Flies, roaches found during Fort Worth health inspections; 1 restaurant closed
A roach infestation temporarily closed a Fort Worth restaurant and rodent droppings were found at another eatery during May 31 through June 6 health inspections, according to data from the city compiled by the Star-Telegram.
Fort Worth uses a demerit system, with zero being a perfect score. Restaurants that receive more than 30 demerits are required to immediately fix the most critical violations and start corrective procedures on all the other violations within 48 hours.
El Merendero at 3000 South Freeway scored 33 on June 2. The inspector found raw chicken at an unsafe temperature, flies in the kitchen and live roaches on the refrigerator door. There was also a wastewater leak at the three-compartment sink. The facility was closed by the city until the roach infestation and leak could be fixed.
Yummy Buffet at 215 N.E. 28th St. scored 21 on June 2. A fly was seen in the kitchen, some raw chicken was exposed to a dusty vent and several foods on the buffet line — including sushi and crab meat — were held at an unsafe temperature.
Our Daily Bread Cafe at 7064 Blue Mound Road scored 17 on June 3. Some employees weren’t using hair restraints, raw eggs were stored above ready-to-eat food and rodent droppings were found in the kitchen.
At least three other establishments in addition to El Merendero had problems with roaches:
- Cajun Express at 5329 Sycamore School Road scored 15 on June 2. The inspector found a pile of dead roaches in the back mop area.
- Prima Pasta and Pizza at 6108 S. Hulen St. scored 15 on June 2. A dead roach was seen near the back door.
- Dixie House Cafe at 6200 E. Lancaster Ave. scored 12 on June 1. A dead cockroach was found in the dry storage room.
Here are the inspection scores and violations for restaurants within the city limits of Fort Worth for May 31st - June 6th, 2026. Scores are based on a demerit system. When the total exceeds 30, the restaurant must take immediate corrective action on all identified critical violations, then has 48 hours to initiate corrective action on all other violations. To search the restaurant inspections, type in a keyword or restaurant name. You can also sort by score.
Some data analysis in this story was conducted using AI. For more information on how the Star-Telegram and McClatchy newsrooms are using AI, go here.
