Health inspections: Food on floor, debris on walls earns F for Augusta restaurant
The Georgia Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Section, conducts regular restaurant inspections to help keep residents and visitors safe.
The following is a list of restaurants in Richmond and Columbia counties that have been inspected between May 3 and 9, accompanied by their scores and, in some cases, the health infractions that lowered those scores.
Disclaimer: On any given day, an establishment may have fewer or more violations than noted in their most recent inspection. An inspection conducted on any given day may not be representative of the overall, long-term conditions at the establishment. A few more recent, follow-up inspections may not be included here.
Perfect score
Here are restaurants in Richmond and Columbia counties that passed recent food-service inspections between May 3 and 9 with scores of 100, without a single health violation.
Burger King 5334, 3201 Peach Orchard Rd.
Circle K 5586/Blimpie/Hot Stuff, 1825 Appling Harlem Hwy., Appling
Grandaddy's Kitchen, 6008 Clarks Hill Rd., Appling
Jackie M’s, 3308 Milledgeville Rd.
McDonald's, 1464 Walton Way
Snackbar Concessions Extended, 1562 Doug Barnard Pkwy.
Walton Rehabilitation Hospital, 1355 Independence Dr.
So close
Here are restaurants in Richmond and Columbia counties that passed recent food-service inspections between May 3 and 9 with scores of 99, posting just one health violation. Inspectors’ comments are included:
Snackbar Concessions I, 1562 Doug Barnard Pkwy.
Inspector's comments: "Observed screen gaps on both sides. Install larger screen."
Getting warmer
Here are restaurants in Richmond and Columbia counties that passed with "A" scores in recent food-service inspections between May 3 and 9, followed by their scores:
Smokeshow Restaurant, 4275 Washington Rd., Evans: 98
Chick-fil-A of Peach Orchard Road, 3130 Peach Orchard Rd.: 96
Zack's Wings and Seafood, 4104 Windsor Spring Rd., Hephzibah : 96
Oak Restaurant & Lounge, 1505 North Leg, Unit A: 96
McDonald's - Tobacco Road, 2508 Tobacco Rd., Hephzibah: 95
Salvation Army Kitchen, 1384 Greene St.: 95
Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar, 2125 Windsor Spring Rd.: 94
Home 2 Suites Augusta, 3606 Exchange Ln.: 92
Subway, 4104 Windsor Spring Rd., Hephzibah: 91
Infinite Delights BC+E, 2906 Peach Orchard Rd.: 90
More inspections: Downtown Augusta restaurant scores an F
Not quite done
Here are restaurants in Richmond and Columbia counties that posted the lowest recent food-service inspections between May 3 and 9, followed by their scores and, where available, inspectors’ comments. Scores of 70 and below are considered failing:
Comfort Suites, 2911 Riverwest Dr.: 87
Inspector's comments: "Observed cold held foods above 41 F (eggs, shredded cheese in display cooler). (Corrected onsite; items discarded.)"
"Post most recent inspection."
"Cabinets need repair; must be smooth, easily cleanable. Shelves should be installed with 6-inch clearance between floor and bottom shelf."
Bambino's, 3706 Mike Padgett Hwy.: 81
Inspector's comments: "Observed no cover on food in lower section of PTC. Cover all food while in storage."
"Observed no sanitizer in sanitizer bucket or sink. Get new test strips and put sanitizer in buckets and sinks. 1. wash, 2. rinse, 3. sanitize with three compartment sink."
"Observed cheese and deli meat in reach-in cooler not being held below 41 F. Ensure door stays closed on RIC and repair if that doesn’t bring down temperature."
"Observed chemicals being stored in sink and on racks with food serving items. Store chemicals in designated area."
"Observed scoops in dry food goods, had no handles and handles in food. Scoop handles need to be stored where they don’t touch food. If no handles, store out of containers."
"Observed mops not hung up to air dry. Observed screen door with holes and cannot close all the way. Replace door. Hang mops up to air dry."
Captain D's 3798, 1645 Gordon Hwy.: 80
Inspector's comments: “Observed food stored for hot holding uncovered. Ensure that all foods remain covered.”
“Observed coleslaw cold held at 44 degrees F. Ensure that all foods being cold held remain at 41 degrees F or below.”
“Observed fish hot-held at 122 degrees F. Ensure that all foods hot held are at 145 degrees F or above.”
“Observed employees preparing food with no hair restraints. All employees preparing or prepping food must wear hair restraints.”
“Observed scoops stored inside product. Store scoops outside of product or without handle touching product.”
“Observed dishes stacked wet. Allow dishes to properly air dry prior to stacking.”
“Observed employee wash single-use gloves. Retrain employees on proper glove usage and handwashing.”
Red Roof Inn, 3030 Washington Rd.: 80
Inspector's comments: "No certified food safety manager for establishment at time of inspection; must have in place by July 2024. CFSM certificate must be posted in public view."
"Utensils must be washed, rinsed, sanitized. Person in charge described procedure without sanitize step. (Inspector instructed employee on proper dish procedure)."
"Cold foods must be maintained at 41 F and below. Turned thermostat down on display cooler.
"There was not a suitable thermometer provided and/or readily accessible to measure the internal temperatures of food , no thermometer to monitor the ambient temperature of coolers."
First Watch, 630 Crane Creek Dr., Ste. 405: 75
Inspector's comments: “Observed no employee health agreements for some of the working employees. Update employee health agreements for all employees.”
“Observed no cover over bacon and biscuits on cooling rack next to service line. Keep all food covered while storing it for service.”
"Observed salmon in prep top cooler & cut lettuce in reach in cooler above 41 F for cold holding. Store all time/temperature control for safety food at or below 41 F for cold holding.”
"Observed multiple employees wearing watches while preparing food and cleaning cutting boards. Employees should only wear a plain gold wedding band while prepping food and cleaning in kitchen.”
"Observed cups being used as scoops in sugar and cinnamon. Use scoops with handles and store them outside of the containers.”
“Observed wet nesting of dishes being stored and dried. Allow dishes to air dry before stacking.”
“Observed mop being stored head down in mop sink. Store mop with the mop head up so it can air dry to prevent mold buildup.”
Red Shark, 2574 Tobacco Rd., Hephzibah: 62
Inspector's comments: “Observed no certified food protection manager. Get certified food protection manager.”
“Observed employee come back in the kitchen and only rinse hands in prep sink. Wash hands in handwashing sink only, with soap and water for the correct amount of time.”
“Observed no employee health agreements for multiple employees. Have every employee sign health agreements.”
“Observed majority of food uncovered in reach-in cooler. Keep all food covered.”
“Observed food out of cold holding temp in RIC and walk-in cooler. Don’t leave food out and consider reorganizing WIC for better air flow.”
“Observed food stored on floor in walk-in freezer. Keep all at least 6 inches off the floor.”
“Observed food debris buildup on walls, equipment and racks in WIC. Clean areas of debris.”
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Health inspections: How did your favorite Augusta restaurant score?
