Despite a string of low performer scores and a sticker scandal, La Botana Grill in Harlingen is finally recognized as a top performer by the Food Patrol.
The restaurant on 902 Dixieland Road scored zero demerits on a health inspection report.
The Food Patrol awarded the kitchen a top performer sticker for its success.
But it wasn’t always good news at this restaurant.
Back in February 2010, La Botana Grill found itself smack in the middle of a sticker scandal.
Food Patrol fans were outraged to learn the restaurant was displaying stickers never earned.
One of the owners, Cookie Fernandez, explained why they never thought to take them down after buying the location from a former restaurant.
“Those stickers that were there... we didn't put them there... so we ignored those stickers,” Fernandez said.
Management took down the stickers in question.
Some of them dated as far back as 2007.
Fernandez said now that they earned their first sticker, customers can finally see La Botana Grill is “keeping it clean!”
“It feels real good to have this sticker," she said.
Click on the video link to see which other restaurants earned stickers in this week’s Food 4 Thought!
Weekly Low Performer List: (total # of demerits)
None
Weekly Top Performer List: (0 demerits)
San Juan
El Rancho Grande 107 N Nebraska
Stars 701 N Nebraska
Mission
Taqueria El Berrinche 7005 Hwy 107
492 BBQ 4126 N FM 492
Elsa
Buzz Burgers 300 E Edinburg
Brownsville
La Fonda Chiquita 1435 Southmost Rd
Chuy’s Super BBQ 1035 Palm Blvd
Pharr
Jackie’s Grill 819 W Fergusan
Harlingen
Taqueria Jalisco 621 S Commerce
Lil Ritas 410 E Tyler
Buffalo Wild Wings 1500 W Harrison
Noriega’s 1501 S “H” St
Magnolia 2101 Pease St
La Botana Grill 902 Dixieland Rd
Palmview
Taco Express 4954 Bentsen Palm Dr
San Benito
Longhorn 3055 N Exp 77
Blanquitas 190 N Williams Rd
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKGBT