Akron's Culinary Conundrum: Uncovering the Establishments with the Most Inspection Violations

In the bustling city of Akron, Ohio, the local food scene has come under scrutiny as state records reveal the establishments with the highest number of food inspection violations during the 2023-2024 inspection year. This comprehensive report delves into the details, shedding light on the challenges faced by these businesses and the efforts to ensure the safety and quality of the dining experience for Akron residents and visitors alike.

Uncovering Akron's Culinary Compliance Concerns

Akron's Inspection Landscape: A Closer Look

The 2023-2024 inspection year in Akron, Ohio, saw a staggering number of food establishments cited for violations, with over 1,000 places receiving citations. However, a closer examination reveals that less than a quarter of these establishments were cited for more than 10 violations, indicating that the majority were able to address and rectify the issues identified during the inspection process.

The Top Offenders: Akron's Restaurants and Retailers with the Most Violations

Among the establishments cited, a select few stand out as the most egregious offenders, with the top spot being cited for a remarkable 125 violations – the highest number in Northeast Ohio during this inspection year. These 23 establishments, ranging from restaurants and cafes to grocery stores and convenience marts, have been the focus of heightened scrutiny and enforcement efforts by local health authorities.

Chowder House Cafe: A Repeat Offender

The Chowder House Cafe, located at 1244 Weathervane Lane, has been cited for a total of 30 food inspection violations during the 2023-2024 inspection year. The violations, which include critical issues such as improper food storage and handling, have been a recurring problem for the establishment, with multiple citations issued over the course of the year.

Wonder Mart: Struggling with Compliance

Another establishment that has faced significant challenges is the Wonder Mart, located at 777 E. Market Street. With 30 food inspection violations, the grocery store has been cited for a range of issues, including critical violations related to food storage and cleanliness.

Masa Asian Express: Falling Short on Food Safety

Masa Asian Express, a restaurant located at 276 Exchange Street, has also been cited for 30 food inspection violations during the 2023-2024 inspection year. The violations, which include critical issues such as improper food handling and temperature control, have raised concerns about the establishment's ability to maintain the highest standards of food safety.

Little Caesars and Lepcha Asian Grocery: Ongoing Compliance Struggles

The Little Caesars franchise at 1260 Copley Road and the Lepcha Asian Grocery at 446 E Tallmadge Ave. have both been cited for 31 food inspection violations, highlighting the ongoing challenges these businesses face in meeting regulatory requirements.

Jamaican Jerk Center: A Concerning Pattern of Violations

The Jamaican Jerk Center, located at 1231 E. Tallmadge Ave., has been cited for 32 food inspection violations, with a concerning pattern of critical issues identified during multiple inspections throughout the year.

Talamo's and El Rancho Mexican Restaurant: Struggling to Maintain Standards

Talamo's, located at 1195 Kenmore Blvd., and the now-closed El Rancho Mexican Restaurant at 1666 W. Exchange St., have both been cited for 34 food inspection violations, underscoring the difficulties these establishments have faced in consistently meeting food safety standards.

Fuji Hot Pot & Sushi: Addressing Ongoing Compliance Concerns

Fuji Hot Pot & Sushi, situated at 1662 Brittain Road, has been cited for 35 food inspection violations, prompting the need for the establishment to address a range of issues, from food storage to cleanliness.

Lafa Store: A Troubling Pattern of Violations

The Lafa Store, located at 1504 Brittain Road, has been cited for 36 food inspection violations, with a concerning pattern of critical issues identified during multiple inspections throughout the year.

Ann's Diner and North Hill Game Day Grille: Closed Establishments with Compliance Challenges

Two establishments, Ann's Diner at 1604 S. Hawkins Ave. and North Hill Game Day Grille at 1019 N. Main St., have both been cited for 39 food inspection violations, leading to their eventual closure due to their inability to address the ongoing compliance issues.

Molly Brown's Kitchen: Struggling to Maintain Food Safety Standards

Molly Brown's Kitchen, located at 518 Canton Road, has been cited for 41 food inspection violations, highlighting the significant challenges the establishment has faced in maintaining the necessary food safety standards.

Hibachi Xpress Grille: A Concerning Trend of Critical Violations

The Hibachi Xpress Grille, situated at 1110 E. Tallmadge Ave., has been cited for 43 food inspection violations, with a concerning trend of critical issues identified during multiple inspections throughout the year.

Lukity's Country Inn: Ongoing Compliance Efforts

Lukity's Country Inn, located at 2697 Manchester Road, has been cited for 45 food inspection violations, underscoring the establishment's ongoing efforts to address the compliance concerns raised by health authorities.

VIP Sports Bar & Grill: A Closed Establishment with Significant Violations

The now-closed VIP Sports Bar & Grill at 1295 E. Tallmadge Ave. has been cited for a staggering 50 food inspection violations, with a particularly concerning inspection that identified 13 critical issues.

Taqueria El Paso Authentic Mexican Food: Addressing Compliance Challenges

Taqueria El Paso Authentic Mexican Food, located at 1811 S. Main St., has been cited for 53 food inspection violations, prompting the establishment to work closely with health authorities to address the range of issues identified during the inspection process.

Convenient Food Mart: Ongoing Compliance Efforts

The Convenient Food Mart, situated at 199 Massillon Road, has been cited for 54 food inspection violations, underscoring the ongoing efforts required to ensure the establishment meets the necessary food safety standards.

Azteca Restaurante: Addressing Significant Compliance Concerns

Azteca Restaurante, located at 1779 E. Market St., has been cited for a staggering 71 food inspection violations, with critical issues identified across multiple inspections throughout the year, highlighting the significant challenges the establishment has faced in maintaining compliance.

Pizza BOGO: Struggling to Maintain Food Safety Standards

Pizza BOGO, situated at 1392 N. Portage Path, has been cited for 78 food inspection violations, indicating the establishment's ongoing struggle to consistently meet the necessary food safety requirements.

Emidio's Pizza: A Concerning Pattern of Violations

Emidio's Pizza, located at 636 N. Main St., has been cited for an alarming 80 food inspection violations, with a concerning pattern of critical issues identified during multiple inspections throughout the year.

Market Street Grill and Pub: Addressing Compliance Challenges

The Market Street Grill and Pub, situated at 1677 E. Market St., has been cited for a staggering 102 food inspection violations, underscoring the significant challenges the establishment has faced in maintaining the necessary food safety standards.

Morris's International Market: The Top Offender in Akron

Topping the list of establishments with the most food inspection violations is Morris's International Market, located at 216 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave. The market has been cited for a remarkable 124 violations, the highest number in Northeast Ohio during the 2023-2024 inspection year, highlighting the urgent need for the business to address the wide range of compliance issues identified by health authorities.