BUSINESS
A summary of the Jan. 17 – Feb. 10 restaurant health inspections by Pinal County Environmental Health Services.
BRIEF
To complete its Maricopa comeback, Canton, Mass.-based Baskin-Robbins intends to begin serving scoops of Pralines ‘n Cream and Cherries Jubilee before the triple-digit temps arrive, according to the local franchisee Dana Rakvica. Contractors began construction in December and the current plan is to open by early May. “We have a lot of high hopes for this store. Until recently, there haven’t been too many ice cream shops in town, so we’re excited to be a part of it,” Rakvica said. Portland, Ore.-based Carefree Covered RV Storage began construction on its eighth location at the southeast corner of Loma Road and Estrella Parkway. The business anticipates customers can begin parking their vehicles at the Estrella Gin Business Park facility in October. This is the first advancement in nearly two years for the long-anticipated large vehicle storage facility. In 2023, the Maricopa Planning & Zoning Commission approved the major development review permit. Riverside, Calif.-based Farmer Boys submitted paperwork in February to bring its “farm fresh” burgers to Maricopa. The 2,700-square-foot hamburger restaurant would sit on a parcel next to The Home Depot on Maricopa- Casa Grande Highway and Stonegate Road. Proposed are an outdoor dining patio and a double drive-thru line. The menu includes their fiery Barn Burner, a double patty Bacon Boy and their classic Big Cheese, all served on a toasted brioche bun. If you’re especially fond of these foods, Farmer Boys offers a “Very Important Farmers” loyalty club.
Global Water Resources proposed slowly increasing its rates by 11% over the next few years, with the first increase set for mid-2026. Vice President and Regional Manager Jon Corwin said the rate increase is due to the city’s growth and inflation. “Our current rates are based on costs, a snapshot in time, from 2019,” Corwin said. “Inflation since then has been significant for everything, and inflation of utility costs, specifically, is up about 28% in that five-year period.”
Vero Chicago Pizza
Restaurant inspections
EXCELLENT • Bosa Donuts • Dutch Bros (Soil residues inside ice machine above ice) • Fry’s Marketplace • Say Sushi ( No food manager certificates while restaurant open) • Sprouts Farmers Market Bakery • Vero Chicago Pizza • Walmart Deli
Jon Corwin
Lots of new things are happening at the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce. The business alliance handed six awards to local businesses, including the coveted Pillar of the Business Community award to longtime snack staple Maricopa Water & Ice, which opened at the Maricopa Fiesta in 2004. “I’m just blown away because we were up against so many amazing businesses who all deserved this award,” said owner Tonya Thompson. “I’m on cloud nine.” Other winners were Roots Eatery for Small Business of the Year, Mandy’s Wine
What do the ratings mean?
EXCELLENT: All priority standards are observed as compliant. SATISFACTORY: One or more priority standards is out of compliance. All priority standards are corrected at the time of inspection. NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: One or more priority standards is out of compliance. At least one violation is not corrected at the time of inspection. When violations are corrected to the satisfaction of the department during a follow-up inspection, a satisfactory rating will be given. UNACCEPTABLE: One or more violations observed are an “imminent health hazard.” Hazards include the misuse of poisonous or toxic materials, onset of an apparent foodborne illness outbreak and unsanitary conditions that may endanger public health. Hazards can stem from fires, floods, electrical or water problems, and sewage backup. When violations are corrected to the satisfaction of the department during a follow- up inspection, a satisfactory rating will be given.
Bar for New Chamber Member of the Year, the Maricopa Police Foundation for Nonprofit of the Year, Brianna Reinhold for the Sonny Dunn Citizen of the Year and Silvia Marquez for the Renate Chamberlain Volunteer of the Year. The chamber in February also moved into a new office at the Maricopa Manor Business Center from its rented space at the Estrella Gin Business Park. “I’m really excited,” said Executive Director Kelly Anderson. “It feels nice to get a fresh start for the chamber at the beginning of the year.” The fresh start includes offering a highly sought-after service: office space. The chamber will list several spaces for rent for small business owners looking to move out of their home offices.
Kelly Anderson
March 2025 | InMaricopa.com
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InMaricopa.com | March 2025
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