News Summary
A Sonic Drive-In in Las Vegas faced a four-day closure after the Southern Nevada Health District found severe health code violations, including a major cockroach infestation. The inspection, prompted by a complaint, revealed live and dead cockroaches throughout the restaurant, along with unsanitary conditions contributing to the food safety risk. After remediation efforts, the establishment was allowed to reopen, marking a significant incident for a location known for its good health scores since 2005. This case underscores the crucial need for strict health protocols in food service.
Las Vegas – A Sonic Drive-In restaurant located on North Nellis Boulevard in east Las Vegas was closed for four days due to serious health code violations, including a significant cockroach infestation. The closure was ordered by the Southern Nevada Health District following an inspection on August 4 that uncovered multiple unsanitary conditions within the facility.
The restaurant’s closure came after a complaint was filed regarding a pest problem. Health officials confirmed the presence of what they described as “multigenerational cockroaches” within the establishment. Investigators observed live cockroaches in several locations throughout the facility, including behind the ice machine and under the toppings table, as well as near the soft-serve machine. Additionally, numerous dead cockroaches were found in various corners of the restaurant.
In addressing the infestation, the health district noted the presence of standing water and accumulations of grease behind the deep fryers, which contributed to the hazardous conditions for both pest proliferation and food safety. Following significant cleaning and pest control measures, the Sonic Drive-In was permitted to reopen on Friday afternoon after the health district confirmed that the cockroach issue had been resolved.
The inspection report indicated that the restaurant faced a total of nine demerits due to a range of violations. These included improper identification, storage, and use of cleaning chemicals; failure to adequately clean and sanitize surfaces that come into contact with food; and improper handling and storage of utensils and single-use items. The overall maintenance and condition of the restaurant were also cited as concerns during the inspection.
This particular Sonic location, which has been operational since at least 2005, had historically maintained relatively good health scores, receiving mostly A or B grades over the years. Instances of lower C grades or passing scores have been rare, and prior to this incident, the restaurant had never faced a closure due to health violations.
Despite repeated attempts to reach the Sonic Drive-In for comments about the incident, there was no response. The situation highlights the importance of maintaining strict health and safety protocols in food service establishments to ensure customer safety and uphold public health standards.
The issue of pest control in restaurant environments is critical, as it directly impacts the quality of food served to patrons. The Southern Nevada Health District takes violations of health codes seriously, conducting regular inspections and responding to public complaints in order to protect consumers and maintain safety standards across the food service industry.
As the Sonic Drive-In resumes operations, it remains to be seen how the establishment will manage to restore customer confidence and ensure high standards of cleanliness and safety going forward.
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Additional Resources
- Review Journal: Sonic Drive-In Closed for Health Violations
- Wikipedia: Health Inspection
- 8 News Now: Nevada Sonic Locations Violated Child Labor Laws
- Google Search: Restaurant Pest Control
- HR Dive: Sonic Franchisee Child Labor Violations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Health Code
- Delishably: Sonic Jalapeno Ranch Sauce
- Google News: Sonic Drive-In Health Violations
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
