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Cincinnati, OH

Esquire Theatre

320 Ludlow Av

Last inspected May 1, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Approved - Minor Violations

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More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

9 inspections

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

May 1, 2026

Approved - Minor Violations

4 recorded violations

notedCode 2.4(A)(3)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

2.4(A)(3) - IV. Demonstration of Knowledge - Certified Manager

Inspector’s notes

No manager had Ohio manager certification in food protection. Unable to show Ohio manager certification on premises.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 4.1(Z)Food temperature

Official wording

4.1(Z) - Temperature Measuring Device - Functionality

Inspector’s notes

Temperature measuring devices are missing, not correctly placed, not readable, or of improper design. Cooler with food items was observed having no thermometer inside it.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode 3701-21-25 (K)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

3701-21-25 (K) - Person in Charge Certification in Food Protection FSO

Inspector’s notes

No person in charge certified in food protection was at the FSO where it is needed.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 2.4(C)(18)Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

2.4(C)(18) - I. Employee Health - Written Procedures for Cleaning Up Vomiting and Diarrheal Events

Inspector’s notes

No/inadequate written procedures for response to vomiting/diarrheal events. Did not observe bodily fluid cleanup procedure displayed anywhere.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, May 1, 2026 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Nov 25, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

2 recorded violations

notedCode 2.4(A)(3)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

2.4(A)(3) - IV. Demonstration of Knowledge - Certified Manager

Inspector’s notes

No manager had Ohio manager certification in food protection. Manager of facility needs to enroll in a manager level food protecction course. Only 1 certification is needed per license.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 5.1(O)(1)Handwashing

Official wording

5.1(O)(1) - III. Preventing Contamination by Hands - Using a handwashing sink - Operation and Maintenance

Inspector’s notes

Access to handwashing facility blocked. Observed items stored in hand washing sink. Spoke with person in charge about keeping hand sink available throughout the day.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Nov 25, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Apr 24, 2025

Approved - Minor Violations

3 recorded violations

notedCode 2.4(A)(3)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

2.4(A)(3) - IV. Demonstration of Knowledge - Certified Manager

Inspector’s notes

No manager had Ohio manager certification in food protection. Need at least one level 2 manager in food safety as a class 3 establishment.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 7.0(B)Chemicals

Official wording

7.0(B) - X. Chemical - Working Containers - Common Name

Inspector’s notes

Working containers of poisonous/toxic materials are not labeled. Chemical bottle at hand sink was not labeled. PIC labeled with sharpie. +COS

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely
notedCode 3.2(K)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

3.2(K) - In-use utensils - between-use storage

Inspector’s notes

In-use utensils are improperly stored. Observed ice scoop stored with handle portion laying in ice.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Apr 24, 2025 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Nov 4, 2024

Approved - Minor Violations

1 recorded violation

notedCode 3.4(F)(1)(a)Food temperature

Official wording

3.4(F)(1)(a) - VI. Time/Temperature Controlled Safety Food - TCS - hot and cold holding

Inspector’s notes

TCS foods were being hot held at temperatures <135° F or a roast <130° F. Nacho cheese bag that was opened in FSO left in machine overnight at room temperature. Please keep nacho cheese machine on if there is leftover cheese in the bags still. Had operator throw away open cheese left overnight. COS

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Nov 4, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Oct 28, 2024

Not In Compliance

8 recorded violations

notedCode 2.4(B)(11)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

2.4(B)(11) - IV. Demonstration of Knowledge - Person in charge - demonstration of knowledge

Inspector’s notes

The person in charge could not explain the correct procedures for cleaning and sanitizing. Manager and employees need to enroll in an approved PIC training for food safety. Each shift manager or shift lead should take the training.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 4.2(I)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

4.2(I) - Sanitizing solutions

Inspector’s notes

There is no test kit available for measuring the concentration of the sanitizer. Operator ordered new test kits for sanitizer solution.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 4.5(B)(4)(b)Contamination

Official wording

4.5(B)(4)(b) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Cleaning frequency

Inspector’s notes

Utensils or equipment are not cleaned at the proper frequency or the frequency is not documented Operator is establishing a cleaning policy to wash food contact surfaces daily.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 4.6(B)Contamination

Official wording

4.6(B) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Sanitizing frequency

Inspector’s notes

Equipment food-contact surfaces or utensils were not sanitized before use after cleaning. Operator found Quat Amonium tabs but was not sanitizing food contact surfaces before inspection.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 3.2(C)(8)Contamination

Official wording

3.2(C)(8) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Protection from Contamination

Inspector’s notes

Food is stored unwrapped or in uncovered containers. Operator bought new container for popcorn kernels so they can be protected from pest.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 4.1(Y)Food temperature

Official wording

4.1(Y) - Temperature Measuring Devices

Inspector’s notes

Temperature measuring devices are missing, not correctly placed, not readable, or of improper design. Needed to take temps for nacho cheese and water temperatures at three comp sink.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode 5.0(H)(2)Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

5.0(H)(2) - Water capacity for peak hot water demand

Inspector’s notes

Hot water generation and distribution systems are insufficient to meet the peak hot water demands throughout the facility. Observed no hot water at the 3 compartment sink. Operator called a plumber in to fix hot water.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
notedCode 4.5(D)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

4.5(D) - Nonfood-contact surfaces - cleaning frequency

Inspector’s notes

Nonfood-contact surfaces are not cleaned frequently enough. Observed popcorn kernels and debris inside of popcorn machine storage area. Please maintain clean daily.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Oct 28, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Oct 25, 2024

Not In Compliance

6 recorded violations

notedCode 3.2(C)(3)Contamination

Official wording

3.2(C)(3) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Cleaning Frequency of Equipment and Utensils

Inspector’s notes

Improper frequency of cleaning and sanitizing equipment and utensils. Food contact surface utensils are not being cleaned at the proper frequency.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 4.2(H)(1)Food temperature

Official wording

4.2(H)(1) - Temperature measuring devices

Inspector’s notes

Temperature measuring devices are missing, not correctly placed, not readable, or of improper design. Needed for three comp sink to check temperature of wash and sanitizer.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode 4.6(B)Contamination

Official wording

4.6(B) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Sanitizing frequency

Inspector’s notes

Equipment food-contact surfaces or utensils were not sanitized before use after cleaning. Utensils are not being properly sanitized after being washed.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 4.2(I)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

4.2(I) - Sanitizing solutions

Inspector’s notes

There is no test kit available for measuring the concentration of the sanitizer.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 2.4(B)(11)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

2.4(B)(11) - IV. Demonstration of Knowledge - Person in charge - demonstration of knowledge

Inspector’s notes

The person in charge could not explain the correct procedures for cleaning and sanitizing. Informed PIC of importance of washing, rinsing, and sanitizing dishes.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 3.2(C)(8)Contamination

Official wording

3.2(C)(8) - VII. Protection from Contamination - Protection from Contamination

Inspector’s notes

Food is stored unwrapped or in uncovered containers. Observed popcorn kernels in a large bucket that's uncovered. Informed PIC that pest could get inside of container if not covered up.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Oct 25, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Mar 18, 2024

Not Abated

2 recorded violations

notedCode 3717-1-07.0(B)Chemicals

Official wording

"3717-1-07.0(B) - Violation - Poisonous/toxic material-working containers Working containers of poisonous/toxic materials are not labeled."

Inspector’s notes

"OBSERVATION: Observed an unlabeled chemical spray bottle in the facility. CORRECTIVE ACTION: Ensure that all secondary chemical storage containers are labeled with the common name of the chemical within."

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely
notedCode 3717-1-03.2(Y)Contamination

Official wording

"3717-1-03.2(Y) - Violation - Miscellaneous sources of contamination Miscellaneous sources of contamination observed."

Inspector’s notes

"Observed the popcorn scoop in contact with the popcorn. Prevent indirect hand contact with food items."

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Mar 18, 2024 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Nov 13, 2023

Abated

2 recorded violations

notedCode 3717-1-06.4(B)(1)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

"3717-1-06.4(B)(1) - Violation - Facilities: Cleaning: Frequency The physical facilities are not cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean."

Inspector’s notes

"Violation has been abated"

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 3717-1-05.1(S)(2)Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

"3717-1-05.1(S)(2) - Violation - Plumbing system-maintained in good repair Plumbing system is not maintained in good repair."

Inspector’s notes

"Violation has been abated"

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Nov 13, 2023 · Original Source

ROUTINE - STANDARD INSPECTION

Oct 14, 2023

Abated

4 recorded violations

notedCode 3717-1-04.8(E)(1)Contamination

Official wording

"3717-1-04.8(E)(1) - Violation - Equipment, linens, single-service items-storage. Cleaned equipment or utensils, laundered linens, or single-service or single-use articles are not stored in a clean, dry location, protected from contamination."

Inspector’s notes

"Violation has been abated"

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 3717-1-04.2(I)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

"3717-1-04.2(I) - Violation - Sanitizing solutions-testing devices. There is no test kit available for measuring the concentration of the sanitizer."

Inspector’s notes

"Violation has been abated"

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 3717-1-05.1(S)(2)Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

"3717-1-05.1(S)(2) - Violation - Plumbing system-maintained in good repair Plumbing system is not maintained in good repair."

Inspector’s notes

"Violation has been abated"

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
notedCode 3717-1-06.4(B)(1)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

"3717-1-06.4(B)(1) - Violation - Facilities: Cleaning: Frequency The physical facilities are not cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean."

Inspector’s notes

"Clean the floor area - behind the popcorn maker - station 1 - behind equipment - station 2"

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Cincinnati Health Department, Oct 14, 2023 · Original Source

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