diff --git a/libraries/mysql_service_base.rb b/libraries/mysql_service_base.rb
index 5e1fc8a5..358cb9b5 100644
--- a/libraries/mysql_service_base.rb
+++ b/libraries/mysql_service_base.rb
@@ -91,8 +91,7 @@ def initialize_database
         bash "#{new_resource.name} initial records" do
           code init_records_script
           umask '022'
-          returns [0, 1, 2] # facepalm
-          not_if { db_initialized? }
+          not_if { ::File.exist? pid_file }
           action :run
         end
       end