Chickie’s & Pete’s and Spring Garden Restaurant underwent routine inspections on August 7, 2025. The restaurants were visited by officials of the Philadelphia Department of Health to assess compliance with the health standards. The inspectors noted serious violations at both establishments, including insect and mouse activity. The facilities need to address the violations mentioned in the report.
Please note that the reports mentioned here are from inspections conducted on August 7 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishments.
Highlights
- Health inspectors visited Chickie’s & Pete’s and Spring Garden Restaurant for a routine check on August 7, 2025.
- Philadelphia’s health department cited the establishments for multiple risk factors and intervention violations.
- The violations must be corrected to comply with city health regulations.
Chickie’s & Pete’s
Where: 1526 Packer Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145
When: August 7, 2025
The inspectors found that no person at the facility possessed a mandatory valid Food Establishment Personnel Food Safety Certificate. While the soap was missing from the handwashing sink when the officials arrived, the violation was corrected on-site.
The inspectors noted that the establishment had used the handwash sinks for purposes other than handwashing. The inspectors ensured that the person in charge (PIC) understood the proper usage of the handwash sink.
Uncovered ice was observed behind the bar and in server areas. The facility was not maintaining the recommended iodine concentration in the sanitizing solution of the mechanical dishwashers.
The establishment was instructed to sanitize all equipment, dishes, and utensils in their respective 3-compartment sinks pending machine repairs. A cold prep refrigerator was operating at a temperature higher than the required 41°F or below.
Fruit flies seen at the main bars confirmed insect activity at the venue. Inspectors identified houseflies and a German cockroach in the kitchen area. An under-counter refrigerator on the premises was found to be nonfunctional.
The walk-in freezer contained built-up ice and debris that required immediate cleaning. The floor and walls behind the cooking equipment showed an accumulation of grease and debris. To check the complete report, click here.
Spring Garden Restaurant
Where: 400 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
When: August 7, 2025
The person in charge (PIC) at Spring Garden Restaurant possessed only a ServSafe certificate. A food handling establishment should have at least one employee retaining a valid department-issued Food Establishment Personnel Food Safety Certificate during all business hours.
The ice machine placed in the coffee prep area had accumulated black residue. The facility was instructed not to use the machine or its ice until sanitized. The ingredient storage containers were not properly labeled with common names.
Droppings observed in the prep area’s storage section indicated mouse activity. Gaps at the base of the rear exit revealed a lack of protection against the potential entry of insects, rodents, and other animals into the facility.
The establishment was cited for cleanliness and general upkeep issues by the inspectors. Dust, grease, and debris were seen accumulated on the shelves of the kitchen area. Other key areas showing stains and clutter were the rear storage and rear ware washing areas.
The ceiling vent cover in the women’s restroom was layered with dust. Maintenance tools like brooms, mops, and dustpans were not elevated after use, as is required. The report was posted online after inspection.
Follow-up Inspection
Inspectors confirmed Chickie’s & Pete’s and Spring Garden Restaurant were out of compliance with the city health codes. Corrective action is required to address the violations. The department can verify compliance status after reinspection.
It is important for the two facilities to acquire a City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health Food Establishment Personnel Food Safety Certificate, respectively. An application for the same should be submitted within 30 days, or the department will issue an intent to cease operations order.
The inspectors noted that Spring Garden Restaurant has changed ownership. According to the law, a Change of Ownership Application should be submitted. The establishment may visit the website link included in the report for additional information.
Failure to resolve the reported violations on time may result in license revocation.
