Restaurant inspections: Crack in the cooler drags down chain eatery's health score

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 June 27 and July 4, 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 June 27 and July 4 with scores of 100, without a single health violation:

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Blended Delights Café, 2803 Wrightsboro Rd., Ste. 32

Chefs House, 1729 Walton Way

Corndogs By Mr. Cow, 3450 Wrightsboro Rd., Ste. 2365

Diablo's Southwest Grill, 3597 Peach Orchard Rd.

Komma Tea, 3450 Wrightsboro Rd., Ste. 2156

Mama's #1 Cooking LLC - Monique Staples, 758 Old Indian Camp Rd., Grovetown

Phinizy Chapel, 529 Greene St.

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers,4241 Washington Rd., Evans

Smokin Sparky's, 5445 Columbia Rd., Grovetown

Southside Treats, 2304 Milledgeville Rd.

Starbucks Coffee Co. 47388, 273 Bobby Jones Expy.

Sumyung Ho, 519 Broad St.

Toritos Fresh Mex, 2503 Hwy. 88, Hephzibah

W.T. Johnson Community Center, 1610 Hunter St.

Wright's BBQ, 2364 Barton Chapel Rd.

So close

Here are restaurants in Richmond and Columbia counties that passed recent food-service inspections between June 27 and July 4 with scores of 99, posting just one health violation. Inspectors’ comments are included:

Monterrey's Restaurant, 4018 Washington Rd., Martinez

Inspector’s comments: “Observed dishes wet stacked on dish racks. Allow to air dry first before stacking.”

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Getting warmer

Here are restaurants in Richmond and Columbia counties that passed with "A" scores in recent food-service inspections between June 27 and July 4, followed by their scores:

Zaxby's, 2629 Peach Orchard Rd.: 97

K's Buffalo Wings, 230 Sand Bar Ferry Rd.: 97

Hyatt House Augusta, 1268 Broad St.: 97

Amazing Taste Creations, 215 Partnership Dr., Grovetown: 96

Parliament House Café, 1250 Gordon Hwy.: 96

Margie's Catering, 2242 Hephzibah-McBean Rd., Hephzibah: 96

Not quite done

Here are restaurants in Richmond and Columbia counties that posted the lowest recent food-service inspections between June 27 and July 4, followed by their scores and, where available, inspectors' comments. Scores of 70 and below are considered failing:

Roma's Pizza, 1133 Agerton Ln.: 89

Inspector's comments: "Observed cheese sticks stored uncovered in the reach-in-freezer. Store all food items covered."

"Observed black buildup inside the ice shoot & basin of the drink machine. Clean the drink machine. Increase cleaning frequency."

"Observed scoop improperly stored inside powdered sugar container. Ensure scoops are stored properly if stored in food container."

"Observed wet nesting of clean dishes. Allow dishes to properly air dry before stacking."

"Observed buildup around equipment & shelving units. Clean all equipment & shelving units. Increase cleaning frequency."

"Observed dumpster doors left open & trash surrounding the area. Ensure dumpster doors remain closed when not in use. Clean up trash. Increase cleaning frequency."

"Observed buildup inside vent/hood. Clean vent/hood and get serviced to ensure it functions properly."

"Observed flies throughout the kitchen. Determine and approved method to get rid of and deter flies."

Barberitos - Augusta, 1151 Agerton Ln.: 89

Inspector's comments: "Observed pink buildup inside the bulk ice machine. Clean the ice machine. Increase cleaning frequency."

"Observed salsa, guac and tomatoes held past date markings in the walk-in-cooler and reach-in-cooler. Monitor date markings and ensure food items are properly discarded."

"Observed the dumpster doors left open and trash surrounding the area. Ensure the dumpster doors remain closed when not in use. Clean up trash around the area."

Falcons Burger LLC - Checkers 3007, 2901 Peach Orchard Rd.: 88

Inspector's comments: “Observed time/temperature control for safety food in walk-in cooler not being held at 41 F or below. Have WIC fixed to maintain food temps at 41 F or below.”

"Observed food and spots of standing water on the floor. Increase cleaning frequency.”

"Observed walk-in cooler floor has major crack. Observed missing tiles and coving. Replace/fix missing or broken tiles and coving."

Jamaica Way, 2650 Tobacco Rd., Hephzibah: 82

Inspector's comments: “Observed mold build up in the icemaker. Clean icemaker.”

“Observed time/temperature control for safety food in walk-in cooler not at 41F or below. Cold storage of TCS food is required to be at 41 F or below.”

“Observed grease build up on vents over the stove. Clean vents.”