Cafe Rio

4095 S Gilbert Rd, Chandler, AZ 85249

Café / Breakfast

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Mar 19, 2026

Score

Low Risk Grade: B

The health department has logged six inspections at Cafe Rio, the earliest from 2024. On Mar 19, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.

There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near two violations per visit across recent inspections.

Across the inspection history, “certified food protection manager” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded two times.

Compared to other Chandler restaurants (averaging 96), there's room to close the gap. Overall, the inspection record reads well.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Mar 19, 2026

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

Hot or cold food held at improper temperature (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed pinto and black beans and rice hot holding on the steam table at internal temperature of 121 deg F. Manager discarded during inspection

3-501.16(A)(1)

Oct 14, 2025

Reinspection

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: Observed no CFPM on site at time of inspection. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation

2-102.12(A)

Sep 23, 2025

Routine

3 major violations. 2 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.

View 5 violations

Equipment lacks capacity to maintain safe food temperatures (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed cut leafy greens being stored in the bottom of the prep table with an internal temperature range of 57F-60F with a tight fitted lid on. Per PIC, the leafy greens were prepared a hour before the inspection. All TCS foods cooling were uncovered to allow for rapid cooling. TCS foods must be cooled in: uncovered/loosely covered, shallow containers less than 4 inches deep, in equipment designed to rapidly cool, by using an ice bath, by using ice as an ingredient, or another effective means. Foods prepared from ingredients at room temperature or refrigerated must be cooled within 4 hours to 41°F or less

4-301.11

No hand drying provision at handwashing sink (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed no paper towels at the hand wash sink near the tortillas station. PIC provided hand drying provision for handwash sink at time of inspection. Each handwashing sink must be provided with hand drying provisions at all times

6-301.12

No written procedures for vomiting or diarrheal events

Inspector notes: Observed no written procedure for cleaning up bodily fluids or having a bodily fluid clean up kit on site at time of inspection

2-501.11

Employee eating, drinking, or using tobacco in food area (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed bottle water and other personal items stored above clean rags, onions, and canned goods. PIC moved employee consumables to the designated area and will retrain on proper eating, drinking, and tobacco use

2-401.11

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: Observed no CFPM on site at time of inspection. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation

2-102.12(A)

May 20, 2025

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

Plumbing system not approved or fixtures not cleanable (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed spray nozzle attached to hose on mop sink faucet. Mop sink faucet has an AVB. PIC removed shut-off (spray nozzle) downstream from atmospheric vacuum breaker at time of inspection. Shut-offs, including chemical dispensers and sprayer nozzles, are not approved for continuous installation downstream from atmospheric vacuum breakers

5-202.11(A)

Jan 9, 2025

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

Chemical sanitizer does not meet required criteria (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed establishment using "rapid multi surface disinfectant cleaner" as a sanitizer for cleaning food contact surfaces. After reading the label on the bottle and the SDS, the chemical should be used for a cleaner on floors, and walls. PIC removed and dumped all sanitizer buckets containing the chemical. PIC filled the sanitizer buckets with an approved sanitizer, quat ammonia. Discussed approved use of sanitizers with the person-in-charge (PIC). Sanitizer must be used at concentrations and in an approved manner per manufacturer instructions, 40 CFR 180.940, and 40 CFR 180.2020

7-204.11

Sep 10, 2024

Routine

1 major violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed a pitcher of water located in the basin of the hand wash sink near the dough mixer. PIC relocated all items blocking handwash sink at time of inspection. PIC will ensure establishment discontinues use of handwash sink for all activities that are not for handwashing

5-205.11

Show all 6 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Cafe Rio last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Cafe Rio on file is from Mar 19, 2026. The public record contains six inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Cafe Rio?

Across the inspection record, “certified food protection manager” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Cafe Rio.

How does Cafe Rio compare to other restaurants in Chandler?

Cafe Rio most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is lower than the Chandler average of 96.

Has Cafe Rio's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Cafe Rio have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Cafe Rio means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.

How often is Cafe Rio inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Cafe Rio is inspected around four times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Sunbird Golf Resort Restaurant

6250 S Sunbird Blvd

Score: 90 — Low Risk

The Grille at Lone Tree

6262 S Mountain Blvd

Score: 67 — Medium Risk

Curry Leaf Indian Market & Eatery

4990 S Gilbert Rd

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Explore More

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