Top Fuel Espresso

1602 N Scottsdale Rd, Tempe, AZ 85288

Café / Breakfast

License: Food Establishment - Eating & Drinking

Last inspected: Aug 18, 2025

Score

Medium Risk Grade: B

There aren't many inspections to draw from yet: just two so far. Top Fuel Espresso was last inspected on Aug 18, 2025. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.

The trend has not been favorable: recent inspections average around six violations each, up from closer to two violations before.

When inspectors have written things up, “certified food protection manager” has been the most frequent reason, cited two times.

That's lower than the typical Tempe restaurant, which scores around 95. The record is unremarkable in either direction.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Aug 18, 2025

Routine

1 critical violation. 5 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.

View 6 violations

Toxic materials not used according to law or manufacturer instructions (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed quaternary ammonia in a spray bottle in which PIC stated is used to clean prep service stations. Tested solution in the bottle with test strips and readings were above 500ppm. 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. Advised PIC to use testing devices to dilute quaternary ammonia to acceptable concentrations for use when needed. Sanitizer was diluted by PIC to approved levels at time of inspection

7-202.12(A-B)

Handwashing sign not posted

Inspector notes: Observed only one handwashing sink with soap and paper towels, but no signage. A sign or poster that notifies food employees to wash their hands shall be provided at all handwashing sinks used by food employees and shall be clearly visible to food employees. Advised PIC to put signage for dedicated handwashing stations prior to next routine inspection

6-301.14

Food-contact surfaces not cleaned and sanitized at required frequency

Inspector notes: Observed primary ice bin with white organic matter in the inside roofing and green organic matter on the ledges of the sliding compartment door. PIC observed and confirmed the presence of organic matter. In equipment such as ice bins and beverage dispensing nozzles and enclosed components of equipment, a frequency specified by the manufacturer, or absent manufacturer specifications, at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of organic matter and at least once every 24 hours

4-602.11(E)

Employee eating, drinking, or using tobacco in food area

Inspector notes: Observed employee's drinks and lunch on the top shelf above TCS foods in the fridge. Areas designated for employees to eat, drink, and use tobacco shall be located so that food, equipment, linens, and single-service and single-use articles are protected from contamination. Advised PIC that employee drinks may be stored in coolers as long as they are isolated and stored away from service item foods. PIC stated to reorganize the shelf space and place employee items on the bottom rack

2-401.11

Wiping Cloths, Air Drying Location (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed damp wiping clothes hanging off racks and around handwashing station. PIC stated they were airdrying at the time of inspection. All wet wiping cloths must be stored in sanitizer buckets with approved sanitizer concentrations. Wiping clothes were moved away from racks and handwashing station area

4-901.12

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: Observed no Certified Food Protection Manager on duty. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required to be on the premises during all hours of operation. Advised PIC the importance of certification

2-102.12(A)

Jan 22, 2025

Routine

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

View 2 violations

No written procedures for vomiting or diarrheal events (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed facility without a clean up of vomiting and diarrheal instructions

2-501.11

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: Observed facility without a certified food manager present during hours of operation

2-102.12(A)

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Top Fuel Espresso last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Top Fuel Espresso on file is from Aug 18, 2025. The public record contains two inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Top Fuel Espresso?

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

How does Top Fuel Espresso compare to other restaurants in Tempe?

Top Fuel Espresso most recently scored 67 out of 100, which is lower than the Tempe average of 95.

Has Top Fuel Espresso's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Top Fuel Espresso have averaged around six violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

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

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