PlateScore

Denny's

2801 N Black Canyon Hwy, Phoenix 85009

Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking · Permit FD-23-03206

Score based on 9 scored inspections over the county's rolling 3-year window, weighted toward recent visits. How scoring works

93
Excellent

Phoenix restaurant avg: 95

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Score over time

100060202420252026Jan 4, 2024 — Routine — score 79 (1 priority, 1 foundation, 1 core)Aug 30, 2024 — Routine — score 99 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 1 core)Dec 10, 2024 — Routine — score 99 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 1 core)Apr 2, 2025 — Routine — score 91 (0 priority, 1 foundation, 4 core)Apr 8, 2025 — Re-Inspection — score 97 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 3 core)Aug 6, 2025 — Routine — score 79 (1 priority, 1 foundation, 1 core)Oct 30, 2025 — Routine — score 99 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 1 core)Apr 29, 2026 — Routine — score 100 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 0 core)Jul 1, 2026 — Routine — score 87 (0 priority, 2 foundation, 3 core)87
Score per routine inspection and re-inspection; dashed line marks the “Poor” threshold (60).

Inspection history9 on record

2026

Jul 1, 2026Routine2 foundation3 coreB°

No County legal action will result from this inspection.Observed leak from Atmospheric vacuum breaker (AVB) at the dish machine. Prior to next routine inspection, have backflow device serviced by a plumber or backflow specialist to ensure backflow device is in good repair.

#2 — Certified Food Protection ManagerCore2-102.12

Inspector's notes

Observed no Certified Food Manager (CFM) onsite at time of inspection. Person in charge (PIC) was unable to produce a valid certified food protection manager certificate. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation. Provide a CFPM onsite by next routine inspection. 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

#10 — Adequate Handwashing Sinks, Properly Supplied and AccessiblePriority foundation5-205.11

Inspector's notes

Observed dried food debris and plastic inside the designated hand sink basin next to the dry storage area at time of inspection. Discussed hand sink requirements with PIC. Handwash sinks must be supplied with hot water of at least 100°F, soap and an approved hand drying provision at all times. Facilities must be maintained in a condition that promotes handwashing. PIC will ensure establishment discontinues use of handwash sink for all activities that are not for handwashing. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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5-205.11 - Priority Foundation: Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance. 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/4573/AMC-Toolbox: Handwashing.

#16 — Food-Contact Surfaces: Cleaned and SanitizedPriority foundation4-601.11

Inspector's notes

Observed several tongs and ladles stored as clean with dried food debris on the food-contact surfaces. Discussed cleaning procedures for food-contact surfaces and spot checks with PIC. All food-contact surfaces must be cleaned to sight and touch. PIC relocated all food-contact surfaces to warewashing area to be washed, rinsed, and sanitized at the time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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4-601.11(A) - Priority Foundation: Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils. 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.

#54 — Garbage/Refuse Properly Disposed; Facilities MaintainedCore5-501.115

Inspector's notes

Observed outdoor grease trap enclosure with cat litter scattered around the base of the unit at time of inspection. Discussed routine maintenance for outdoor refuse enclosures with PIC. Ensure all outdoor enclosures are maintained free from unnecessary items and/or absorbent materials to eliminate pest harborage conditions. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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5-501.115 - Core: Maintaining Refuse Areas and Enclosures

#55 — Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained, and CleanCore6-501.11

Inspector's notes

Observed caulking around designated hand sink to be missing, cracked, or otherwise in disrepair, rendering the area neither smooth, nor easily cleanable. All floors, walls, and ceilings must be maintained and repaired such that it is smooth and easily cleanable. Repair physical facility prior to next routine inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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6-501.11 - Core: Repairing -Premises, Structures, Attachments, and Fixtures-Methods

Apr 29, 2026RoutinecleanA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.Observed dish machine to have a chlorine concentration of 0ppm, not in use at time of inspection. Establishment will use 3 comp sink with quat until dish machine is working properly.

2025

Oct 30, 2025Routine1 coreA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.Of Note: Discussed proper food storage with PIC.

#2 — Certified Food Protection ManagerCore2-102.12

Inspector's notes

Observed no Certified Food Manager (CFM) onsite at time of inspection. Person in charge (PIC) was unable to produce a valid certified food protection manager certificate. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation. Provide a CFPM onsite by next routine inspection. 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

Aug 6, 2025Routine1 priority1 foundation1 coreB°

No County legal action will result from this inspection.Discussed/reviewed date-marking, handwashing procedures & cooking temperatures

#1 — Person in Charge Present, Demonstrates Knowledge, and Performs DutiesPriority foundation2-102.11

Inspector's notes

No Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) present or available during inspection, while multiple violations were observed. The person in charge was unable to answer date marking questions, or cold holding or hot holding temperatures during inspection. Please have a CFPM present in the establishment during all operational hours. You can find a list of accredited certification providers one our website at https://www.maricopa.gov/631/Environmental-Services Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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2-102.11(A-B) and (C)(1), (4)-(16) - Priority Foundation: Demonstration; Demonstration of Knowledge

#16 — Food-Contact Surfaces: Cleaned and SanitizedPriority4-501.114

Inspector's notes

During inspection, a chlorine mechanical warewasher was observed actively being used to sanitize equipment, with a chlorine sanitizer level at 0ppm. The person in charge verified that the chemical concentration was below the appropriate levels using the facility's test strips and serviced the machine at the time of the inspection. All equipment was rewashed and sanitized at the time of the inspection. Please ensure warewashing is conducted with sanitizer at the appropriate chemical concentration. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of 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.

#49 — Non-Food-Contact Surfaces CleanCore4-601.11

Inspector's notes

During inspection, debris was observed on the sides of ovens & grills near the cookline. In a second instance, observed debris located on the side nozzles near the soda dispenser. Please ensure to maintain non-food contact surfaces, food contact surfaces, and equipment clean at all times. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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4-601.11(B) and (C) - Core: Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils

Apr 8, 2025Re-Inspection3 coreA°

Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.Upon re-inspection, manager provided photos of test strips via email. Violation 48 corrected.

#2 — Certified Food Protection ManagerCore2-102.12

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.

#51 — Plumbing Installed; Proper Backflow DevicesCore5-205.15

Inspector's notes

Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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5-205.15 (B) - Core: System Maintained in Good Repair; Maintained Predefined Comment: All plumbing must be maintained in good repair at all times.

#55 — Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained, and CleanCore6-101.11

Inspector's notes

Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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Repeat Violation 6-101.11 - Core: Surface Characteristics-Indoor Areas Predefined Comment: All floors, walls, and ceilings must be maintained and repaired such that it is smooth and easily cleanable. Repair physical facility prior to next routine inspection.

Apr 2, 2025Routine1 foundation4 coreB

Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.Discussed esablishment procedures regarding: building maintenance, equipment maintenance, date marking stickers

#2 — Certified Food Protection ManagerCore2-102.12

Inspector's notes

Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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Upon start of inspection, person in charge unable to provide food manager certification. District manager stated exam is scheduled for this week. Person in charge able to accurately answer questions regarding, cold holding, hot holding, and sanitation. 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.

#40 — Personal CleanlinessCore2-303.11

Inspector's notes

Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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Observed cook with rings with gems and dangling bracelet, handling open food, and cooking food on grill line. Person in charge had cook remove Jewlery at time of inspection. Except for a plain ring such as a wedding band, while preparing food, food employees may not wear jewelry including medical information jewelry on their arms and hands. 2-303.11 - Core: Prohibition-Jewelry

#48 — Warewashing Facilities, Installed, Maintained, Used, Test StripsPriority foundation4-302.14

Inspector's notes

Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection.

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No quaternary test strips available for quaternary sanitizer solution at 3-compartment sink. Solution used to prepare sanitizer buckets to wipe countertops and sanitize dishes. Person in charge to contact district manager and have test strips available prior to re-inspection on 4/11/2025. 4-302.14 - Priority Foundation: Sanitizing Solutions, Testing Devices. 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. Predefined Comment: Test strips are required for any sanitizers used with food contact surfaces. Provide sanitizer test strips prior to re-inspection.

#51 — Plumbing Installed; Proper Backflow DevicesCore5-205.15

Inspector's notes

Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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Observed faucet at 3-compartment sink with a constant stream of water with knobs closed. person in charge stated a work order was placed and will be serviced soon. 5-205.15 (B) - Core: System Maintained in Good Repair; Maintained Predefined Comment: All plumbing must be maintained in good repair at all times.

#55 — Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained, and CleanCore6-101.11

Inspector's notes

Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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Repeat Violation Observed cracked flooring & missing grout in main cooking area at time of inspection. Person in charge stated work order was placed and will be serviced soon. SECOND CONSECUTIVE VIOLATION 6-101.11 - Core: Surface Characteristics-Indoor Areas Predefined Comment: All floors, walls, and ceilings must be maintained and repaired such that it is smooth and easily cleanable. Repair physical facility prior to next routine inspection.

2024

Dec 10, 2024Routine1 coreA

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#55 — Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained, and CleanCore6-101.11

Inspector's notes

Observed cracked flooring & missing grout in main cooking area at time of inspection. Observed missing flooring with water pooling in the chemical closet at time of inspection. All floors, walls, and ceilings must be maintained and repaired such that it is smooth and easily cleanable. Repair physical facility prior to next routine inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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6-101.11 - Core: Surface Characteristics-Indoor Areas

Aug 30, 2024Routine1 coreA°

No County legal action will result from this inspection.Of note: Reviewed cleaning and sanitizing procedures for dishes and cutting boards, temperature requirements, and methods to prevent cross contamination when handling raw proteins in the grill area.

#55 — Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained, and CleanCore6-501.12

Inspector's notes

Observed build-up of food, grease, and trash behind and underneath the large kitchen equipment in kitchen areas such fryer, refrigerators, and grill. The person in charge (PIC) was shown the areas that need cleaning. Per FDA Food, "A regular cleaning schedule should be established and followed to maintain the facility in a clean and sanitary manner. Primary cleaning should be done at times when foods are in protected storage and when food is not being served or prepared." Please clean prior to next routine inspection.

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6-501.12 - Core: Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions

Jan 4, 2024Routine1 priority1 foundation1 coreall corrected on siteB°

This establishment is not participating in the award program at this time and had 1 Priority, 1 Priority Foundation, and 1 core violations on this inspection.Discussed establishment procedures regarding: sanitization, RPZ certification, storage of grease for discard, building maintenanceNo County legal action will result from this inspection.Inspection report emailed.On July 1st, 2023, the Environmental Services Department started emailing permit card(s) and permit invoice(s) to permittees. We need a current and accurate email address on file to ensure you receive a copy of your permit card 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) If you need to update your email address and/or other contact information, please submit an administrative change request form at the below website.https://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request-Form-181Award: Not Participating,Embargo Lbs: 45,Signer: Manny Cardenas

#20 — Proper Cooling Time and TemperaturesPriority3-501.14

PRIORITY VIOLATION-3-501.14, P: Cooling. 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. Cartons of closed hashbrowns, stored closely together without air gap, date marked as prepared on 1/3 at 3:12pm, with an internal temperature ranging 46-48*F. Cooling process for rehydrated hashbrowns should be completed in a total of 12 hours. Food should reach an internal temperature of 40*F or below within 12 hours including 3-hour hydration time. Person in charge discarded hasbrowns. Discussed cooling times and temperatures and cooling methods. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

#33 — Proper Cooling Methods Used; Adequate Equipment for Temperature ControlPriority foundation3-501.15

Priority Foundation-3-501.15 (A), Pf: Cooling Methods. 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. Hashbrowns, stored closely together in walk-in refrigerator near back door. Cartons are touching each other, stored without air gaps. Procedure states to allow at least 1" of air space around all sides of each carton during refrigeration for proper air flow during cooling. Person in charge discarded hashbrowns and will implement new cooling policy to remove food from carton after 3 hour hydration, and complete the cooling process in an open metal pan. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

#48 — Warewashing Facilities, Installed, Maintained, Used, Test StripsCore4-303.11

Core-4-303.11 (A-B), C: Cleaning Agents and Sanitizers, Availability Sanitizer solution for mechanical warewashing machine not readily available during inspection. Mechanical warewashing units using chemical solution to sanitize dished should have the solution readily available to ensure proper sanitation. Person in charge retrieved chlorine solution and was able to produce a strength of 50-100ppm. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection

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 →