Mama's Caribbean Grill restaurant in Charlotte, NC, received B grade - Mecklenburg County inspection

Jamaican oxtail and rice and peas mealPhoto byYelp/Megan L

Mama's Caribbean Grill, a popular spot for Jamaican jerk chicken, oxtail, and other island flavors located at 1504 Central Ave., received a B grade during a recent inspection by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Health. This Mecklenburg County eatery scored 87 points, falling short of the perfect score for food safety.

State records showed that the inspection at the 1504 Central Ave location in Charlotte, NC, discovered seven noteworthy violations among 13 total infractions, primarily involving temperature management and food storage.

Multiple ready-to-eat items were found at unsuitable holding temperatures, leading to voluntary removal. The restaurant's refrigeration units required immediate concentration, prompting a temporary voluntary closure for repairs.

This marks the second B grade in the restaurant's last three inspections, while dropping from a more favorable 95 score in April. Mama's Caribbean Grill, popular for its jerk chicken, oxtail, and curry dishes, must address these challenges.

State records also revealed that key improvements needed include proper cooling procedures for cooked foods, maintaining appropriate hot and cold holding temperatures, and implementing a consistent date-marking system. The inspection also noted the absence of a certified food protection manager on site.

Despite these setbacks, Mama's Caribbean Grill remains a favorite among locals, boasting a 4.0-star rating from 928 Google reviews. The restaurant's management took immediate action, voluntarily discarding affected food items and temporarily closing to address refrigeration issues.

Mecklenburg County, where the restaurant is located, requires establishments to display their inspection grades prominently. Locals are encouraged to stay informed about restaurant scores, which are public information.

Critical Violations:

• Unsuitable food temperature management
• Missing food protection manager certification
• Inadequate date marking
• Safe food and health issues
• Cooling procedure violations

Other Violations:

• Equipment maintenance needs
• Facility repairs required
• General cleaning improvements needed
• Rodents and insect management issues
• Storage organization