Inspections find rodents, dirty equipment and handwashing lapses
Plano health inspectors closed nine food establishments during routine checks from July 12–25 after identifying problems ranging from rodent infestations to improper handwashing and inadequate refrigeration, according to city inspection data compiled by the Star-Telegram.
The city uses a 100-point scoring system for restaurant inspections, with a lower score indicating more and/or more serious violations. Scores cited in the recent round of inspections included instances in the 60s and 50s, well below what the city considers acceptable.
Who was closed and why
Inspectors temporarily suspended permits or required closures when findings posed an immediate health risk. Most establishments were allowed to reopen after follow-up inspections and corrective action. The closures and cited problems included:
- La Michoacana (1409 Jupiter Road) — scored 54 on July 20; closed for insufficient refrigeration equipment; allowed to reopen after a July 21 follow-up inspection.
- Saucy's Thai and Pho (4152 W. Spring Creek Parkway) — scored 67 on July 16; inspector reported employees not washing hands properly and an unsafe ice machine; closed for what the report described as managerial shortcomings; reopened the next day.
- Jimmy's Burger Catering (3309 N. Central Expressway) — scored 66 on July 17; no soap or paper towels at kitchen hand sinks, dirty storage racks, unused equipment left out and a roach observed on a wall; closed and later reopened after a July 24 follow-up.
- Kuppanna (1301 Custer Road, Suite 510) — closed July 20 after inspectors found more than 30 rodent droppings in dry storage and a live roach in the back prep area; underwent pest control and reopened after a July 23 follow-up inspection.
- Shanghai Dynasty (1301 Custer Road, Suite 450) — required to close July 21 after several fresh rodent droppings were found; follow-up inspections still found droppings, and shelves appeared contaminated with urine and required cleaning or replacement; the establishment was permitted to reopen July 24.
- La Super Ice Cream (1201 E. Parker Road) — closed July 16 due to sanitation issues (inspection details were truncated in the available report).
| Establishment | Address | Score / Issue | Closure Date | Reopen Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Michoacana | 1409 Jupiter Road | 54 / refrigeration | July 20 | July 21 |
| Saucy's Thai and Pho | 4152 W. Spring Creek Pkwy | 67 / handwashing, ice | July 16 | July 17 |
| Jimmy's Burger Catering | 3309 N. Central Expy | 66 / sanitation, roach | July 17 | July 24 |
| Kuppanna | 1301 Custer Rd, Ste. 510 | Rodent droppings, roach | July 20 | July 23 |
| Shanghai Dynasty | 1301 Custer Rd, Ste. 450 | Fresh rodent droppings | July 21 | July 24 |
| La Super Ice Cream | 1201 E. Parker Rd | Sanitation issues | July 16 | — |
Broader picture and what it means for diners
Inspectors conducted roughly 176 inspections during the two-week period ending July 25. The closures serve as an immediate enforcement tool when findings indicate a direct threat to public health, such as rodent activity, unsafe ice or lack of basic handwashing supplies.
For Plano residents, the episode is a reminder that inspection scores and posted reports are tools to assess where to eat, and to encourage quick fixes when problems are found. In a city the size of Plano, inspections — and the public records that come with them — are also a check on how restaurants maintain standards after opening day.
“Closed due to lack of managerial control,”
reads the inspection report for one of the restaurants, language that underscores the role of daily oversight in keeping kitchens clean. In several cases listed above, follow-up inspections allowed the establishments to reopen after pest control, cleaning or repairs.
The city posts inspection scores so customers can review them. A low score does not always mean permanent closure, but it does indicate the need for corrective action. When violations involve pests or contaminated surfaces, authorities require immediate mitigation because those issues can quickly affect food safety.
Food-service operators also have a financial incentive to act quickly: a closed kitchen halts revenue, and repeated or severe violations can lead to longer suspensions. For patrons, checking recent inspection dates and scores can help avoid a meal that might end in foodborne illness — something Plano diners have good reason to take seriously in the summer months when pests and spoilage risk rise.
City officials did not provide additional comment beyond the inspection records compiled in the report. NEXO RADAR will continue to monitor inspection postings and follow up if more details or actions are released by the city.
