COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — A popular brewery in Downtown Colorado Springs is making changes after a recent health inspection raised some red flags. Phantom Canyon Brewing Company, located on E Pikes Peak Avenue, faced eight violations during its latest checkup.
Some of the issues included a cooler that was too warm, which forced them to throw out sauces and soups. Cooks were also seen wiping their hands on their aprons without changing their gloves. Additionally, the inspector noted that food containers were dirty on the clean pan rack, and a knife was improperly stored between soiled cooler lids.
We spoke with General Manager Mario Moser, who reassured us that they are taking these violations seriously. “We’ve improved our cooler for better air flow, and temperatures are now well under the limit,” he said.
Mario also mentioned they’ve ramped up training on proper food handling and sanitation practices. “We’re totally ready for the re-inspection — we actually look forward to it,” he said, wanting to prove they can maintain high food safety standards.
On a more positive note, two local spots scored high on their health inspections. The Dublin House on Dominion Way and The Chuckwagon on Omaha Boulevard received commendations for their cleanliness. Additionally, Ruffrano’s Hell’s Kitchen Pizza in Manitou Springs achieved a perfect score. Employee Brennan Fortune emphasized their commitment to cleanliness, stating, “We’re on it all the time, cleaning every 5 to 10 minutes.”
It’s worth noting that health inspections are crucial for ensuring food safety. According to a recent study by the National Restaurant Association, 72% of consumers consider cleanliness as a top priority when choosing where to eat. This highlights the importance of maintaining high standards, not just for compliance, but for customer trust.
As these local restaurants focus on improving their standards, community awareness about food safety continues to grow. Customers are more engaged now, checking health scores and sharing their findings on social media, making cleanliness a trending topic among diners.
For ongoing updates on restaurant inspections in the area, you can refer to the El Paso County Health Department’s reports.
