The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has posted an updated list of recent Retail Food Inspection Reports for restaurants and food handlers in Berks County. Inspections are a “snapshot” of the day and time of the inspection. Violations are recorded but are often corrected on the spot prior to the inspector leaving the facility. For more information on retail food inspection reports, visit: agriculture.pa.gov
On December 11, 2025, Zhuang’s Garden, located at 2834 Penn Avenue, West Lawn, was inspected and found with the following violation: Raw chicken above ready to eat vegetables in common equipment with no barriers to prevent cross-contamination. Corrected. Thermometer for ensuring proper temperature of equipment is not available or readily accessible in the white refrigerator to the side of the sushi table in the server alcove. Observed two cases of single-service, single-use articles stored in dry storage area directly on the floor, and not 6 inches above the floor. Food facility inspection indicates evidence of rodent activity in the dry storage areas; facility needs to increase their pest control program. Mouse droppings need to be cleaned up as they can become a pest attractant.
On December 11, 2025, Stone Bar Inn, located at 535 Frystown Road, Frystown, was inspected and found with the following violation: Observed fryer equipment, in the cookline area, with an accumulation of grease, food residue, debris on non-food contact surfaces. Non-food contact surfaces of ceiling fans in the kitchen not cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of dust and debris.
On December 11, 2025, Stokesay Castle, located at 141 Stokesay Castle Lane, Reading, was inspected and found with the following violation: Observed dirt/debris on the floor under shelving in the far storage corner of the kitchen near the water heaters.
On December 11, 2025, Power Gas & Mini Mart, located at 150 Main Street, Strausstown, was inspected and found with the following violation: Food facility is using an approved non-public water system, but does not have current laboratory testing results for water potability.
On December 11, 2025, Mama Cho’s, located at 10 South Summit Avenue, Reading, was inspected and found with the following violation: Refrigerated ready to eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared in the food facility and held for more than 24 hours, located in the display cases, is not being date marked. Raw shell eggs stored above ready to eat food in Bain Marie. Observed deeply scored cutting boards not resurfaced or discarded as required. Observed a buildup of old food residue on the top Bain Marie cover. Food facility has an employee who held a Certified Food Manager certificate; however, the certificate has expired and is no longer valid.
On December 11, 2025, Casa Cortes Mexican Grill, located at 360 East Wyomissing Avenue, Suite D, Mohnton, was inspected and found with the following violation: Observed top of ice maker to have an apparent slime build up and is need of cleaning. Refrigerated ready to eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared in the food facility and held for more than 24 hours, located in the front and back refrigerators, is not being date marked. Corrected. Observed clean food equipment and/or utensils in dish wash area, stored wet in a manner that does not allow for draining and/or air drying (wet nesting). Observed clean food equipment in the kitchen area, stored uncovered or not inverted. Corrected. Food facility is reusing equipment, which is intended to be a single-service or single-use article. Corrected. Working containers in front counter area, used for storing cleaners taken from bulk supplies, were not marked with the common name of the chemical. Corrected.
On December 12, 2025, Wyomissing Sunoco, located at 3100 State Hill Road, Wyomissing, was inspected and found with the following violation: Food facility does not have available sanitizer test strips to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration. Observed 6 quarts and 1 half gallon of chocolate milk offered for sale beyond the sell-by date of 12/6/2025. Corrected. The food facility does not have the original certificate for the certified food employee posted in public view.
On December 12, 2025, Norte Sur Mexican Restaurant, located at 3223 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading, was inspected and found with the following violation: Food facility does not have available sanitizer test strips to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration at the dishwasher. There are unfinished wall surfaces in the cooking area. Walls need to be smooth, easily cleanable, non-absorbent.
On December 12, 2025, Black Jax American Pub and Grill, located at 668 Ben Franklin Highway, Birdsboro, was inspected and found with the following violation: The handwash sink in the bar area was blocked by dishes and was not accessible at all times for employee use. Corrected. Floor / wall in the rear food preparation area (near the ovens) is damaged and is not a smooth, easily cleanable surface.
On December 12, 2025, Berkshire Heights Fire Co., located at 808 North Park Road, Wyomissing, was inspected and found with the following violation: Observed an accumulation of grease on the floor under the fryers/stove.
On December 13, 2025, Takkii Ramen, located at 2934 North 5th Street Highway, Reading, was inspected and found with the following violations: Food Employee observed changing tasks that may have contaminated hands without a proper handwash in-between. Food employee observed in prep area, not wearing proper hair restraint, such as net or hat. Raw eggs were stored above ready to eat foods in the lower section of the bain marie. Observed wet wiping cloths in food prep area, not being stored in sanitizer solution. A Food Employee was observed washing their hands at the utility sink rather than the designated handwash sink. Microwave exterior/interior, refrigerator exterior/handles soiled. Food dispensing utensil in ice machine observed stored in the ice and not with handle above the top of the ice. Thermometers for ensuring proper temperatures of food are not available or readily accessible or staff was not aware of location.
On December 15, 2025, Van’s Cafe, located at 506 Penn Avenue, West Reading, was inspected and found with the following violation: Observed dry storage containers repaired with tape, which is not easily cleanable. The fryers have a significant accumulation of grease on some surfaces. There is an accumulation of old food debris on some interior surfaces of the bain marie units in the cooking area. Some light bulbs are not shielded or shatter proof in the kitchen areas.
On December 15, 2025, Third and Spruce Drafthaus, located at 238 South 3rd Avenue, West Reading, was inspected and found with the following violation: Food facility does not have available sanitizer test strips to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration. Chlorine chemical sanitizer residual detected in the final sanitizer rinse cycle of the low temperature glass washer at the bar was 0 ppm, and not 50-100 ppm as required. Corrected by changing the sanitizer bottle. Thermometer for ensuring proper temperature of equipment is not available or readily accessible in the Avantco bain marie near the fryers in the kitchen. Working containers (spray bottles) in the bar and kitchen areas, used for storing chemicals, cleaners taken from bulk supplies, were not marked with the common name of the chemical. Corrected.
On December 15, 2025, Los Arrieros Restaurant, located at 428 Penn Avenue, West Reading, was inspected and found with the following violation: Open employee beverage containers were observed in the kitchen food preparation area. Corrected. Thermometer for ensuring proper temperature of equipment is not available or readily accessible in the small refrigerator at the front counter.
On December 15, 2025, Dream Garden, located at 3564 Penn Avenue, Suite 2, Sinking Spring, was inspected and found with the following violation: Shelves in the kitchen are observed lined with cardboard. Cardboard is not smooth and easily cleanable this is absorbent and can harbor pests. Please remove. The handwash sink in the front counter area was blocked by an umbrella and a bowl and not accessible at all times for employee use. Corrected.
On December 16, 2025, Vintner’s Table, located at 945 Hill Avenue, Suite 100, Wyomissing, was inspected and found with the following violation: Food employee observed in front food preparation area wearing bracelets/watch on arms. Mops are not being hung to air dry. Food employee observed in front food preparation area not wearing effective hair restraint. Observed spatulas and wooden serving boards at the 3-compartment sink that are not in good repair or condition. The food facility does not have the original certificate for the certified food employee posted in public view. Working containers (spray bottles) of cleaner / sanitizer were stored above and on the same shelf with food in the back food preparation area. Corrected.
On December 16, 2025, Tosco Pizza Parlor, located at 2601 Penn Avenue, Reading, was inspected and found with the following violation: Filters on the exhaust hood are observed with excessive dust and debris build up and need to be changed or cleaned more frequently to avoid build up. Tomato sauce was held at 72 °F, in the hot holding area, rather than 135°F or above as required. Corrected, put on stove to reheat. Food facility is reusing plastic souffle cups as a utensil, which is intended to be a single-service or single-use article. Corrected.
On December 16, 2025, Scottys, located at 1257 Montgomery Avenue, New Berlinville, was inspected and found with the following violation: Observed deeply scored cutting boards not resurfaced or discarded as required throughout the cookline and prep area. Observed meatballs and tomato sauce in a hot hold container was at 55 degrees and was not properly reheated to 165 degrees before putting into the hold hold container. Food employees observed in cookline area were not wearing beard covers. Observed the vent hood, fryer, and the wall and floor in the cookline area, with with a large build-up of grease accumulation.
On December 16, 2025, Salvatore’s, located at 200 Revere Boulevard, West Lawn, was inspected and found with the following violation: Fryer basket observed with a broken wire. Corrected, removed from service. Food facility does not have available sanitizer test strips or test kit to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration. Food facility is reusing plastic souffle cups as a utensil, which is intended to be a single-service or single-use article. Corrected.
On December 16, 2025, China Max, located at 1665 State Hill Road, Wyomissing, was inspected and found with the following violation: Plumbing system not maintained in good repair – observed water leaking at the faucet for the handwash sink in the back kitchen area. Observed an accumulation of dirt, grease, and old food debris on the floor under the cooking equipment in the back kitchen area. There is a build-up of grease/dirt on the hood surfaces in the back kitchen area.
On December 16, 2025, Casa de Empanada, located at 9 Main Street, Kutztown, was inspected and found with the following violation: Food facility does not have available quat sanitizer test strips or quat test kit to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration.
On December 16, 2025, Boyertown Area Multi-Service, located at 200 West Spring Street, Boyertown, was inspected and found with the following violation: Severely dented canned items observed in the kitchen area are intended for use in the food facility. Food facility is reusing gallon dressing containers, which is intended to be a single-service article.
On December 17, 2025, Wyomissing Restaurant & Bakery, located at 1245 Penn Avenue, Wyomissing, was inspected and found with the following violation: Observed cases of food stored directly on the floor in the walk-in freezer area, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required.
On December 17, 2025, Walgreens #15937, located at 2203 Lancaster Pike, Reading, was inspected and found with the following violation: Observed multiple foods stored directly on the floor in the back stock area, rather than 6 inches off of the floor as required.
On December 17, 2025, So Good Homemade Soups & Salads, located at 10 South Summit Avenue, Reading, was inspected and found with the following violation: Observed a buildup of food residue on the dry storage shelves. Refrigerated ready to eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared in the food facility and held for more than 24 hours, located in the cold hold, is not being date marked.
On December 17, 2025, Lagatta Bakery, located at 5 South 4th Street, Hamburg, was inspected and found with the following violation: The handwash sink in the kitchen area was blocked by utensils in the bowl and not accessible at all times for employee use. Corrected.
On December 17, 2025, Kentucky Fried Chicken #052, located at 2245 Lancaster Pike, Shillington, was inspected and found with the following violation: The Person in Charge did not demonstrate adequate knowledge of food safety in this food facility as evidenced by this non-compliant inspection. Refrigerated ready to eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared in the food facility and held for more than 24 hours, located in the walk-in cooler, is not being date marked. Facility not following its date marking policy for foods thawed for use. Observed several trays of thaw chicken with discard dates and times beyond the sticker. Observed a layer of dust throughout the facility. Firm has undergone construction in the seating area; proper dust prevention was not implemented. Non-food contact surfaces not cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of dirt and soil. Floor throughout the back area has build up of grease and dust. Observed a buildup of grease on the vent system above the fryers, in the cook area, with encrusted grease and soil accumulation. Plumbing system not maintained in good repair – observed standing water under the front soda machine. Coleslaw food, a refrigerated ready to eat time/temperature control for safety food, in the walk-in cooler area, was not compliant with datemarking by being labeled with a discard or use by date of no more than 7 days, and requires discarding. Floor and walls, throughout the facility have areas of broken, missing or cracked tiles, that are not durable, smooth, non-porous, non-absorbent. Ceiling tile in front service area is peeling and is need of replacement. Observed duct tape being used as to repair outlets and pipes. Observed clean food equipment and/or utensils in the dishwash area, stored wet in a manner that does not allow for draining and/or air drying (wet nesting). Drive thru soda machine, a food contact surface, was observed to have food residue and was not clean to sight and touch. Observed apparent rodent droppings throughout the facility. Firm has a pest control service. Working containers in the dry storage area, used for storing chemicals, cleaners taken from bulk supplies, were not marked with the common name of the chemical.
On December 17, 2025, Hill Road Coffee Roasters, located at 360 East Wyomissing Avenue, Unit B, Mohnton, was inspected and found with the following violation: Multiple foods were held at 44-46°F, in the two refrigerators in the front and back areas, rather than 41°F or below as required. Corrected. Observed the handwash sink in the back area to be missing caulk at the top and peeling caulk on the side creating surfaces that are not easily cleanable. Observed container in roasting area that is cracked and broken. Container was repaired with tape a surface that is not easily cleanable. Corrected.
On December 17, 2025, Gino’s Café, located at 400 West Broad Street, Unit D, Shillington, was inspected and found with the following violation: Refrigerated ready to eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared in the food facility and held for more than 24 hours, located in the Walk-in cooler and back refrigerator, is not being date marked. Corrected.
On December 17, 2025, China Penn #1, located at 4203 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading, was inspected and found with the following violation: The hot water handle at the sushi bar handwash sink is not working properly. Soap was not available at the handwash sink in the bar area. Corrected.
On December 17, 2025, Best China Chef, located at 5506 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading, was inspected and found with the following violation: Cold water handle is not working properly at the handwash sink in the kitchen area. Cardboard is being used as a non-food contact surface in several areas of the kitchen. This is not a non-absorbent, cleanable material. Mops are not being hung to air dry. Food facility does not have available sanitizer test strips to determine appropriate sanitizer concentration.
Several other restaurants were inspected during this time period with no violations reported: The White Magnolia Coffee Co., Myerstown; Olivares Supermarket, Reading; Exodo Grocery Store, Reading; Deli Station, Wyomissing; D Karina Deli & Grocery, Reading; Coffee Corner, Wyomissing; Berkshire Express, Wyomissing; Berks CTC–West Campus, Leesport; A Taste of Comfort, Mohnton; Reading Liederkranz, Reading; William’s Family Restaurant, Reading; Hoober’s Fresh To Go, Reading; Redner’s Quick Stop, Reading; Smoothie Social, Kutztown; Quick Mart #1, Blandon; Aldi #82, Reading; Mount Penn Family Restaurant, Reading; Mays Sandwich Shop Inc., West Lawn; Great Wall Chinese Restaurant, West Reading; Wendy’s #19304, Hamburg; Square One Hamburg, Hamburg; KidsPeace – Berks Campus, Temple; Holy Guardian Angels Regional School, Reading; Dollar Tree #5139, Hamburg; Crumbl Cookies, Wyomissing; Arby’s #7714, Hamburg.
