Dairy Queen

541 E Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85204

Frozen Desserts

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Mar 16, 2026

Score

Low Risk

Public records show five inspections at Dairy Queen stretching back to 2024. On Mar 16, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.

Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near one violation per visit.

The most common issue across all inspections has been “certified food protection manager”, showing up three times.

Compared to other Mesa restaurants (averaging 95), there's room to close the gap. Overall, the inspection record reads well.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Mar 16, 2026

Routine

1 major violation. 1 minor violation. 2 corrected on site.

View 2 violations

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

Inspector notes: Observed no available paper towels on both handwashing station at time of inspection. Per PIC, an employee forgot to restock at one handwashing station, and at the other station the dispenser's battery probably just died

6-301.12

In-use utensils stored improperly between uses (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed at the back area of the establishment two plastic ice buckets being stored directly on top of the ice machine. PIC re-washed the plastic buckets and placed them inside a clean dry container at time of inspection

3-304.12

Aug 8, 2025

Routine

No violations found.

100

Mar 28, 2025

Reinspection

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: Please ensure one staff during the hours of operations is provided/has obtained a certified food manager. resources online reviewed with facility GM via phone

2-102.12(A)

Feb 26, 2025

Routine

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

View 4 violations

No hand drying provision at handwashing sink

Inspector notes: At the arrival to facility, hand washing basin located near the walk-in cooler entry, no sopa. spoke to staff on duty. per facility gM via phone, awaiting a new papaer towel dispenser. re-inspection scheduled for 10 days 3-11-2025

6-301.12

Ready-to-eat food not date marked (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Please ensure rte/tcs food are provided with a use by date, please provide a use by date for the pans of on site cooked bacon, sliced cheese. facility GM coached staff via phone regarding marking the use by date for the food pans, onsite rte/tcs. discard dates affixed to food pans

3-501.17

Wiping Cloths, Air Drying Location (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed the wiping towels were left on the food prep. stations. discussed with shift supervisor. manager prepared quat ammonia at 200 ppm. please store wet wiping cloth in a sanitizer solution

4-901.12

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: Please ensure one staff during the hours of operations is provided/has obtained a certified food manager. resources online reviewed with facility GM via phone

2-102.12(A)

Sep 18, 2024

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.

View 2 violations

Plumbing system not maintained in good repair

Inspector notes: Inspector proceeded to the hand washing station immediately adjacent to the walk-in cooler door. noted sink was slow draining. also observed link under the hand washing basin. notified pic. per manager, a service order has been called awaiting repair. please repair the plumbing

5-205.15(A)

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: Please provide one certified food manager for the establishment. available resources on esd.maricopa.gov reviewed

2-102.12(A)

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Dairy Queen last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Dairy Queen on file is from Mar 16, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Dairy Queen?

Across the inspection record, “certified food protection manager” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Dairy Queen.

How does Dairy Queen compare to other restaurants in Mesa?

Dairy Queen most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is lower than the Mesa average of 95.

Has Dairy Queen's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Dairy Queen have averaged around one violation per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

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

Nearby Restaurants

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Sunrise Preschools

1365 S Gilbert Rd

Score: 58 — Medium Risk

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→ All locations in Mesa → Frozen Desserts restaurants in Maricopa → Frozen Desserts restaurants in Mesa