Eatery officials like new ranking

Libby restaurateurs see the recently approved food-preparation grading system for Lincoln County as an act that will improve food quality overall but say their restaurants are and have been compliant.

The Western News talked to officials at three local establishments — a mom-and-pop operation, a larger local restaurant and a chain eatery — and all three welcome the grading system. Those restaurants include Libby Cafe, Treasure Mountain Casino, Restaurant & Lounge and Pizza Hut.

Gary Njirich, owner of Libby Cafe, said he’s familiar with the grading system.

“I worked with an A, B and C system before in Reno (Nev.),” Njirich said. “I think it could be a revenue generator for the county because they’ll have to add one or two more people, but I’ll live with it.”

Kathi Hooper, the Environmental Health Department director, said she will continue to do the estimated 180 inspections annually. Hooper said little has changed on the 54-point inspection sheet. The new aspect is the 60-point grading system that will apply a letter grade to those inspections.

Mike Munro, the owner of Treasure Mountain Casino, Lounge & Restaurant,  said it will be business as usual.

“It think it’s a good thing because it will bring everyone into standards,” Munro said. “It will be good for the consumer because they will know (a restaurant’s rating). We don’t have a problem with the inspections,” said Munro.

Gabriel Grossmann is the manager of the Libby Pizza Hut, and he said he must already meet national franchise standards.

“I’m not opposed to it, personally, but I can’t speak for the company,” Grossmann said. “I’m not too worried about it because I already have to meet food guidelines.”

Hooper said these local eateries have a history of compliance.

“All three of the restaurants you mentioned have done well with their inspections,” Hooper said. 

In addition to restaurants, establishments that prepare any food will be required to post the grades, including grocery stores and quick shops.

However, event food providers, such as the Knights of Columbus that sell food during Nordicfest, will not be inspected.

The Lincoln County Health Board unanimously passed the food-grading system during its meeting Wednesday.