Main Chinese Buffet in Lacey is back in business after the restaurant passed a lengthy inspection on Wednesday, a county health official said.

Main Chinese Buffet in Lacey is back in business after the restaurant passed a lengthy inspection on Wednesday, a county health official said.

Rolf Boone

Main Chinese Buffet in Lacey is back in business after the restaurant passed a lengthy inspection on Wednesday, a county health official said.

The business was allowed to reopen Wednesday afternoon, but chose to reopen Thursday, said Art Starry, environmental health division director for Thurston County Public Health and Social Services.

The county closed the business Dec. 15 after it failed to show improvement over a previous inspection in November. Last week the restaurant racked up about 100 red point violations tied to the improper heating and cooling of food. And given the lack of improvement, county officials also were worried about a lack of managerial control.

The improper heating and cooling of food can result in food-borne illnesses.

Starry said two county health inspectors spent more than two hours at the restaurant at 5580 Martin Way E., and came away satisfied that the business was ready to reopen.

“We’re disappointed by the closure, but they responded really well,” said Starry, adding that the appropriate safety and control measures were in place.

He also said staff showed good communication with other staff and managers, and that managers were interacting with them appropriately.

“Again, we’re quite pleased,” Starry said.

Although the business was allowed to reopen Wednesday, the restaurant wanted to do some additional training for a Thursday opening, he said.

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Rolf has worked at The Olympian since August 2005. He covers breaking news, the city of Lacey and business for the paper. Rolf graduated from The Evergreen State College in 1990.