Ruby Tuesday Cited For “Critical Violations” Months Before Closure

LAKEWOOD – Lakewood’s Ruby Tuesday restaurant was cited for several “critical violations” by the Chautauqua Health Department just months before its closure.

The Chautauqua County Department of Health’s Food Service Inspection list notes several critical violations in late December 2018 where the health inspector reportedly found dirty kitchen conditions, broken equipment and inadequately heated food.

During the routine inspection, officials said they found that the kitchen sink’s cold handle was broken, and employees had to use a tool to turn it on and off. The official also said there was grease spilled on the floor and no disposable towels were available to staff.

The health inspector additionally reported that the cold temperatures on the buffet were incorrect. Following their inspection, a batch of potato salad, pico and coleslaw had to be discarded.

Health officials also found that Parmesan cheese sauce was not headed to the correct temperature.

On Tuesday, Ruby Tuesday closed their doors leaving customers only with a note on the door.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience that this may have caused you and look forward to serving you in one of our other restaurants soon,” the sign said.

The sign referred those with questions to visit rubytuesday.com and choose the “Contact Us” option.

WNYNewsNow reached out to the county health department seeking additional information. The report was posted on the county’s website.

A request for comment from Ruby Tuesday’s cooperate office was left un-returned.