Little Caesars

8929 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85020
Pizza
License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking
Last inspected: Mar 24, 2026
90
Score
Low Risk

Going back to 2024, Little Caesars has six inspections in the public record. Inspectors last stopped by on Mar 24, 2026. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.

The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around four violations, down from roughly six violations earlier in the record.

“Certified food protection manager” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing six times across the record.

By comparison, the average Phoenix facility scores 97, putting Little Caesars on the weaker side. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.

6
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 24, 2026
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: 2ND CONSECUTIVE VIOLATION Certified Food Protection Manager not at establishment during the inspection. Maricopa County requires all establishments that serve open food, which requires time/temperature control for food safety, to have at least one certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff. The Person in Charge shall be a CFPM and is required to be onsite during the hours of operation. This certificate must be visible or readily accessible
2-102.12(A)
Fixed equipment not properly spaced or sealed
Inspector notes: 2ND CONSECUTIVE VIOLATION Observed missing caulk and caulk in disrepair at the juncture of the wall and the: 3-compartment sink, handwashing sinks, and the hood over the oven. Discussed recaulking. Equipment that is stationary (not easily moved) and subject to moisture must be sealed and maintained to prevent the harborage of insects and rodents
4-402.11
90
Mar 10, 2026
Reinspection
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Equipment or utensils not clean
Inspector notes: Observed several clear plastic pans that are used to store TCS toppings such as pepperoni and cheese, with soil and food debris on the inside food contact surfaces. The pans observed to be stored as clean on the clean rack near the 3-compartment sink. PIC will have the dishes rewashed and sanitized. Equipment food contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. Discussed the hazards of TCS foods left on equipment that is stored at room temperature. Many foodborne illness pathogens grow rapidly in the danger zone (41-135F). TCS food debris remaining on clean equipment is a potential source of contamination for foods that come into contact with the equipment. Re-inspection 10 days
4-601.11(A)
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: 2ND CONSECUTIVE VIOLATION Certified Food Protection Manager not at establishment during the inspection. Maricopa County requires all establishments that serve open food, which requires time/temperature control for food safety, to have at least one certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff. The Person in Charge shall be a CFPM and is required to be onsite during the hours of operation. This certificate must be visible or readily accessible
2-102.12(A)
Fixed equipment not properly spaced or sealed
Inspector notes: 2ND CONSECUTIVE VIOLATION Observed missing caulk and caulk in disrepair at the juncture of the wall and the: 3-compartment sink, handwashing sinks, and the hood over the oven. Discussed recaulking. Equipment that is stationary (not easily moved) and subject to moisture must be sealed and maintained to prevent the harborage of insects and rodents
4-402.11
82
Feb 25, 2026
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 7 violations
Backflow prevention air gap not adequate
Inspector notes: Observed the spray arm nozzle at the 3-compartment sink to be extending several inches below the flood rim level of the sinks. The spring and hose are in disrepair, with the water-line exposed due to the metal around the hose separating. An air gap between the water supply inlet and the flood level rim of the PLUMBING FIXTURE, EQUIPMENT, or nonFOOD EQUIPMENT shall be at least twice the diameter of the water supply inlet and may not be less than 25 mm (1 inch). The water outlet of a drinking water system must not be installed so that it contacts water in sinks, equipment, or other fixtures that use water. Providing an air gap between the water supply outlet and the flood level rim of a plumbing fixture or equipment prevents contamination that may be caused by backflow. Re-inspection in 3 days; please repair the spring/spray arm or replace to ensure that the outlet point of the spray arm is at least 1" above the flood rim
5-202.13
Hands not washed when required (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed employee use gloved hands to unscrew the cap from a bottle of water, drink the water, replace the cap, then use the same gloved hands to start shaping pizza dough. Inspector instructed employee to remove gloves and wash hands. Discussed when to wash hands and using a cup with lid and straw to prevent hands/gloves contamination when touching the cap and bottle where the mouth also contacts. Discussed the importance of proper hand washing and when hand washing is required with the person-in-charge (PIC). Hands must be washed at any time contamination occurs and when changing tasks
2-301.14
Time used as public health control not properly documented (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed prepped pepperoni pizzas on two zones of one zone rack, without the timers set. The pizzas were made within the hour prior to the inspection. Discussed the procedure for using the zone racks for prepped pizzas, which are held at room temperature. Person in charge (PIC) started the timers and will serve/discard the pizzas within 30 minutes. Discussed the importance of setting the timers once a pizza is placed on the zone rack in order to ensure that the pizzas are sold or discarded in 4 hours or less. Food borne illness pathogens grow rapidly in the temperature danger zone (41F-135F); TCS foods held in the danger zone (41-135F) must be labeled and discarded at the correct time to prevent foodborne illness from pathogen growth/toxin production
3-501.19(A1,B2,C2-3)
Equipment or utensils not clean
Inspector notes: Observed several clear plastic pans that are used to store TCS toppings such as pepperoni and cheese, with soil and food debris on the inside food contact surfaces. The pans observed to be stored as clean on the clean rack near the 3-compartment sink. PIC will have the dishes rewashed and sanitized. Equipment food contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. Discussed the hazards of TCS foods left on equipment that is stored at room temperature. Many foodborne illness pathogens grow rapidly in the danger zone (41-135F). TCS food debris remaining on clean equipment is a potential source of contamination for foods that come into contact with the equipment. Re-inspection 10 days
4-601.11(A)
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: 2ND CONSECUTIVE VIOLATION Certified Food Protection Manager not at establishment during the inspection. Maricopa County requires all establishments that serve open food, which requires time/temperature control for food safety, to have at least one certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff. The Person in Charge shall be a CFPM and is required to be onsite during the hours of operation. This certificate must be visible or readily accessible
2-102.12(A)
Fixed equipment not properly spaced or sealed
Inspector notes: 2ND CONSECUTIVE VIOLATION Observed missing caulk and caulk in disrepair at the juncture of the wall and the: 3-compartment sink, handwashing sinks, and the hood over the oven. Discussed recaulking. Equipment that is stationary (not easily moved) and subject to moisture must be sealed and maintained to prevent the harborage of insects and rodents
4-402.11
No designated area for employee eating or drinking
Inspector notes: Observed several employee personal items such as raw chicken and bacon kebabs, beverage containers (open and closed), and other food items stored on various racks in the walk-in cooler, on the prep table (not in use) and on the table near the drive-through window. Discussed storing employee's personal items in a designated area and in a manner that prevents contamination of food contact surfaces and food in the kitchen. PIC will retrain employees
6-403.11
52
Jun 3, 2025
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: At time of inspection no certified food protection manager was present. ====At all open hours of operation a Certified Food Protection Manager needs to be present. 4th Consecutive violation
2-102.12(A)
Employee eating, drinking, or using tobacco in food area
Inspector notes: Observed various employee food items throughout the entire store. Personal food items by drive thru window; personal food chocolate bar inside freezer unit; creamer inside soda refrigerator; ham & soda & nachos other pizza on prep table; employee food by main pizza line. Notified Person In Charge (PIC). =====PIC moved all foods away from designated commercial food areas
2-401.11
Fixed equipment not properly spaced or sealed
Inspector notes: Observed on previous inspection and current inspection missing caulk along the main hood vents. Also cracked caulking at hand sink by drive thru window. Notified Person In Charge (PIC)
4-402.11
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: Observed excessive orange organic matter and grease build up on inside oven vent hoods vent and left side of main ovens. Notified Person In Charge (PIC). Discussed on several previous inspections to address. ========Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. 3rd Consecutive Violation
4-602.13
82
Feb 3, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations. 5 corrected on site.
View 8 violations
Time used as public health control not properly documented (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Establishment is using time as control for prepared pizzas on tray racks labeled zone 1, 2, and 3. Previously discussed with establishment. At time of inspection on entire speed rack full of cheese and pepperoni pizzas were in zone 1, zone 2, and zone 3. Notified Person In Charge (PIC). Per PIC pizzas were recently prepared. Directed PIC to start timers and adjust time on pizzas. ======If utilizing 4 hours and no temperature control: The food has to be marked or otherwise identified to indicate the time that is 4 hours past the point the TCS food was removed from temperature control
3-501.19(B1,3-4;C1,4-5)
Toxic materials not stored separately from food (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed throughout the entire establishment several chemical spray bottles placed in areas over food and clean food contact equipment. Observed over main make line pizza refrigerator with chemical spray bottle containing bleach stored above tcs foods and clean container with clean food contact scoops. Also observed inside main restroom with green chemical Lytex stored directly over single used food gloves. Also observed by front counter with chemical spray bottle of degreaser stored over open food sauces. Notified Person In Charge (PIC). PIC moved all chemical spray bottles from food, food contact equipment; and single use gloves. ==========Toxic substances stored to prevent contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service and single-use articles
7-201.11
Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed by hand sink closest to drive thru window with large 3 gallon clear pitcher inside hand sink completely covering sink and not able to wash hands. Notified Person In Charge (PIC). PIC moved large pitcher from blocking hand sink. ===Maintained so accessible at all times. Not used for other purposes than handwashing
5-205.11
Ready-to-eat food not date marked (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: At time of inspection no date markings stickers on any product on the main pizza make line. Per employee food was placed in previous days. No dates on Mozzarella cheese containers; open cooked ham; open cooked sausage; open cooked pepperoni slices. Notified Person In Charge (PIC). PIC will apply the appropriate dates. Majority from previous day. ===TCS food to be clearly marked to indicate the date or day the food shall be consumed on premises, sold, or discarded when held at a temperature of 41°F or less for a maximum of 7 days===2nd Consecutive violation
3-501.17
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: At time of inspection no certified food protection manager was present. ====At all open hours of operation a Certified Food Protection Manager needs to be present. 3rd Consecutive violation
2-102.12(A)
Employee eating, drinking, or using tobacco in food area (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed various employee food items throughout the entire store. Personal food items by drive thru window; personal food in red plastic water inside hot box closest to hand sink; employee food inside two levels of freezer unit; employee food by main pizza line. Notified Person In Charge (PIC). PIC moved all foods away from designated commercial food areas.====== Employee foods should be inside walk in or employee area with labeled containers and names
2-401.11
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: Observed excessive orange and grease build up on inside oven vent hoods and left side of main ovens. Notified Person In Charge (PIC). Discussed on several previous inspections to address. ========Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. 2nd Consecutive Violation
4-602.13
Lighting not sufficient for food or utensil handling areas
Inspector notes: On previous inspection discussed with Person In Charge (PIC) to change out burnt light bulb inside oven vent hood. Light bulb still out. Notified PIC. =====At least 540 lux (50 foot candles) at a surface where a food employee is working with food or working with utensils or equipment such as knives, slicers, grinders, or saws where employee safety is a factor. 2nd Consecutive Violation
6-303.11
50
Aug 14, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 6 violations
Plumbing system not approved or fixtures not cleanable (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed water supply in mop sink area directly attached to the chemical dispenser via downstream sidekick valve connector. Notified employee that connection is unapproved. Employee removed side kick valve from water supply. Notified Person In Charge (PIC). Water supply turned on at time of inspection. Faucet has approved AVB installed, which has been under pressure whenever water supply is on. PIC turned water off. Discussed AVB's and backflow. Non-testable Anti-siphon Vacuum Breaker devices are designed to protect potable water supplies from the backsiphonage of non-health hazard cross-connections and low flow, non-continouous pressure installations. Use only with non-continuous pressure. No downstream shutoff valves are allowed. =============No shut-offs (butterfly y-valves), solenoids, or devices (i.e. side-kicks), equipment, etc., are allowed be present on the downstream side of an AVB
5-202.11(A)
Ready-to-eat food not date marked (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: At time of inspection no date markings stickers on any product on the main pizza make line. Notified Person In Charge (PIC). PIC will apply the appropriate dates. Majority from previous day
3-501.17
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: At time of inspection no certified food protection manager was present. ====At all open hours of operation a Certified Food Protection Manager needs to be present. 2nd Consecutive violation
2-102.12(A)
Employee not wearing required hair restraint (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: At time of inspection observed male employee with no hair restraints and working with open pizzas and slicing them. Notified Person In Charge (PIC). PIC directed employee to put on hat. ===A food handler has unrestrained hair
2-402.11
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: Observed excessive orange and grease build up on inside oven vent hoods and left side of main ovens. Notified Person In Charge (PIC). Discussed on previous inspection to address. ========Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues
4-602.13
Lighting not sufficient for food or utensil handling areas
Inspector notes: On previous inspection discussed with Person In Charge (PIC) to change out burnt light bulb inside oven vent hood. Light bulb still out. Notified PIC. =====At least 540 lux (50 foot candles) at a surface where a food employee is working with food or working with utensils or equipment such as knives, slicers, grinders, or saws where employee safety is a factor
6-303.11
64

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Little Caesars last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Little Caesars on file is from Mar 24, 2026. The public record contains six inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Little Caesars?

Across the inspection record, “certified food protection manager” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Little Caesars.

How does Little Caesars compare to other restaurants in Phoenix?

Little Caesars most recently scored 90 out of 100, which is lower than the Phoenix average of 97.

Has Little Caesars' inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Little Caesars have averaged around four violations per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Little Caesars 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 Little Caesars inspected?

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