Palatine Inn gets the 'all clear'

It took about four minutes this morning for Palatine to drop its case of health code violations against a popular eatery.

Palatine Inn, which earlier this year was hit by the Palatine Health Department with multiple violations, has worked diligently to implement the corrective procedures ordered in August, the village said.

"We have … a success story," said village attorney Patrick Brankin, who recommended the case be dismissed. "Palatine Inn has been able to rectify any problems that were occurring."

The restaurant's license could have been suspended or revoked, or a fine imposed. Many of the violations related to inadequate food storage and unhygienic worker practices.

The health department scores all Palatine businesses four times a year. Palatine Inn's previous rating, an average of the three prior inspections, was in the 70s.

At the restaurant's Nov. 28 review, it received 94 points out of 100.

Owner Helen Sarantopoulos said cleanliness was never the issue.

"A big problem was the lack of communication whether it be properly labeling things or keeping a time log," she said. "You have our fathers running the business and multiple languages spoken. It's making sure everyone understands."

To do that, Palatine Inn said it hired Everclean Services Inc. to do food safety training and sanitation programs. The company also conducted its own random audits of the restaurant, which the owners said were much more detailed and "nit-picky" than the village's.

The restaurant also regularly submitted documentation, met with the village and was regularly monitored.

"It's been a restaurant for more 50 years and our family has owned it for 30 years," says owner John Sarantopoulos. "We feel we're a part of Palatine."

Village Manager Reid Ottesen said Palatine Inn stepped up and worked cooperatively.

"It's a great business you have and hopefully the next time we see each other is eating lunch there, as opposed to a proceeding like this," Ottesen said.

Palatine Inn isn't entirely out of the woods -- the violations could be reinstated over the next 90 days if a random inspection finds any critical violations.