El Pollo Loco
A5009 W Mcdowell Rd, Phoenix 85035
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking · Permit FD-88013
Score based on 10 scored inspections on record, weighted toward recent visits (one-year half-life). How scoring works
County record last checked Sep 24, 2026.
Score over time
Inspection history12 on record
2026
Sep 21, 2026RoutinecleanA
Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.Reviewed cooling procedures; reviewed shipment recieving procedures
Jun 23, 2026Routine1 coreA
No County legal action will result from this inspection.Of Note: Discussed hand sink requirements with PIC.
Inspector's notes
Observed missing, cracked, or otherwise degraded floor tiles directly outside of the mop sink, and next to the outer exit, rendering the areas neither smooth, nor easily cleanable at time of inspection. Discussed repair timeline with PIC. 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
Mar 25, 2026RoutinecleanA
No County legal action will result from this inspection.
2025
Oct 9, 2025Routine1 coreA
Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.Discussed establishment procedures regarding: handwashing, glove usage, soap dispenser near freezer, roof maintenance
Inspector's notes
Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.
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Drive through window is not self-closing. Per person in charge, this will be repaired. Please provide a self-closer or air curtain for the drive through window. (From OC re-inspection 6/15/22) 6-202.15 - Core: Outer Openings, Protected Predefined Comment: Establishment must be maintained free of pests and all pest control measures must be conducted by a licensed pest control specialist. Must eliminate current pest control problem and obtain pest control from a certified and licensed pest control specialist by re-inspection.
May 21, 2025Routine1 priority2 foundationall corrected on siteB
Provided the PIC with manual ware washing handout.Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Inspector's notes
No paper towels or hand drying device available at the rear hand wash sink. PIC provided paper towels. Ensure that all hand wash sinks have paper towels or hand drying device available at all times. 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.
Inspector's notes
Employee washing dishes and utensils did not sanitize the equipment. PIC instructed the employee to properly wash and sanitize the equipment. Ensure that equipment/utensils are exposed to chemical sanitizer for proper length of time according to manufacturer’s directions. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
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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
Employee washing dishes and utensils did not wash the items with soap or detergent. Dishes were rinsed and returned for service. PIC instructed the employee to properly wash the dishes. Ensure that proper ware washing is followed and items are properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
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4-501.17 - Priority Foundation: Warewashing Equipment, Cleaning Agents. 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.
Mar 19, 2025Routine3 coreA
Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.Discussed establishment procedures regarding: paper towel and soap dispenser at freezer
Inspector's notes
Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.
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Drive through window is not self-closing. Per person in charge, this will be repaired. Please provide a self-closer or air curtain for the drive through window. (From OC re-inspection 6/15/22) 6-202.15 - Core: Outer Openings, Protected
Inspector's notes
Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.
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Observed right burner on far-left grill, unable to generate heat at front portion of burner. Reach in freezer with an ambient temperature of 30*F. Person in charge stated they will place a work order and have fixed soon. No food to be held on grill where no heat is generating until unit is fixed. 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.
Inspector's notes
Corrective Action: Correct prior to next routine inspection.
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Observed hand sink in prep area leaking at faucet with a constant stream even though knobs are turned off. Person in charge to place a work order and have completed by next routine inspection. 6-501.11 - Core: Repairing -Premises, Structures, Attachments, and Fixtures-Methods Predefined Comment: Physical facility must be maintained in good repair at all times. Repair physical facility prior to next routine inspection.
2024
Aug 9, 2024Immediate Suspensionpermit suspended1 priority
Inspector's notes
Corrective Action: Correct at once.
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No adequate refrigeration in facility. All refrigeration at an ambient temperature of 53-60*F. Foods unable to be held at 41*F or below. Predefined Comment: A permit holder shall immediately discontinue operations and notify the regulatory authority if an imminent health hazard may exist because of an emergency such as a fire, flood, extended interruption of electrical or water service, sewage backup, misuse of poisonous or toxic materials, onset of an apparent foodborne illness outbreak, gross insanitary occurrence or condition, or other circumstance that may endanger public health. Person in charge called maintenance who arrived onsite and began servicing units during inspection. 8-404.11 - Priority: Ceasing Operations and Reporting.
Aug 9, 2024Routine1 priority1 foundationB
Discussed establishment procedures regarding: reasons for voluntary closure
Inspector's notes
Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
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Observed all cold temperature controlled food items in refrigerators at facility with internal temperatures ranging 50-60*F (salsas, raw chicken, shrimp, diced tomato, shredded lettuce, pepper jack cheese, cojita cheese, etc). Predefined Comment: All TCS foods improperly cold held were discarded by PIC at time of inspection. 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. 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
Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection.
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Cold holding unit near drive thru, make line, and walk-in refrigerator with an ambient temperatures ranging 53-59*F. Predefined Comment: Cold holding equipment must have the capacity to maintain TCS foods at 41°F or below. Must repair cold holding equipment such that it maintains TCS foods at 41°F or below. Person in charge called maintenance to service units within the hour. 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.
May 8, 2024Routine3 coreA
This establishment received a(n) A Grade and had 0 Priority and 0 Priority Foundation on this inspection.Discussed establishment procedures regarding: continued building maintenance, usage of ice, handwashingNo 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: A,Signer: Margarita Almazan
Core-6-202.15, C: Outer Openings, Protected Drive through window is not self-closing. Per person in charge this will be repaired. Please provide a self closer for the drive through window. (From OC re-inspection 6/15/22) 6TH CONSECUTIVE VIOLATION Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection
Core-4-203.13, C: Pressure Measuring Devices, Mechanical Warewashing Equipment Mechanical quaternary sanitizer dispenser unable to consistently dispense a solution between 150-400ppm. Person in charge stated a work order was placed and solution is prepared manually until repaired. Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection
Core-6-201.11, C: Floors, Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability Walls of the dry storage and dish washing area exposed. Observed visible rust & gaps in the walls of the walk in cooler and various areas throughout the store. Missing/broken tile on various areas throughout the store. Per person in charge all areas of store are in the process of being repaired. All floors, walls, and ceilings should be smooth, easily cleanable, and in good repair. THIRD CONSECUTIVE VIOLATION Core-6-501.11, C: Repairing-Premises, Structures, Attachments, and Fixtures-Methods Observed partially cracked/broken ceiling panels located near the ware washing area. Per person in charge the cracked/broken ceiling panel are in the process of being repaired/replaced. Broken floor tile near the drive through and 3-compartment sink area. Person in charge stated tiles will be repaired/replaced. All areas must be smooth, easily cleanable, and in good repair. 6TH CONSECUTIVE VIOLATION Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection
Jan 30, 2024Routine2 coreA
This establishment received a(n) A Grade and had 0 Priority and 0 Priority Foundation on this inspection.Discussed establishment procedures regarding: remodelNo 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: A,Signer: Margarita Almazan
Core-6-202.15, C: Outer Openings, Protected Drive through window is not self-closing. Per person in charge this will be repaired. Please provide a self closer for the drive through window. (From OC re-inspection 6/15/22) 5TH CONSECUTIVE VIOLATION Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection
Core-6-201.11, C: Floors, Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability Walls of the dry storage room contain exposed wood. Person in charge stated the walls of the dry storage room would be covered, and sealed. Observed visible rust & gaps in the walls of the walk in cooler and various areas throughout the store. Per person in charge the rust & gaps of the walk in cooler will be repaired. All floors, walls, and ceilings should be smooth, easily cleanable, and in good repair. SECOND CONSECUTIVE VIOLATION Core-6-501.11, C: Repairing-Premises, Structures, Attachments, and Fixtures-Methods Observed partially cracked/broken ceiling panels located near the ware washing area. Per person in charge the cracked/broken ceiling panel are in the process of being repaired/replaced. Broken floor tile near the drive through and 3-compartment sink area. Person in charge stated tiles will be repaired/replaced. All areas must be smooth, easily cleanable, and in good repair. 5TH CONSECUTIVE VIOLATION Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection
2023
Oct 16, 2023Routine2 coreA
This establishment received a(n) A Grade and had 0 Priority, 0 Priority Foundation, and 3 Core violations on this inspection.Discussed establishment procedures regarding: pest control, equipment 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: A,Signer: Rodrigo Alvaroz
Repeat Violation Core-6-202.15, C: Outer Openings, Protected Drive through window is not self-closing. Per person in charge this will be repaired. Please provide a self closer for the drive through window. (From OC re-inspection 6/15/22) Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection,Repeat Violations: 4th
Repeat Violation Core-6-201.11, C: Floors, Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability Walls of the dry storage room contain exposed wood. Person in charge stated the walls of the dry storage room would be covered, and sealed. Observed visible rust & gaps in the walls of the walk in cooler and various areas throughout the store. Per person in charge the rust & gaps of the walk in cooler will be repaired. All floors, walls, and ceilings should be smooth, easily cleanable, and in good repair. Core-6-501.11, C: Repairing-Premises, Structures, Attachments, and Fixtures-Methods Observed partially cracked/broken ceiling panels located near the ware washing area. Per person in charge the cracked/broken ceiling panel are in the process of being repaired/replaced. Broken floor tile near the drive through and 3-compartment sink area. Person in charge stated tiles will be repaired/replaced. All areas must be smooth, easily cleanable, and in good repair. 4TH CONSECUTIVE VIOLATION Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection,Repeat Violations: 4th
Nearby restaurants
Other places to eat within a short walk, with their current scores.
- 99Poliberto'sA5021 W Mcdowell Rd · 50 m away
- 100La Quinta InnA°4929 W Mcdowell Rd · 80 m away
- 96Dianas Bakery Carniceria & Mex FoodA5010 W Mcdowell Rd · 110 m away
- 100Az Hanna HibachiA5010 W Mcdowell Rd · 110 m away
- 100TravelodgeA1424 N 50th Ave · 140 m away
- 100Raising Cane's Chicken FingersA1525 N 51st Ave · 140 m away
- 100Club Classico PhoenixA5030 W Mcdowell Rd · 150 m away
- 93Oasis Crossroads Bar & GrillA°5030 W Mcdowell Rd · 150 m away
Data from Maricopa County Environmental Services public records, last checked Sep 24, 2026. Grades marked with ° are computed equivalents for establishments not participating in the county's voluntary grading program. View official county records →