Higher Grounds Roaster/Retailer Inc.
B°354 N Country Club Dr, Mesa 85201
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking · Permit FD-23-03445
Score based on 7 scored inspections over the county's rolling 3-year window, weighted toward recent visits. How scoring works
Score over time
Inspection history7 on record
2026
Apr 16, 2026Routine1 priorityall corrected on siteB°
No County legal action will result from this inspection.Discussed with person in charge (PIC) about wash, rinsing, and sanitizing coffee carafes and utensils every 4 hours at time of inspection. Reviewed consumer advisory with PIC at time of inspection. Provided consumer advisory guidance document to PIC via email.
Inspector's notes
Observed beans, cooked peppers, cooked sausage, cut tomatoes, and Pico de Gallo in prep table with temperatures between 45 to 47*F at time of inspection. Per person in charge (PIC), all items except for the cooked peppers and beans were placed in the prep table less than 2 hours prior to inspection. PIC voluntarily discarded peppers and beans and moved all other food items to reach-in cooler to rapid cool at time of inspection. Observed ambient temperature of the prep table at 51.8*F at time of inspection. Observed establishment with multiple other working coolers able to keep TCS food items below 41*F at time of inspection. Except during preparation, cooking, cooling or when time is used as a control all TCS foods must be maintained at 41°F or below. Eggs not treated to destroy Salmonellae can be stored in equipment that maintains an ambient air temperature of 45°F or below. 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.
2025
Oct 21, 2025Routine1 priority1 foundationall corrected on siteB
Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.emailed report
Inspector's notes
Observed tarts prepared with condensed skim milk and pumpkin, carrot cakes prepared with cream cheese cold holding at internal temperature of 49-50 deg F in a reach in cold unit that was holding >41 deg F. Owner informed the food items had been cold holding in unit since the night prior and discarded. 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
Observed the front reach in cold unit holding temperature at 47.6 deg F (according to the min/max thermometer) TCS food items cold holding in unit was discarded or redirected to alternate units. Currently there is no TCS food items holding in unit Owner will call for repair. 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.
Jun 18, 2025RoutinecleanA°
Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.emailed report
2024
Aug 16, 2024Routine2 priority1 foundation1 coreC°
Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.emailed report
Inspector's notes
Observed 0 ppm for chlorine sanitizer in the three-compartment sink with dishes in the sanitizer compartment. Manager removed dishes rewashed and adjusted sanitizer to the required 50-100 ppm Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
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Repeat Violation PRIORITY VIOLATION-4-703.11 - Priority: Hot Water and Chemical-Methods; Sanitizing Food Contact Surfaces. 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 cream cheese cold holding on counter at internal temperature of 79 deg F and Canadian Bacon, Shredded Cheese, Sausage Crumbles Stuffed Peppers Sliced Tomatoes Cold holding at internal temperature of 48-51 deg F in a reach in unit that was holding >41 deg F. Manager informed the food items had been holding in unit since the night prior and discarded. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
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Predefined Comment: Except during preparation, cooking, cooling or when time is used as a control all TCS foods must be maintained at 41°F or below. Eggs not treated to destroy Salmonellae can be stored in equipment that maintains an ambient air temperature of 45°F or below. 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
Reach in unit in the food preparation area holding temperature at 48.2 deg F. (according to the min/max thermometer). TCS food items was removed from unit and placed in alternate cold units. Manager will for repair 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 hood above grill area with buildup of organic debris. Clean frequently to minimize contamination.
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4-602.13 - Core: Nonfood Contact Surfaces
Jan 8, 2024Routine1 foundationall corrected on siteB°
The Environmental Services Department will begin emailing permit card(s) and permit invoice(s) to permittees in the coming months. 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)Note: If you need to update your email address and/or other contact information, please submit an administrative change request form at the below websitehttps://www.maricopa.gov/FormCenter/Environmental-Services-16/Administrative-Change-Request-Form-181 or call 602-506-6824.printed reportThis establishment is not participating in the award program at this time and had 0 Priority, 1 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.No County legal action will result from this inspection.Award: Not Participating,Signer: Dianna Cameron
Priority Foundation-4-601.11(A), Pf: 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. Observed the piercing blade of the can opener stored in holder with dried organic debris. Owner placed in dishwashing area during inspection. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection
2023
Sep 20, 2023RoutinecleanA°
OC re-inspection for a Class 3 10+ E&D permit was conducted with owner Dianna C. by appointment. The establishment was open and operating at time of inspectionNo items for correction. MCESD inspection report was delivered via email. No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Aug 21, 2023Routine1 priority1 foundation4 coreB°
OC inspection for a Class 3 10+ E&D permit was conducted with owner Dianna C. by appointment. The establishment was closed and not operating at time of inspection. This establishment/operation has demonstrated sufficient compliance to proceed with the issuance of the permit. To complete the permitting process, issuance of this permit, and begin operation, the applicant must first submit payment of the annual operating permit fee to the Department’s Administrative Services. Fees paid up to this inspection approval do not include the annual operating permit fee. PAYMENT with a credit/debit card can be made via phone at 602-506-6824, Option 2. Per MCEHC Chapter I, Regs 4 & 5, no person shall conduct an operation or operate an establishment for which a permit is required without holding the necessary and valid permit to do so. Payment with a credit/debit card can be made on-line via select “Pay a Fee” at esd.maricopa.gov. Please note that if you select payment via online, the annual operating permit fee invoice may take up to 7 business days to post online. Also, checks and money orders are accepted via US Mail. If you select payment via US Mail, for further instructions please refer to the printed invoice. No operating permit is valid, until the permit fee is received by the Department. It is the responsibility of the permit holder/owner to notify MCESD if there are contact/ billing address changes.The Environmental Services Department will begin emailing permit card(s) and permit invoice(s) to permittees in the coming months. 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) Note: 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-181 or call 602-506-6824.This establishment is not participating in the award program at this time and had 1 Priority, 1 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.MCESD inspection report was delivered via email. No County legal action will result from this inspection.Award: Not Participating,Signer: Dianna Cameron
Priority Foundation-5-203.11, Pf: Handwashing Sinks-Numbers and Capacities. 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. -------- Observed a small bakery prep area that was more than 25 feet from the handwash sink and not visible. Please provide an additional handwash sink to meet the criteria or relocate the prep area to meet the criteria prior to the re-inspection. All prep, cooking, and washing areas must be within 25 feet, easily visible, centrally located, and easily accessible to a handwash sink. Correct By: Correct Prior To Reinspection
Core-4-501.12, C: Cutting Surfaces -------- Observed the cutting board attached to the refrigerated make table with staining and scoring. Please resurface the unit prior to the next routine inspection. All cutting surfaces must be maintained smooth and easily cleanable. Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection
Core-5-205.15 (B), C: System Maintained in Good Repair; Maintained ------- Observed the hot and cold water switched at the front dump sink. The hot must be on the left side. Please switch the water lines prior to the next routine inspection. All plumbing systems must be maintained according to code. Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection
PRIORITY VIOLATION-5-402.11, P: Backflow Prevention ------- Observed the front dump sink directly plumbed to the system. Please provide a hub drain or similar and provide a 1" minimum air gap above the drain prior to the re-inspection. All equipment and sink fixtures that contact food contact surfaces must be indirectly plumbed with an air gap to prevent contamination. Correct By: Correct Prior To Reinspection
Core-5-501.17, C: Toilet Room Receptacle, Covered ------ Observed no separate sanitary napkin waste container. Please provide a lidded sanitary napkin waste prior to the next routine inspection. All restrooms used by female staff and consumers must have a separate sanitary napkin waste container. Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection
Core-6-201.13, C: Floor and Wall Junctures, Coved, and Enclosed or Sealed -------- Observed top set quarry tile in various areas of the facility. Please provide a 3/8th inch minimum cove base the junctures. Recommend siliconized grout. All all floor/wall junctures must be provided with a proper cove for cleaning and maintenance. Core-6-501.11, C: Repairing-Premises, Structures, Attachments, and Fixtures-Methods ------ Observed the restroom handwash sink detached from the wall. Please recaulk the sink fixture. Observed escutcheon plates ate the front area unsealed. Please caulk around the escutcheon plates as needed. Observed multiple gaps at the ventilation hood. Re-caulk the ventilation hood with an aluminum based silicone. All gaps, cracks, holes, and penetrations must be sealed to prevent pest harborage and cleaning. Core-6-201.11, C: Floors, Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability ------- Observed perforated acoustical ceiling tiles above the syrup area of the front service area. Please replace with smooth, washable ceiling tiles prior to the next routine inspection. All floors, walls, and ceilings must be smooth and easily cleanable for maintenance and cleaning. Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine 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 →