Restaurant inspections: Chicken chain scores a 68 for condition of south Augusta location

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 July 19 and 25, 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 food and drink establishments in Richmond and Columbia counties that passed recent food-service inspections between July 19 and 25 with scores of 100, without a single health violation:

Bluff Plantation, 963 Bennock Mill Rd.

Country Shack 2, 2052 Gordon Hwy.

D's Snack Shack, 1940 Olive Rd.

Kinki Sushi, 3328 Washington Rd., Ste. P

Richmond Hill Elementary School, 2160 Mura Dr.

SSR Augusta dba Zaxby's, 2849 Washington Rd.

Getting warmer

Here are restaurants in Richmond and Columbia counties that passed with "A" scores in recent food-service inspections between July 19 and 25, followed by their scores:

Hardee's, 310 West Milledgeville Rd., Harlem: 99

Zack's Wings and Seafood, 4104 Windsor Spring Rd., Hephzibah: 96

Crisp And Co. Unit 2, 2711 Oakland Ave.: 96

Lighthouse Care Center of Augusta, 3100 Perimeter Pkwy.: 96

Smoothie King, 1145 Agerton Ln.: 95

Five Guys Burgers and Fries, 630 Crane Creek Dr.: 94

Edgar's Grill & Conference Center, 3165 Washington Rd.: 94

Brookdale Augusta, 326 Boy Scout Rd.: 93

Zaxby's, 3680 Wheeler Rd.: 93

Hong Kong, 3718 Mike Padgett Hwy.: 91

Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar, 3117 Washington Rd.: 90

Not quite done

Here are restaurants in Richmond and Columbia counties that posted the lowest recent food-service inspections between July 19 and 25, followed by their scores and, where available, inspectors' comments. Scores of 70 and below are considered failing:

Longhorn Steakhouse of Augusta, 3267 Washington Rd.: 89

Inspector’s comments:

• “Observed multiple containers of diced roma tomatoes with a pasty discard by date on label in WIC. C/a: Monitor discard by dates closely.
• "Observed scoop stored inside container of cinnamon sugar and rice containers. Store scoops outside of food product itself.”
• "Observed wet nesting of stacked pans. Allow dishes to properly air dry prior to stacking.”
• "Observed broken floor tile in front of ice machine on grill line. Observed standing water throughout kitchen. Repair broken floor tile and squeegee standing water.”
• "Observed several flies throughout facility. Determine a suitable method for deterring flies from kitchen, bar, and dining area.”

Black Lotus Cuisine, 1966 Broad St.: 89

Inspector’s comments:

• “Observed food items inside cooler held above 41 F. Food items were placed inside freezer to cool down to 41 F. Observed warm temperatures throughout food prep are. Adjust temperature on cooling unit.”

American Legion Post 205, 2102 Highland Ave.: 87

Inspector’s comments:

• “Observed tomatoes stored uncovered in walk in cooler. All foods must be covered during storage.”
• “Observed time/temperature control for safety foods in walk-in-cooler at 45 degrees F for cold holding. Corrected: Manager tossed all TCS food and adjusted thermostat lower. Adjust cooler lower so TCS food is held at 41 degrees F or lower.”

Garden Cheng, 2350 Windsor Spring Rd., Ste. E: 87

Inspector’s comments:

• "Observed some food items in PTC not covered. Cover all foods inside PTC."
• "Observed some items in RIC and PTC with no prep and discard dates. Food not in original container should have prep and discard dates."
• "Observed flour and rice bin stored on the floor. All food should be at least six inches off the floor.”
• "Observed bowl being used as scoops and left in the food. If bowls are being used as scoops, they have to be stored outside of food while not in use."
• "Observed mop not hung up. Hang mop up to air dry."

Popeyes Chicken, 2491 Tobacco Rd., Hephzibah: 86

Inspector’s comments:

• “Observed missing employee health agreements. Have every employee sign health agreement."
• "Observed mold in ice maker. Observed food on the clean dishes. Clean dishes again and clean ice maker."
• "Observed cook wearing a watch while preparing food. Only plain banded ring can be worn during food prep."
• "Observed flying gnats throughout the kitchen. Have commercial pest operator treat."

Waffle House 544, 2951 Washington Rd.: 85

Inspector’s comments:

• “Observed no employee reporting agreements for active employees. Have all active employees complete employee reporting agreements.”
• "Observed build up in corners of bulk ice machine. Clean food contact surfaces regularly.”
• "Observed expired bread with dates of 7/7/24 and 7/12/24. Observed food stored in reach in cooler with unclear labeling. Monitor best by and use by dates closely and discard items appropriately. Label food clearly with both prep and use by dates.”
• "Observed several soiled wiping cloths scattered across countertops. Place soiled wiping cloths in sanitizer when not in use.”

Red Lobster 0290, 2847 Washington Rd.: 85

Inspector’s comments:

• “Observed tomatoes, lettuce, coleslaw, and pico de gallo cold holding above 41 degrees F. Cold hold food at 41 degrees F or lower.”
• "Observed multiple employees wearing watches and other jewelry. Refrain from any jewelry on hands and wrist while working with food.”
• "Observed scoop stored in seasoned breading containers in dry storage area. Store scoops outside of food product itself.”
• "Observed wet nesting of stacked containers. Allow dishes to properly air dry prior to stacking.”
• "Observed debris scattered on seats and tables across dining room. Clean dining area thoroughly.”

Charles B. Webster Detention Center, 1941 Phinizy Rd.: 82

Inspector’s comments:

• “Observed no hand towels at handwashing sink. Handwashing sinks must be supplied with hand towels at all times.”
• "Observed cabbage not being stored in correct food order. All foods must be stored in the correct food order.”
• "Observed walk in cooler not keeping temperatures. Repair.”
• "Observed pans stored wet. Allow pans to dry before being stored.”

7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee, 2915 Peach Orchard Rd.: 82

Inspector’s comments:

• "Observed via manager saying they only wash hand in bathroom sink. Wash hands in main kitchen area using the handwashing sink."
• "Observed milk in RIC over required 41 F or below for TCS food. TCS food in cold storage should be at 41F or below."

Sonic Drive In, 3743 Wheeler Rd.: 80

Inspector’s comments:

• “Observed multiple food items stored uncovered inside the reach-in-freezer. Store all food items covered.”
• "Observed black buildup inside the bulk ice machine at the front food service drink machine. Clean both machines. Increase cleaning frequency to limit buildup.”
• "Observed tomatoes 47 F, lettuce 43 F, and cheese 72 F cold held above 41 F. Maintain cold held foods at 41F or below.”
• "Observed employees not wearing beard restraints during active food prep. Ensure beard restraints are worn during active food prep/cooking.”
• "Observed oil & food buildup on cooking equipment. Clean all cooking equipment. Increase cleaning frequency to limit buildup.”
• "Observed the dumpster doors left open. Ensure the dumpster doors remain closed when not in use.”

New China, 5112 Wrightsboro Rd., Ste. A, Grovetown: 79

Inspector’s comments:

• “Observed bowl of cream cheese under raw chicken and pork; moved to another shelf. Do not store ready to eat foods underneath raw meat. Store correctly.”
• "Observed several items (egg rolls, chicken, sauce) all above 41 degrees; thermostat turned down on fridge. All cold foods must be maintained at 41 degrees or below.”
• "Observed cardboard on shelves. Remove cardboard. Use proper shelf coverings.”
• Cleaning needed on food storage containers, fryer sides, shelves.”
• “Remove unused equipment from outside.”

Popeyes, 3209 Deans Bridge Rd.: 68

Inspector’s comments:

• “Observed (shortening) stored on floor. Observed food stored on floor in walk in freezer. All foods must be stored 6 inches off of floor to avoid contamination.”
• "Observed debris on food contact surfaces. Increase frequency of cleaning.”
• "Observed cheese, pickles, spicy sauce, mayonnaise prep top cooler at above 41 degrees. All foods must be maintained at 41 degrees or below for cold holding.”
• "Observed cheese, pickles, mayonnaise, spicy sauce cooler at above 41 degrees, in prep top cooler. Mayonnaise, spicy sauce are labeled as to be refrigerated containing egg yolk. All foods must be maintained at 41 degrees or below for cold holding.”
• "Observed scoop left in flour. Store scoop outside flour bin to avoid accidental hand contact with food.”
• "Observed standing water and missing tiles in back of kitchen. Replace tiles in floor and increase frequency of removing standing water.”
• "Observed flies through facility and back door open. Increase frequency of pest control and close back door.”

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Restaurant inspections: Chicken chain scores a 68 for condition of south Augusta location