Baron Rojo, a popular Mexican restaurant on North Avenue in Grand Junction, Colorado, has reopened to customers following a temporary closure due to health code issues. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment approved the restart after a recent inspection showed fixes to key problems, though some concerns remain.

Closure Sparks Local Concern

The restaurant shut down earlier this month when inspectors found serious lapses in food safety. This came right after a routine check in late September that already flagged multiple issues. Local diners expressed worry on social media about the repeated problems at the spot known for its authentic Mexican dishes and market items.

Health officials stepped in quickly to protect public safety. The closure lasted about two weeks, forcing staff to address the violations before welcoming back patrons. This event highlights the strict standards Colorado enforces on eateries to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Key Violations Uncovered

Inspectors noted several critical failures during the October recheck that led to the shutdown. Raw meats sat next to ready to eat foods, raising cross contamination risks. Homemade items lacked proper labels, and staff did not warn about major allergens like nuts or dairy.

Employees also struggled to recall when utensils and surfaces were last cleaned. Dirty non food contact areas added to the tally of 11 violations in the latest report. These issues point to broader training gaps in the kitchen.

Here are the main violations from the inspection:

• Improper storage of raw and cooked foods together
• Unlabeled homemade products
• No allergen notifications for customers
• Unclean equipment and surfaces
• Lack of sanitation records for utensils

Such problems can lead to health risks, especially for families and those with allergies. Past inspections in September showed similar patterns with nine violations, including poor enforcement of safety rules.

Path to Reopening

To get back in business, Baron Rojo made targeted changes based on inspector feedback. The latest report from October 24 confirms compliance in several vital areas, like proper food storage and basic sanitation. This allowed the health department to lift the suspension and permit operations to resume.

The team worked hard over the closure period to clean up and retrain staff. Officials require proof of corrections before any restart, ensuring the fixes hold up. Reopening brings relief to owners who rely on steady foot traffic in the busy North Avenue area.

This table summarizes the recent history, showing progress from initial warnings to full approval.

Lingering Issues and Future Steps

Despite the green light, one big worry stands out. The person in charge lacks certification as a food protection manager and has failed the exam several times. This certification proves knowledge of safe handling practices, and without it, risks could return.

Restaurant leaders plan to tackle this soon by scheduling more training. Colorado law mandates certified managers in food spots to uphold standards. Locals hope this leads to lasting improvements at Baron Rojo.

In a wider view, Grand Junction has seen a few similar cases this year with other eateries facing closures over sanitation. This underscores the need for ongoing education in the local food scene. Recent events, like a nearby cafe’s minor violation last week, remind everyone that vigilance matters.

What This Means for Diners

Customers can now enjoy Baron Rojo’s tacos, salsas, and fresh market goods again. The spot draws crowds for its cultural flavors, blending restaurant service with grocery options. Reopening boosts the local economy, as the area thrives on diverse dining choices.

For those concerned about safety, checking inspection reports online offers peace of mind. Families should ask about allergens and watch for clean practices during visits. This incident serves as a reminder to support spots that prioritize health.

Share your thoughts on Baron Rojo’s comeback in the comments below. Have you dined there lately? Let us know and spread the word to friends.