Mr. Tequila Grill in Gardendale received a 51 health rating on Aug. 3, making it the first Jefferson County restaurant in at least a year to receive a failing score. A restaurant is automatically closed by the county if the score falls under 60.

“It’s just little stuff,” said Milson Menendez, a manager for Mr. Tequila Grill. “We’re changing a lot of things.” Menendez said the restaurant was taking specific steps to raise its rating.

The restaurant is currently closed, and a sign on the door says the location is being remodeled. Menendez confirmed this, and said the restaurant is even changing its name. He said the staff hasn’t yet decided on the new name.

“We’re under new ownership, we’ll have a new name, and we’re filing all-new paperwork,” said Menendez. He said he hopes the restaurant can open in two weeks, but said it mostly depends on how long it takes for paperwork to be processed.

The health report lists seven critical items that represent major infractions.

“Critical items are linked to more of a hazard,” said Bruce Braden with the department of health. “If you get seven, closing down is pretty unavoidable.” For a restaurant to re-open, it must re-take the test and score at least 85 points. It also cannot have any critical items on the report.

The report says managers were not present during some operating times, employees were handling raw food and customers’ food without changing gloves and that employees did not have adequate training. One item said the health inspector observed a taco salad that had been set aside for discarding due to probable contamination from unwashed hands was sent to a customer’s table. There were multiple minor infractions in addition to the critical items.

Mr. Tequila Grill’s previous health rating was a 92. The test was conducted on March 31. Restaurants are not notified prior to inspections.