Dead cockroaches in sinks, fruit flies hanging around pizza toppings, kolaches sitting at unsafe temperatures and busted refrigeration systems all turned up in the latest round of Tarrant County health inspections. Inspectors logged problems serious enough to force food tosses and at least one temporary closure, with violations spread across Grapevine, Southlake, Crowley, Kennedale and Bedford.
According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the paper reviewed 190 inspection reports from June 21 through July 4 and compiled the scores and violations. Two spots, Italian Crust in Grapevine and Noodle Works in Southlake, both posted initial scores of 67 on routine checks, which triggered follow-up visits. Subsequent reinspections boosted their numbers after staff fixed the cited issues.
Tarrant County Public Health notes that inspections are carried out under the Texas Food Establishment Rules and that full reports and scores are available in a public Food Inspection Scores Database. The department covers 32 cities, DFW Airport and 17 school districts, while several larger cities run their own programs. The online records clarify that low or critical scores usually bring a required reinspection so officials can confirm that problems have been corrected.
Which Restaurants Were Flagged
Italian Crust at 2140 Hall Johnson Road in Grapevine initially scored 67 after inspectors found food stored in a nonworking cooler, pizza toppings holding at about 49°F for more than six hours, which had to be discarded, and an accumulation of fruit flies. A later reinspection raised the restaurant’s score to 81.
Noodle Works at 250 Randol Mill Ave in Southlake also came in at 67 when inspectors reported what appeared to be two dead roaches near the walk-in cooler and missing food-handler cards. After corrections, the restaurant’s score climbed to 99 on reinspection.
Wok&Roll Express in Crowley was cited for dead German roaches in a sink compartment, and Best Donut, also in Crowley, received violations after an employee handled food without washing hands and kolaches were found at unsafe temperatures. El Amigo in Kennedale was briefly closed when a water line burst, and Fellowship Of The Parks in Bedford had one dead cockroach documented on the pantry floor, according to the roundup.
What Operators And Diners Should Know
County guidance explains that inspectors typically require on-the-spot fixes for imminent hazards such as food held above safe temperatures or visible pest activity. Scores below 70 generally prompt a mandatory reinspection. For operators, the road back to compliance is usually straightforward: repair refrigeration, bring in pest control and document the changes so inspectors can verify them at the next visit. Coverage of similar inspection waves this spring suggests plumbing and maintenance problems are a recurring theme.
Diners who want to check up on a favorite spot can search recent scores and full inspection notes online, and many local governments now require eateries to post their latest letter grade. The City of Arlington details how cities and the county publish searchable databases for the public. If you think there is an active health hazard at a restaurant, officials advise contacting the appropriate local or county environmental health office so inspectors can investigate and order immediate corrections if needed.
