The Pony Express Cafe
A°28190 N Alma School Pkwy, Scottsdale 85262
Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking · Permit FD-90814
Score based on 8 scored inspections on record, weighted toward recent visits (one-year half-life). How scoring works
County record last checked Sep 17, 2026.
Score over time
Inspection history9 on record
2026
Apr 30, 2026Re-Inspection1 coreA°
No County legal action will result from this inspection.Upon re-inspection, all violations due for correction have been corrected.
Inspector's notes
The person in charge onsite is not a certified food manager. 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
Apr 23, 2026Routine1 priority1 foundation1 coreB°
No County legal action will result from this inspection.Reviewed cooling procedures.
Inspector's notes
No Consumer Advisory is on the menu for eggs that may be served undercooked. Offering and serving undercooked proteins requires an approved consumer advisory at all points of sale; and must contain an approved disclosure method and reminder statement. Email proof of corrective action to inspector within about a week. Emailed guidance document. *2nd Consecutive Violation. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection.
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3-603.11 - Priority Foundation: Consumption of Animal Foods that are Raw, Undercooked, or Not Otherwise Processed to Eliminate Pathogens. 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/4125/Food-SafetyOperator-Resources.
Inspector's notes
The person in charge onsite is not a certified food manager. 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
Inspector's notes
At the mop sink faucet, observed a splitter and hose with spray nozzle attached to the faucet downstream from an atmospheric vacuum breaker (AVB). Shut-offs, including chemical dispensers and sprayer nozzles, are not approved for continuous installation downstream from atmospheric vacuum breakers. Shut-off valves were removed. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
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Repeat Violation PRIORITY VIOLATION-5-202.11 (A) - Priority: Approved System and Cleanable Fixtures; According to Law
2025
Oct 28, 2025Re-Inspection2 priority1 foundationall corrected on siteC°
Upon re-inspection, all violations due for correction have been corrected. Attached file has photo of thermometer.
Inspector's notes
Observed chemical spray bottle and dishes in the handwash sink at time of inspection. Handwash sink must be kept available to promote regular handwashing. PIC relocated all items blocking handwash sink at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of 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.
Inspector's notes
*3rd Consecutive Violation* Observed RTE cubed ham, sliced ham, sliced cheese, and sliced tomatoes in the prep table next to the cooktop at temperatures from 46°-50°F (see embargo form for temperatures and weights).
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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. 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. Per PIC, foods had been in the prep table since 10-11am that morning (about 3-4 hours at time of temperature probing). PIC disposed of out-of-temp foods at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
Inspector's notes
Observed Y-valve installed on mop sink with AVB at time of inspection. Y-valves are prohibited and faucets are to be designed and constructed according to law. PIC removed Y-valve from mop sink at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
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PRIORITY VIOLATION-5-202.11 (A) - Priority: Approved System and Cleanable Fixtures; According to Law
Oct 21, 2025Routine2 priority2 foundationC°
Predefined Comment: Due to the violations noted on this inspection report, County legal action may result from this inspection.
Inspector's notes
Observed chemical spray bottle and dishes in the handwash sink at time of inspection. Handwash sink must be kept available to promote regular handwashing. PIC relocated all items blocking handwash sink at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of 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.
Inspector's notes
*3rd Consecutive Violation* Observed RTE cubed ham, sliced ham, sliced cheese, and sliced tomatoes in the prep table next to the cooktop at temperatures from 46°-50°F (see embargo form for temperatures and weights).
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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. 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. Per PIC, foods had been in the prep table since 10-11am that morning (about 3-4 hours at time of temperature probing). PIC disposed of out-of-temp foods at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
Inspector's notes
Probe thermometer not found on-site at time of inspection. Per PIC, probe thermometer exists but had been moved by absent employee. Properly calibrated probe thermometers are required at all times for monitoring food temperatures. Must provide a probe thermometer for establishment prior to re-inspection. Corrective Action: Correct prior to re-inspection.
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4-302.12 - Priority Foundation: Food Temperature Measuring Devices
Inspector's notes
Observed Y-valve installed on mop sink with AVB at time of inspection. Y-valves are prohibited and faucets are to be designed and constructed according to law. PIC removed Y-valve from mop sink at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
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PRIORITY VIOLATION-5-202.11 (A) - Priority: Approved System and Cleanable Fixtures; According to Law
May 29, 2025Routine2 priorityall corrected on siteC°
Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Inspector's notes
Observed dishes in sanitization compartment of 3-compartment sink with quat sanitizer concentration measured below 50ppm by both store and inspector's test strips. An emptying and refilling of the sink showed the automatic sanitizer dispenser was not producing a solution within minimum sanitizer limit shown on bottle. Food contact surfaces must be sanitized with the concentration of sanitizer determined by the manufacturer. PIC switched to on-site bleach and chlorine test strips at time of inspection. Will call maintenance to fix quat dispenser. 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.
Inspector's notes
Observed cooked macaroni, cooked potatoes, tomato-based sauce in front prep table measured to be 48°F by both store and inspector probe thermometers 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. Per PIC, all items in the prep fridge were placed there less than 2 hours prior to inspection. All TCS foods improperly cold held were relocated to alternative functioning refrigeration unit to rapidly cool to 41°F and called maintenance to fix the prep table at time of inspection. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection. *2nd Consecutive Violation*
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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.
2024
Aug 19, 2024Routine2 priority1 foundationall corrected on siteC°
Predefined Comment: No County legal action will result from this inspection.
Inspector's notes
Observed raw chorizo stored on top shelf of large reach in cooler above cheese, bread, and various ready to eat foods.
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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. Predefined Comment: 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.
Inspector's notes
Observed diced tomatoes, and diced ham placed in prep top at temperature of 48*F and were placed in 2 hours prior to temperatures being taken person in charge moved all items improperly cold held to large reach in cooler to rapidly cool at time of inspection. Observed cooked taco meat at a temperature of 49*F in reach in cooler on cook line placed in reach in cooler on last Friday person in charge discarded taco meat at time of inspection. All TCS foods improperly cold held were discarded by PIC at time of inspection. 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 sliced ham, turkey, and roast beef with a date marking of 8/7 person in charge explained items were improperly date marked and were date marked with the correct date at time of inspection. Person in charge informed all temperature sensitive items shall be properly date marked. Corrective Action: Corrected at time of inspection.
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3-501.17 - Priority Foundation: Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food, Date Marking. 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/4125/Food-SafetyOperator-Resources.
Apr 25, 2024Routine1 priority2 foundationall corrected on siteB°
This establishment is not participating in the award program at this time and had 1 Priority, 3 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.No County legal action will result from this inspection.Report emailed at time of inspection 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.Award: Not Participating,Review Complete: CHECKED,Review Notes: QA - MB,Signer: James C.
Repeat Violation Priority Foundation-5-205.11, Pf: 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.... Observed rag stored in front hand washing sink at time of inspection. Person in charge informed hand washing sinks shall only be used for hand washing. Person in charge removed rag at time of inspection. Priority Foundation-6-301.12, Pf: 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.... Observed no hand drying provision at front hand washing sink at time of inspection. Person in charge informed there shall be a hand drying provision at all hand sinks at all times. Person in charge restocked paper towels at time of inspection. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection,Repeat Violations: 2nd
PRIORITY VIOLATION-7-201.11, P: Separation-Storage... Observed spray bottle containing sanitizer on counter in front area with spray nozzle pointed at pitcher used for drinks and other utensils. Person in charge informed they shall have an area away from food products and food contact surfaces to store chemicals. Person in charge moved spray bottle to dedicated storage area at time of inspection. Priority Foundation-7-102.11, Pf: Common Name-Working Containers... Observed 2 spray bottles containing clear chemical with no labels. Person in charge informed working containers used for storing poisonous or toxic materials such as cleaners and sanitizers taken from bulk supplies shall be clearly and individually identified with the common name of the material. Person in charge labeled spray bottles at time of inspection. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection
2023
Aug 10, 2023Routine1 priority1 foundationall corrected on siteB°
This establishment is not participating in the award program at this time and had 1 Priority, 1 Priority Foundation violations on this inspection.No County legal action will result from this inspection.Inspection Report emailed and confirmed received. 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 602-506-6824Award: Not Participating,Embargo Lbs: 0,Food Manager Licenses: 1,Signer: Rachel B.
Priority Foundation-5-205.11, Pf: Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance. >>> At handwashing sink, next to 3-compartment sink, observed two bottles of soap stored in basin of sink. Handwashing sinks shall be maintained so accessible at all times and not used for other purposes than handwashing. Discussed importance of proper handwashing sink operation and maintenance with Person in Charge (PIC). PIC removed soap bottles from handwashing sink. 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. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection
PRIORITY VIOLATION-4-703.11, P: Hot Water and Chemical-Methods; Sanitizing Food-Contact Surfaces. >>> At 3-compartment sink, observed employee wash, rinse and then submerge food containers in Quat sanitizer solution for less than 5 seconds. Per instructions on Quat container, food-contact surfaces shall be submerged in sanitizer solution no less than 1 minute. Discussed importance of proper sanitization of food-contact surfaces and following manufacturers recommendation for sanitization with Person in Charge. Employee moved food containers to Quat sanitizer solution to submerge for at least 1 minute. 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. Correct By: Corrected At Time Of Inspection
Nearby restaurants
Other places to eat within a short walk, with their current scores.
- 83Swan Sushi Seafood and BarB°28190 N Alma School Pkwy · 0 m away
- 98Circle KA10989 E Dynamite Blvd · 30 m away
- 79Rosati's PizzaC°10989 E Dynamite Blvd · 30 m away
- 98The RocksA27440 N Alma School Pkwy · 940 m away
- 97Four Seasons Resort ScottsdaleB°10600 E Crescent Moon Dr · 1.4 km away
- 99Four SeasonsA°10600 E Crescent Moon Dr · 1.4 km away
- 98Troon North Golf ClubA°10320 E Dynamite Blvd · 1.5 km away
- 98The Gym AZA°10600 E Jomax Rd · 1.7 km away
Data from Maricopa County Environmental Services public records, last checked Sep 17, 2026. Grades marked with ° are computed equivalents for establishments not participating in the county's voluntary grading program. View official county records →