Foundation: Cooling, Heating, and Holding Capacities-Equipment. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4617/AMC-Toolbox---Cooling.
Inspector's notes
observed in the expo salad station, holes in the wall, dry wall damage behind the food cooler. please repair the wall to smooth, easily cleanable. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.
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6-201.13 - Core: Floor and Wall Junctures, Coved, and Enclosed or Sealed
2025
Oct 23, 2025RoutinecleanA+
Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.Predefined Comment: This establishment is enrolled in the Maricopa County Environmental Services Cutting Edge Program and is on the Cutting Edge of food safety.Copy of inspection provided to PIC via email.
Sep 8, 2025Routine1 priority1 coreB°
Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.Copy of inspection provided to PIC via email.
Inspector's notes
At time of inspection, no CFPM was on site. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.
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2-102.12(A) - Core: Certified Food Protection Manager. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these resources on our website. https://www.maricopa.gov/5114/Food-Restaurants Predefined Comment: A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation.
Inspector's notes
Observed at the back of the kitchen two w-40 containers stored above a meat slicer and a prep table area. Employee moved all chemicals to a lower shelf away from any possible contamination at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
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PRIORITY VIOLATION-7-201.11 - Priority: Separation-Storage Predefined Comment: Chemicals must be stored away from food, utensils, and single service items at all times to prevent contamination. All chemicals were relocated and properly stored by PIC at time of inspection.
Apr 16, 2025RoutinecleanA+
Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.Predefined Comment: This establishment is enrolled in the Maricopa County Environmental Services Cutting Edge Program and is on the Cutting Edge of food safety.Copy of inspection provided to PIC via email.
2024
Dec 16, 2024Routine1 priority3 coreB
No County legal action will result from this inspection.After discussion with the person in charge, it has been determined that the root cause of the violation was training staff, which resulted in the violation.
Inspector's notes
No CFPM onsite at the time of inspection. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.
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Repeat Violation *Second consecutive repeat violation* 2-102.12(A) - Core: Certified Food Protection Manager. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these resources on our website. https://www.maricopa.gov/5114/Food-Restaurants
Inspector's notes
Observed raw sausage patties and links stores above raw tilapia and salmon. Observed raw hamburger stored above raw pork and beef steaks and RTE ham. Observed the raw pork and beef steaks also stored above RTE ham. All raw animal proteins must be stored below ready-to-eat (RTE) foods and stored according to cooking temperature at all times to prevent cross contamination. PIC properly stored all raw animal proteins according to the final cooking temperature based on the cooking parameters in § 3-401.11 of the Food Code. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
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PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-302.11 (A1-2) - Priority: Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation, Packaging, and Segregation; Protection from Cross Contamination. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these simple tools in our Active Managerial Control Toolbox, made especially for you. https://www.maricopa.gov/4621/AMC-Toolbox---Cross-Contamination.
Inspector's notes
Observed a buildup on debris inside the chemical low temp dishwasher. Nonfood-contact surfaces shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. Nonfood-contact surfaces shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.
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4-602.13 - Core: Nonfood Contact Surfaces
Inspector's notes
Observed heavily dust-coated walk in cooler fan covers. Also observed an accumulation of dust from the overheat AC vents throughout the kitchen. Clean areas to ensure they are not a potential source of contamination to foods or food prep areas. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.
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6-501.14 - Core: Cleaning Ventilation Systems, Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition
Oct 29, 2024Routine1 coreA+
Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.Predefined Comment: This establishment is enrolled in the Maricopa County Environmental Services Cutting Edge Program and is on the Cutting Edge of food safety.Copy of inspection provided to PIC via email.
Inspector's notes
Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.
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2-102.12(A) - Core: Certified Food Protection Manager. For a permanent fix to this violation, check out these resources on our website. https://www.maricopa.gov/5114/Food-Restaurants Predefined Comment: A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation.
May 23, 2024Routine1 coreA+
This establishment is on the Cutting Edge Program and received an A+ grade. There were 0 priority, and 0 priority foundations noted.FDA 01 2-102.12(A), C ??Certified Food Protection Manager??No employee with supervisory and management responsibility with the authority to direct and control foodpreparation that is deemed a certified food protection manager.??The certified food protection manager certificate is deemed not to be from an accredited program.Copy of inspection provided to PIC via email.Notes:The Environmental Services Department will begin emailing permit card(s) and permit invoice(s) to permittees in thecoming months. We need a current and accurate email address on file to ensure you receive a copy of your permitcard and invoice(s) upon renewal.If you are unsure whether your email address is accurate, you may:??Contact your inspector using the phone number or email on your last inspection report to review, or??Contact the Department using the email addresses below,o Envquickservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities such as fast-food)o Envfullservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities that are full-service restaurants)o Envretailgrocery@maricopa.gov (facilities like grocery stores or retail food markets)o Envspecialtyprograms@maricopa.gov (mobile food/special events/plan review)Note: If you need to update your email address and/or other contact information, please submit an administrativechange request form at the below websitehttps://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request-Form-181 or call 602-506-6824.No County legal action will result from this inspection.Award: Cutting Edge A+,Signer: Jeff S.
Core-6-501.12, C: Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions---Observed accumulation of food debri/grease throughout hood vents/filters. Per PIC they are scheduled to be cleaned on Monday. Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection
2023
Oct 11, 2023RoutinecleanA+
This establishment is on the Cutting Edge Program and received an A+ grade. There were 0 priority, and 0 priority foundations noted.FDA 01 2-102.12(A), C ??Certified Food Protection Manager??No employee with supervisory and management responsibility with the authority to direct and control foodpreparation that is deemed a certified food protection manager.??The certified food protection manager certificate is deemed not to be from an accredited program.Copy of inspection provided to PIC via email.Notes:The Environmental Services Department will begin emailing permit card(s) and permit invoice(s) to permittees in thecoming months. We need a current and accurate email address on file to ensure you receive a copy of your permitcard and invoice(s) upon renewal.If you are unsure whether your email address is accurate, you may:??Contact your inspector using the phone number or email on your last inspection report to review, or??Contact the Department using the email addresses below,o Envquickservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities such as fast-food)o Envfullservicerestaurants@maricopa.gov (facilities that are full-service restaurants)o Envretailgrocery@maricopa.gov (facilities like grocery stores or retail food markets)o Envspecialtyprograms@maricopa.gov (mobile food/special events/plan review)Note: If you need to update your email address and/or other contact information, please submit an administrativechange request form at the below websitehttps://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request-Form-181 or call 602-506-6824.No County legal action will result from this inspection.Award: Cutting Edge A+,Signer: Jeff S.
Data from Maricopa County Environmental Services public records, last checked Jul 20, 2026. Grades marked with ° are computed equivalents for establishments not participating in the county's voluntary grading program. View official county records →