PlateScore

Sparky's Old Town Creamery

B

510 S Mill Ave, Tempe 85281

Food Establishment · Permit FD-23-06350

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

80
Good

Tempe restaurant avg: 93

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Score over time

10006020242025Jan 3, 2024 — Routine — score 96 (0 priority, 0 foundation, 4 core)Apr 14, 2025 — Routine — score 82 (1 priority, 0 foundation, 3 core)Nov 4, 2025 — Routine — score 75 (1 priority, 1 foundation, 5 core)75
Score per routine inspection and re-inspection; dashed line marks the “Poor” threshold (60).

Inspection history4 on record

2026

Mar 5, 2026Advisorynot scoredclean

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2025

Nov 4, 2025Routine1 priority1 foundation5 coreB

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#2 — Certified Food Protection ManagerCore2-102.12

Inspector's notes

Observed no certified food protection manager on the premises at 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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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

#8 — Hands Clean and Properly WashedPriority2-301.14

Inspector's notes

Observed employee utilizing phone and then put on gloves and proceed to make an order for a customer without washing hands at time of inspection. Discussed the importance of proper hand washing and when hand washing is required with the person-in-charge (PIC). Hands must be washed at any time contamination occurs and when changing tasks. Discussed the importance of proper hand washing procedures with the person-in-charge (PIC). Proper handwashing procedure is to rinse hands with warm water, scrub with soap for 10-15 seconds, rinse with warm water, dry with approved drying provision, and turn off in a manner to prevent re-contamination of hands. Entire process should take approximately 20 seconds for full and proper handwashing to prevent spread of pathogens and contamination. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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PRIORITY VIOLATION-2-301.14 - Priority: When to Wash. 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.

#10 — Adequate Handwashing Sinks, Properly Supplied and AccessiblePriority foundation6-301.12

Inspector's notes

Observed no paper towels at the handwashing sink in the front of house at time of inspection. 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. Person in charge (PIC) provided hand drying provision for handwash sink at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection. 6-301.11 - Priority Foundation: Handwashing Cleanser, Availability. 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. Addl Notes: Observed no hand soap at the handwashing sink in the front and back of house at time of inspection. PIC filled cup with dish soap and placed it by handwashing sinks at time of inspection. 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. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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6-301.12 - Priority Foundation: Hand Drying Provision. 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.

#47 — Food and Non-Food-Contact Surfaces Cleanable, Properly Designed, Constructed and UsedCore4-501.11

Inspector's notes

Observed significant buildup of ice throughout the walk-in freezer at time of inspection. Observed torn gasket in the freezer walk-in at time of inspection. Observed leak and pooling water in the walk-in at time of inspection. Observed both the freezer and the walk-in cooler able to hold temperature and keep TCS food items 41*F or below at time of inspection.

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4-501.11 - Core: Good Repair and Proper Adjustment-Equipment Predefined Comment: All equipment must be maintained in good repair at all times. Repair all equipment to a state of good repair prior to next routine inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

#51 — Plumbing Installed; Proper Backflow DevicesCore5-202.11

Inspector's notes

Observed a o-shaped toilet seat in employee restroom at time of inspection. Provide a u-shaped toilet seat in the employee restroom. Repeat violation: 3rd consecutive. Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection

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Repeat Violation 5-202.11 (B) - Core: Approved System and Cleanable Fixtures; Easily Cleanable

#52 — Sewage and Waste Water Properly DisposedCore5-403.12

Inspector's notes

Observed ice shaver machine with drain hose leading into a bucket filled with wastewater. Draining equipment waste to a bucket is not approved. Discussed with person in charge (PIC) about two possible fixes at time of inspection. Waste from equipment must drain indirectly to a floor sink. Provide rigid drain line (flexible tubing may be sleeved to rigid pipe) for ice shaver machine and route to drain at floor sink. Ensure adequate slope is maintained in drain line to allow wastewater to properly drain and provide a minimum 1-inch air gap for drain line above flood rim of floor sink. Or to cap the hose and dump water into 3-compartment sink once drain basin is filled. Repeat violation: 2nd Consecutive. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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Repeat Violation 5-403.12 - Core: Other Liquid Wastes and Rainwater

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

Inspector's notes

Observed a significant amount of soil/debris build up on the walls, floors, refrigerator handles, doors & under and inside equipment at time of inspection. Physical facility must be cleaned frequently enough to prevent accumulation of dirt, organic matter, and food debris. Must clean physical facility prior to next routine inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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6-501.12 - Core: Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions

Apr 14, 2025Routine1 priority3 coreB

No County legal action will result from this inspection.

#28 — Toxic Substances Properly Identified, Stored, and Used; Held for Retail Sale, Properly StoredPriority7-204.11

Inspector's notes

Observed window cleaner stored on counter next to bananas and other food items & food containers at time of inspection. Observed chemical spray bottle stored on upper shelf in the back of house on the same shelf as cups at time of inspection. 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. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.

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PRIORITY VIOLATION-7-204.11 - Priority: Sanitizers, Criteria-Chemicals

#51 — Plumbing Installed; Proper Backflow DevicesCore5-202.11

Inspector's notes

Observed a o-shaped toilet seat in employee restroom at time of inspection. Provide a u-shaped toilet seat in the employee restroom. Repeat violation: 2nd consecutive. Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection 5-205.15 (B) - Core: System Maintained in Good Repair; Maintained Addl Notes: Observed leak from the dripper well at time of inspection. Provide 1" minimum air gaps above the fixture flood rims for the three sink spray faucet and dipper well faucet. Must repair all plumbing to a state of good repair prior to next routine inspection. Repeat violation: 2nd Consecutive. Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.

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Repeat Violation 5-202.11 (B) - Core: Approved System and Cleanable Fixtures; Easily Cleanable

#52 — Sewage and Waste Water Properly DisposedCore5-403.12

Inspector's notes

Observed ice shaver machine with drain hose leading into a bucket filled with waste water. Draining equipment waste to a bucket is not approved. Discussed with person in charge (PIC) about two possible fixes at time of inspection. Waste from equipment must drain indirectly to a floor sink. Provide rigid drain line (flexible tubing may be sleeved to rigid pipe) for ice shaver machine and route to drain at floor sink. Ensure adequate slope is maintained in drain line to allow wastewater to properly drain and provide a minimum 1-inch air gap for drain line above flood rim of floor sink. Or to cap the hose and dump water into 3-compartment sink once drain basin is filled.

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5-403.12 - Core: Other Liquid Wastes and Rainwater

#55 — Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained, and CleanCore6-201.11

Inspector's notes

Observed grout around dish area and the front dipper well to be in disrepair at time of inspection. Regrout the tile flooring around the three sink and front dipper well area to provide a smooth and flush finish with the tile. Observed acoustic ceiling tiles in the front service counter prep area at time of inspection. Replace the perforated acoustical ceiling tiles at the front service area with smooth, washable vinyl ceiling tiles. Repeat violation: 2nd Consective. Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection

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Repeat Violation 6-201.11 - Core: Floors, Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability

2024

Jan 3, 2024Routine4 coreA°

OC inspection for a Class 2 0-9 E&D permit was conducted with owner Doug H. by appointment. The establishment was open and 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.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-181.This establishment is not participating in the award program at this time and had 0 Priority, 0 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.Please address the listed items prior to the next routine inspection. Reviewed dairy base used for ice cream at time of inspection. MCESD inspection report was delivered via email. No County legal action will result from this inspection.Award: Not Participating,Signer: Doug Hockett

#47 — Food and Non-Food-Contact Surfaces Cleanable, Properly Designed, Constructed and UsedCore4-101.19

Core-4-101.19, C: Nonfood-Contact Surfaces ------ Correct the following: 1) Refinish or replace all rusted shelving units throughout the facility, as needed. Utilize rustoleum paint for any refinishing. 2) Replace the bladed ceiling fan in the back area with a bladeless unit that is easier to clean. Core-4-201.11, C: Equipment and Utensils-Durability and Strength -------- Replace the residential grade blender unit in the back area with an NSF, commercial or equivalent unit. Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection

#51 — Plumbing Installed; Proper Backflow DevicesCore5-205.15

Core-5-205.15 (B), C: System Maintained in Good Repair; Maintained -------- Correct the following items: 1) Provide a hose bib vacuum breaker for the hose bib fill faucet at the front cold table. 2) Provide 1" minimum air gaps above the fixture flood rims for the three sink spray faucet and dipper well faucet. Core-5-202.11 (B), C: Cleanable Fixtures ---------- Provide a u-shaped toilet seat in the employee restroom. Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection

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

Core-6-501.11, C: Repairing-Premises, Structures, Attachments, and Fixtures-Methods ------- Correct the following: 1) Caulk-in all escutcheon plates and plumbing penetrations throughout the facility. 2) Caulk in all wall holes, as needed, with silicone. 3) Trim foam sealant at penetrations, as needed, and provide a smooth layer of silicone. 4) Regrout the tile flooring around the three sink and front dipper well area to provide a smooth and flush finish with the tile. Core-6-201.11, C: Floors, Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability -------- Replace the perforated acoustical ceiling tiles at the front service area with smooth, washable vinyl ceiling tiles. Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection

#56 — Adequate Ventilation and Lighting; Designated Areas UsedCore6-304.11

Core-6-304.11, C: Mechanical-Ventilation ----------- Repair the ventilation fan in the employee restroom. 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 →