Popeye's

457 W Broadway Rd, Tempe, AZ 85282

American

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Apr 1, 2026

Score

Medium Risk

Popeye's has been inspected five times since 2024. Popeye's was last inspected on Apr 1, 2026. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.

The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around two violations to closer to four violations.

Across the inspection history, “good repair and proper adjustment-equipment” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded three times.

Compared to other Tempe restaurants (averaging 95), there's room to close the gap. The record is unremarkable in either direction.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Apr 1, 2026

Routine

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

View 4 violations

Food not reheated to required temperature for hot holding (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed bags gravy, frijoles and mac and cheese in the thermalizer holding at 80*F with the unit turned off. Per person in charge (PIC) the bags were placed in the unit more than 2 hours prior to inspection. Discussed with PIC commercially processed TCS food items must be rapidly reheated to 135°F within 2 hours prior to hot holding. All TCS foods improperly reheated were embargoed and discarded by PIC

3-403.11

Backflow prevention air gap not adequate (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed at mopsink by the back door a faucet with an AVB and hose with a sprayer attached at time of inspection and not in use. Discussed with PIC the sprayer shall be detached between usage as the AVB shall not be held under constant pressure. PIC removed the sprayer at time of inspection

5-202.13

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

Inspector notes: Observed utensils for hot holding gravy, mac and cheese and frijoles in 80*F water. Discussed with PIC in-use utensils must be stored in a clean, dry location; in running water; or in hot water above 135°F. If utensils are stored in food, the handles must be stored above the surface of the food. All in-use utensils were properly stored at time of inspection

3-304.12

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: Observed no Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) present at time of inspection. A CFPM is required at all times of operation. Please obtain CFPM prior to next routine inspection

2-102.12(A)

Aug 11, 2025

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: Observed hot holding area for mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, & beans to be in disrepair at time of inspection. All equipment must be maintained in good repair at all times. Repair all equipment to a state of good repair prior to next routine inspection. Repeat violation: 2nd Consecutive

4-501.11

Apr 21, 2025

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 2 violations

Hands not washed when required (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed cashier taking an order, scratch their face, and start preparing a customer order without washing hands at time of inspection. 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. Employee properly washed hands at handwash sink at time of inspection

2-301.14

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: Observed heavily rusted shelving throughout walk-in cooler. Maintain equipment in good repair. Replace/resurface prior to next routine inspection. Correct By: Correct Prior To Next Routine Inspection

4-501.11

Jan 7, 2025

Routine

No violations found.

100

Aug 27, 2024

Routine

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

View 2 violations

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

Inspector notes: Observed person in charge (PIC) clean off a basket for the hot holding drawers and dry it off with a paper towel in the handwashing sink closest to the drive through. PIC brought the basket to the 3-compartment sink to be washed at time of inspection. PIC was informed that hand sinks must be limited to hand washing only to prevent contamination of food contact surfaces/foods with bacteria from hands. Hand washing facilities must be maintained in a condition that promotes handwashing and restricted for that use PIC will ensure establishment discontinues use of handwash sink for all activities that are not for handwashing

5-205.11

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: Observed fan in the walk-in freezer to be in disrepair at time of inspection. All equipment must be maintained in good repair at all times. Repair all equipment to a state of good repair prior to next routine inspection. Repeat violation (2nd consecutive)

4-501.11

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Popeye's last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Popeye's on file is from Apr 1, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Popeye's?

Across the inspection record, “good repair and proper adjustment-equipment” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Popeye's.

How does Popeye's compare to other restaurants in Tempe?

Popeye's most recently scored 67 out of 100, which is lower than the Tempe average of 95.

Has Popeye's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Popeye's have averaged around four violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Popeye's means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.

How often is Popeye's inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Popeye's is inspected around three times per year on average.

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