Four ‘Gold Ribbon’ kitchens in Friendswood

Posted: Wednesday, April 6, 2011 10:43 am
By JEFF NEWPHER

Two Friendswood ISD schools and two local businesses have been named “Gold Ribbon” award winners by the Galveston County Health District for “exemplary compliance with the Texas Food Establishment Rules.”

The sanitarians made their choices from more than 1,500 food service operations they inspect in Galveston County.

“We are proud of Bales and Windsong schools for their consistent efforts in maintaining a clean and safe kitchen. Friendswood ISD and ARAMARK are committed to providing a positive, safe, and healthy environment for our students. The Gold Ribbon Award is a very high standard and the staff has worked hard to earn it,” said Joseph Fitzgerald, the school district’s Food Service Director.

The Primrose School and Chillin’ Time are the two Friendswood businesses to be awarded the Gold Ribbon.

“It’s not real common for a restaurant to get that (award). It usually goes to a school where just for a short period of time they’ll be serving food,” said Lourdes Grudzinski, owner of Chillin’ Time.

Grudzinski describes her business as a place where you are welcomed, can relax and there is something for the entire family, from fresh fruit, protein drinks and yogurt to Blue Bell Ice Cream.

Chillin’ Time is next to Stevenson Park in Friendswood and has been open for almost two years.

The average age of the 15 employees is 17 years old, which is unusually young for an award-winning establishment.

”They were so excited because they are the ones working here when the inspector comes out,” Grudzinski said.

She hires a lot of high school athletes, thespians and kids involved in other activities.

“I am amazed at the quality of employees that I have been able to get. These kids take so much pride and they take ownership.”

Linda Arthur, co-owner of The Primrose School at 1409 South Friendswood Drive, wasn’t surprised at winning the award.

“I knew that we had a good opportunity to win it because we do keep the high standards in the kitchen and Ms. Landry is an excellent, excellent cook and follows all of the health standards.”

Christana Landry serves lunch and two snacks a day.

“Some kids have special (food) needs. I try to make sure they have everything they need,” said Landry.

She has been in childcare and cooking for over 14 years.

At The Primrose School, they take the opportunity to make food and the dining experience a learning opportunity for students.

“We do family style meals so that we involve the children. Starting at 2 (years old), they help put the napkins and plates out. In the older classrooms, the teachers sit with the children and eat food with them so that they can demonstrate proper manners,” said Arthur.

She has been a co-owner of the school for five and a half years.

On April 7, Galveston County Judge Mark Henry will present all of the county “Gold Ribbon” awards.

Food Service inspection scores for Friendswood are published in The Journal on the third Thursday of each month and appear at www.YourFriendswoodNews.com

A complete list of 2011 Gold Ribbon Award winners and county-wide inspection reports can be found on the Health District’s web site at www.gchd.org