Colorado Springs – The El Paso County Health Department’s latest routine health inspections revealed contrasting outcomes for two popular local restaurants on North Powers Boulevard.
Modern Market fails inspection
Modern Market, located at the intersection of North Powers Boulevard and South Carefree Circle, received a failing grade after inspectors reported more than a dozen food items being held at unsafe temperatures. The restaurant is currently awaiting a re‑inspection to verify corrective actions.
Vince Baraket, the managing partner, expressed disappointment over last year’s inspection but emphasized his team’s commitment to improvement. “We just want to make sure that we’re doing the right thing for our community every day,” Baraket said. “We got a 98, which is, you know – I think very, very good.”
Texas Roadhouse earns high score
Just a short drive away, Texas Roadhouse on North Powers Boulevard earned a high inspection score, marking a notable turnaround after being highlighted as a low scorer in a previous Restaurant Roundup. The restaurant’s manager, Rebecca, highlighted ongoing efforts to maintain food safety standards. “I’m in a class right now that’s doing ServeSafe stuff at my school,” she said. “We did get our fridge fixed yesterday.” Rebecca added that the steam table is also being repaired.
In addition to its strong inspection performance, Texas Roadhouse is supporting a local cause by selling bracelets and T‑shirts to raise funds for the “Stomp Out Breast Cancer” campaign through the end of the month.
What the scores mean for diners
High scores indicate that a kitchen has passed its routine health inspection, reassuring patrons that food is being prepared safely. Conversely, a failing grade signals that immediate corrective measures are required to protect public health.
The El Paso County Health Department conducts these inspections regularly to ensure restaurants comply with state and local food‑safety regulations. Results are publicly posted, allowing residents to make informed dining choices.
Community response
Local diners have expressed mixed reactions. Some praised Texas Roadhouse’s improvement and its charitable efforts, while others urged Modern Market to address the temperature violations promptly. “We rely on our local restaurants to keep families safe,” said one resident who prefers to shop locally.
Both establishments have pledged to continue working with health officials to meet the required standards. Modern Market’s manager confirmed that the team is actively fixing equipment and retraining staff, aiming for a successful re‑inspection soon.
Looking ahead
Residents can stay updated on inspection scores and upcoming health department notices by visiting the El Paso County Health Department website or following local news outlets. The KRDO13 Restaurant Roundup will continue to highlight high‑scoring establishments, helping the community identify safe dining options.
For a complete list of recent health inspection scores, click the link provided in the original KRDO13 article.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
