Luigi's Gourmet Express
Last inspected: Jan 8, 2026
64
Score
Inspectors have visited Luigi's Gourmet Express four times, with records going back to 2024. On Jan 8, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near four violations each time.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “approved thawing methods used”, showing up three times.
Compared to other Johnston restaurants (averaging 77), there's room to close the gap. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
4
Inspections
1
Critical latest
2
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 8, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 5 violations
Plumbing system not maintained in good repair
Inspector notes: The plumbing to the 3 bay sink is in poor repair. Inspector observed pipe detached beneath middle bay and faucet head leaking.
5-205.15
Equipment or utensils not clean
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (ice machine) were observed with an accumulation of food and debris. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. Unit taken out of service to be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
4-601.11(A)
Food thawed using improper method
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: ROP fish was observed thawing with packaging still intact. Packages were cut into during inspection.
3-501.13
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The floor in the kettle area is in poor repair. Tiles observed missing. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.
6-501.11
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: The establishment does not employ a full-time, on-site manager certified in food safety at all times when time temperature control for safety (TCS) food is being prepared, handled, and/or served.
2-102.12(A)
64
Nov 20, 2025
Environmental Complaint
3 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
Garbage & refuse properly disposed: facilities maintained
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The outside dumpster is not covered. Receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be kept covered. Dumpster was covered at the time of inspection.
5-501.113
Garbage & refuse properly disposed: facilities maintained
Inspector notes: The dumpster outside is located on rocks/dirt. The outdoor storage surface for refuse, recyclables, and returnables must be constructed of nonabsorbent material such as concrete or asphalt and must be smooth, durable, and sloped to drain. Establishment must move dumpster on to approved material. Dumpster company was called at the time of inspection.
5-501.11
Garbage & refuse properly disposed: facilities maintained
Inspector notes: The refuse area was observed with an accumulation of debris. Refuse areas must be maintained.
5-501.115
86
Aug 29, 2024
Re-Inspection
3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Sanitizer test kit not available
Inspector notes: The facility is lacking test strips to measure the concentration of the (quaternary and chlorine ) sanitizing solution for the (dishwasher and 3 bay sink ).
4-302.14
Food thawed using improper method
Inspector notes: ROP salmon was observed thawing with packaging still intact. PIC informed and and cut opening in package.
3-501.13
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The presence of (rodents) is not controlled as evidenced by (droppings). The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests must be controlled by routinely inspecting the premises for evidence of pests, using acceptable methods to control pests, eliminating harborage conditions, and routinely inspecting incoming shipments of food and supplies.
6-501.111
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the (food storage shelves) have an accumulation of soil residue and rodent droppings.
4-602.13
Handwashing sign not posted
Inspector notes: Handwashing sinks are lacking signage. A sign or poster musted be posted to notify food employees to wash their hands.
6-301.14
67
Aug 8, 2024
Routine
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations. 5 corrected on site.
View 10 violations
Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Gravy, which was prepared in advance, was not cooled to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in 2 hours and then to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. Disposed.
3-501.14
Food-contact surfaces not cleaned and sanitized at required frequency
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (ice machine) were observed with an accumulation of food and debris. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. Unit taken out of service and ice disposed.
4-602.11
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Various food product was observed held at (47-59) degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling.PIC voluntarily disposed of food product.
3-501.16(A)
Improper cooling methods used
Inspector notes: Proper cooling methods were not used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods. Per interview of (PIC), (gravy) was placed hot in the refrigerator in a container greater than four inches deep. PIC informed of proper cooling methods.
3-501.15
Food thawed using improper method
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Observed ROP salmon in walk in cooler with packaging still intact. PIC informed and made a cut into packages.
3-501.13
Sanitizer test kit not available
Inspector notes: The facility is lacking test strips to measure the concentration of the (quaternary and chlorine ) sanitizing solution for the (dishwasher and 3 bay sink).
4-302.14
Handwashing sign not posted
Inspector notes: Handwashing sinks are lacking signage. A sign or poster must be posted notifying food employees of handwashing.
6-301.14
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: Prep unit located in the (kitchen) area was not in good repair. Ambient temperatures observed at 45DF.Establishment not allowed to store any TCS food products in unit until replaced and/or repaired.
4-501.11
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the (food storage shelves in the kitchen area) have an accumulation of food residue and other debris.
4-602.13
Food contaminated by miscellaneous source
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Inspector observed food product being stored in commercial grade buckets. PIC placed foods in food grade buckets during inspection.
3-307.11
39
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Luigi's Gourmet Express last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Luigi's Gourmet Express on file is from Jan 8, 2026. The public record contains four inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Luigi's Gourmet Express?
Across the inspection record, “approved thawing methods used” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Luigi's Gourmet Express.
How does Luigi's Gourmet Express compare to other restaurants in Johnston?
Luigi's Gourmet Express most recently scored 64 out of 100, which is lower than the Johnston average of 77.
Has Luigi's Gourmet Express' inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Luigi's Gourmet Express have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Luigi's Gourmet Express means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
Nearby Restaurants