The health inspection world grades a score below 70 as failing, and one restaurant received a failing score from inspections on July 21–25.
Worst scores in this week’s health inspection
This week’s lowest health inspection score was a 68 earned by the 209 Restaurant Cafe and Catering Base, located at 566 Broad St., in Augusta.
During the inspection, the inspector noted witnessing food improperly stored, which resulted in a nine-point deduction.
“Observed onions stored directly on top of raw chicken and raw chicken stored on rack above beef in reach in cooler,” the report stated. “Ensure that products are stored correctly according to their cooking temperatures.”
The inspector also reported finding more food improperly stored, resulting in another nine-point reduction to the health score.
“Observed several [temperature control safety] foods being cold held above 41 degrees Fahrenheit in the reach in cooler and ice bath,” the report stated. “All [temperature control safety] foods being cold held must not exceed 41 degrees Fahrenheit.”
Another four points were deducted from the health score, for the inspector noticing food stored without any distinct labeling.
“Observed several food products stored in the coolers without a label,” the report stated. “Date-mark all food products with a prep and discard date.”
Another three points were taken from the health score for the restaurant having bug activity present.
“Observed several dead bugs on floor in the drink area and in a fly catcher stored above the 3 compartment sink,” the report stated. “Remove dead bugs and consult with a licensed pest control operator.”
The establishment was also penalized two points for having an inspection report from November 2023 for public viewing, and for having food debris on the floor along with several broken/missing floor tiles.
“Post the most recent food inspection report,” the report stated.
The second lowest score of the week was a 72 given to a Chili’s, located at 273 Robert C Daniel Jr. Parkway, in Augusta.
The inspector deducted four points for noticing food being improperly stored in the kitchen.
“Observed multiple food items stored uncovered throughout the kitchen,” the report stated. “Ensure all food items are stored covered. Cover working containers when not in use.”
During the inspection, the inspector deducted five more points for finding unclean kitchen equipment.
“Observed black buildup around drink station. Observed buildup inside multiple microwaves throughout the kitchen,” the report stated. “Observed buildup on sides and back sides of cooking equipment. Observed debris and food throughout [walk-in-cooler].”
For noticing more food stored incorrectly, the establishment lost four more points.
“Observed cold held [temperature control safety} foods improperly held above 41F,” the report stated.
After witnessing employees having cellphones out and not wearing proper food prepping gear, the inspector deducted six more points.
“Observed an employees cellphone on food prep surface. No personal belongings should be stored on food prep surfaces,” the report stated. “Observed employees not wearing beard restraints during active food prep.”
Due to a lack of cold water at the handwashing station in the kitchen and noticing standing water throughout the kitchen, the establishment lost four more points.
“Observed no cold water at hand washing sink in kitchen prep area. All hand washing sinks must have hot and cold water at all times,” the report stated. “Observed standing water throughout the kitchen. Observed pipe damage and leaking in dish washing area.”
Finally, for seeing missing/broken floor tiles in the kitchen and noticing flies throughout the facility, the restaurant lost four more points.
“Replace broken and missing floor tiles,” the report stated. “Observed flies throughout the facility. Consult with a licensed PCO to get rid of flies. Keep doors closed when possible.”
Following the Chili’s inspection, the third lowest score of the week was a 76 given to the Punjab Kitchen, located at 917 Laney Walker Blvd., in Augusta.
The inspector deducted four points for a lack of certification for a food safety manager.
“Observed no evidence of certification for food safety manager,” the report stated. “Obtain certification within 60 days.”
During the inspection, the inspector deducted a total of 18 points for noticing food being improperly stored.
“Observed several [temperature control safety] foods holding temperatures above 41 degrees Fahrenheit,” the report stated. “Observed a pan of cooked rice sitting on stove top with a temperature below 135 degrees Fahrenheit.”
After observing food stored without labeling, the establishment’s health inspection score lost another four points.
“Observed several food stored without a use-by date in the cooler,” the report stated. “
For having missing or malfunctioning thermometers, the inspector deducted another six points from the health score.
“Observed no evidence of thermometers inside reach in cooler. Place internal thermometers inside cooler,” the report stated. “Observed external thermometer of reach in cooler reading 80 degrees Fahrenheit, not matching the Thermapen’s reading of 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Both external and internal thermometers should accurately gauge temperatures.”
Due to no prior evidence of a food inspection or a food service permit, the restaurant lost another two points.
Top of the class
These are the businesses in Richmond and Columbia counties that passed recent health inspections between July 21–25 with scores of 100. There were no health violations for these businesses.
- Sodexo Coffee Shop, 1 ADP Drive, Augusta
- Kathryn M York Adaptive Aquadic Center, 3570 Wheeler Road, Augusta
- Family Y – Slide Pool, Spray Ground, Indoor Pool, Bubble Pool, Outdoor Big Pool, and Baby Pool, 3570 Wheeler Road, Augusta
- McDonald’s, 2624 Deans Bridge Road, Augusta
- WSS 1, 1301 Conklin Ave., Augusta
- Residence at Riverwatch, 205 River Place, Augusta
- American Legion Post 205, 2102 Highland Ave., Augusta
- Beacon Station, 1480 Wrightsboro Road, Augusta
- Grand Oaks at Crane Creek, 680 Crane Creek Drive, Augusta
- Wood Park Splash Pad, 1866 Highland Ave., Augusta
- Fountainhead Condominiums Pool, 1017 Stevens Creek Road, Augusta
- RCCI Main Kitchen, 2314 Tobacco Road, Augusta
- Henry Brigham Swim Center, 2463 Golden Camp Road, Augusta
- K’s Buffalo Wings, 230 Sand Bar Ferry Road, Augusta
- Southside Treats, 2304 Milledgeville Road, Augusta
- Wymberly MH Communities, 4600 Columbia Road, Augusta
- Patriots Ridge, 5431 Victoria Falls, Grovetown
- High Meadows, 4871 Highmeadows Drive, Grovetown
- Canterbury Farms pool, 5220 Canterbury Farms Parkway, Grovetown
“A” scores
The following businesses received an “A” rating (99-90) on their recent inspections between July 21–25.
- Beamie’s at the River, 865 Reynolds St., Augusta: 99
- Starbucks Coffee, 3018 Washington Road, Augusta: 99
- High Point Crossing Apartments, 524 Richmond Hill Road, Augusta: 98
- Augusta Aquatics Center Diving Pool and Lap Pool, 3157 Damascus Road, Augusta: 98
- Sports Center LLC, 594 Broad St., Augusta: 97
- The Place at Martinez, 409 Pleasant Home Road, Augusta: 96
- Brookdale Augusta, 326 Boy Scout Road, Augusta: 96
- Sole Augusta, 1033 Broad St., Augusta: 96
- Windemere Health and Rehabilitation Center, 3618 J. Dewey Gray Circle, Augusta: 95
- Rocky Creek Apartments Pool, 950 Stevens Creek Road, Augusta: 95
- Bernie Ward Community Center – Fleming Pool, 1941 Lumpkin Road, Augusta: 95
- Berry’s Catering, 559 Watkins St., Augusta: 94
- Hello Poke, 1141 Agerton Lane, Augusta: 94
- Firehouse No. 1, 1145 Broad St., Augusta: 93
- Edgar’s Bakehouse, 3179 Washington Road, Suite B, Augusta: 92
- Waffle House, 1202 George C. Wilson Drive, Augusta: 92
- Sodexo Kitchen Extension and Main Kitchen, 1 ADP Drive, Augusta: 91
- Waffle House, 2951 Washington Road, Augusta: 91
- Charles B. Webster Detention Center, 1941 Phinizy Road, Augusta: 90
Inspections by the Georgia Public Health Department are used to make residents and visitors safe. These were the health inspections performed between July 21–25.
