These Charlotte restaurants had lowest scores during May health inspection

The Charlotte Business Journal is continuing its monthly review of health-code inspections for food establishments in Mecklenburg County.

Establishments listed below received grades of either a "B" or "C" when inspected during the month of May, according to data pulled June 6 from the N.C. Public Health Inspections' online database. Restaurants, food stands, mobile-food operators and push carts are included in this review.

A total of 831 such establishments, 17 of which scored below a 90, were inspected in Mecklenburg County last month. For those with a "B" or "C" grade in May that have since been reinspected, the updated score will be noted in the summary.

Food establishments that score below a 70 immediately have their permits revoked, according to state law.

There are about 4,400 food-service facilities in operation across Mecklenburg County. That's according to the Food and Facilities​ Sanitation Program, which is part of the Mecklenburg County Health Department's Environmental Health Division. Staff within that division conduct more than 13,000 facility inspections each year "to help maintain high levels of sanitation in the protection of public health," its website states.

The Food Establishment Inspection Report checks for factors that increase the chance of someone developing a food-borne illness and ensures preventative measures are in place for keeping pathogens, chemicals and physical objects out of food. To see specifically what health inspectors look for when visiting a food establishment, check out a copy of the report.

Among items of priority are improper cooking techniques and temperatures, food handlers not washing their hands properly and sick workers preparing food.

More information about Mecklenburg County's food-service inspections and access to the North Carolina Food Code Manual can be found here.

The list below, compiled in alphabetical order, includes the name of each food establishment, its address, score, date of inspection and all violations for which it received a demerit last month. As noted, updated scores for establishments that have been reinspected are provided below.

To view the searchable database, click here.

7-Eleven, 6401 Old Statesville Road in Charlotte (87.5/B)

Inspected May 15: Nine violations resulting in a demerit, including person in charge was unable to answer questions and demonstrate knowledge of food safety (1 point); no certified food protection manager on site during inspection (1 point); no employee health policy at establishment (1 point); establishment lacked written procedures for responding to vomit/diarrheal events (0.5 point); parts for shelving observed in rear hand-washing sink/employee observed pouring liquid from spray bottle into hand sink (2 points); wings and mini tacos in hot box and sausage and taquito rolls on roller were hot holding below required temperature (3 points); breakfast and ham sandwiches in grab-and-go unit were cold holding above required temperature (3 points); two wet wiping cloths stored on counter of hand sink (0.5 point); and hotdog trays stored unprotected facing upward (0.5 point).

Bobbee O's BBQ, 8401 Statesville Road in Charlotte (88.5/B)

Inspected May 16: Nine violations resulting in a demerit, including person in charge did not have food safety training (1 point); person in charge was not a certified food protection manager (1 point); food debris and residue observed on equipment stored as clean (3 points); brisket was not cooling within the required temperature/time range (1.5 points); raw shell eggs in walk-in unit were cold holding above required temperature (1.5 points); proper cooling methods not used for thick cuts of brisket (0.5 point); sauce stored in buckets not approved for food storage/rusted racks used to store bulk condiments/hot-cabinet door not closing tightly/rusty can opener (1 point); thermometer needed batteries (1 point); and floors in need of cleaning and repairs/coving in need of repair/ceiling vents and tiles in need of cleaning to remove dust buildup (1 point).

Boston Market, 1001 Chancellor Park Drive in Charlotte (87/B)

Inspected May 17: Eleven violations resulting in a demerit, including person in charge failed to ensure various rules in code for food safety and handling were being met (1 point); two hand-washing sinks in back lacked paper towels (1 point); old food debris found on metal chicken holder stored as clean/food and debris on bottom of container filled with utensils/food debris on containers (1.5 points); sweet potatoes, potatoes and macaroni in hot box and potatoes on front line were hot holding below required temperature (3 points); tomatoes and lettuce in prep-top unit lacked date mark (1.5 points); cheese found stored with wiping cloths in prep-top unit (1 point); food employees observed without hair nets (0.5 point); clean dishes stacked while still wet (0.5 point); handles of microwaves, hot box were broken (1 point); gaskets, low reach-in unit in need of cleaning (1 point); and low grout observed throughout kitchen area/cracks in walls and walls buckling near two sinks/tiles missing near walk-in cooler, ovens and sink/wall missing under multiple areas/holes in walls at sink/floors in need of cleaning throughout establishment (1 point).

China Express, 315 S. Polk St. in Pineville (86/B)

Inspected May 23: Eleven violations resulting in a demerit, including lack of managerial control observed at establishment (1 point); hand-washing sink near stove top and reach-in freezers lacked paper towels (1 point); bell pepper inside walk-in cooler had mold-like substance growing on it (1 point); food debris found on pans stored as clean/dead roaches inside pans stored as clean/meat residue and dropping juices on meat grinder stored as clean (3 points); shrimp, chicken, pork, peas and carrots, lo mein, spring rolls, pot stockers and chicken on a stick in prep units were cold holding above required temperature (1.5 points); fried rice and chopped pork lacked date marks (1.5 points); cart of sugar, spices and sauces found without labels (2 points); back door observed open/four live roaches in rear portion of kitchen/dead insects below prep and three-compartment sink (1 point); handles of scoops found submerged inside containers of sugar and flour (0.5 point); debris and buildup on shelving inside walk-in cooler, above prep units and on rolling carts holding salts, sugars and oils (1 point); and floors inside walk-in freezer in need of cleaning (0.5 point).

Chuck's Grill, 8001 Old Statesville Road in Charlotte (86.5/B)

Inspected May 17: Six violations resulting in a demerit, including two employees changed gloves without first washing hands/employee handled raw eggs and then continued cooking and touching utensils, sliced cheese and single-service containers without washing hands (4 points); raw ham observed above and in same pan as hotdogs and cooked ham in walk-in cooler/raw ham above cooked sausage and liver mush in reach-in cooler (3 points); cooked potatoes in reach-in unit and stewed tomatoes in prep cooler were cooling outside of required temperature/time range (1.5 points); sliced cheese and shell eggs in prep top were cold holding above required temperature (3 points); proper cooling methods not used for cooked potatoes (1 point); and large amount of ice buildup observed on ceiling and floor of walk-in freezer and on outside of condenser fan and lines (1 point).

Chuy's, 7314 Waverly Walk Ave. in Charlotte (88.5/B)

Inspected May 30: Seven violations resulting in a demerit, including no certified food protection manager on site during inspection (1 point); food debris observed on large stationary mixer, four pans and knife stored as clean (3 points); six plastic containers of tomatillo sauce, containers of shredded cheese and containers of chicken soup were cooling outside of required temperature/time range (1.5 points); pineapple pico de gallo, cut cabbage, sour cream, pico de gallo, shredded cheese, milk, salsa and crema jalapeno were cold holding above required temperature (1.5 points); cooked onion, cilantro and pepper mix, pre-cooked flautas, chicken nuggets and shrimp lacked date marks (3 points); proper cooling methods not used for tomatillo sauce, shredded cheese, burgers, rice sauce and chimichanga sauce (1 point); and food employee not wearing beard guard (0.5 point).

Halal Gyro Man (mobile food), 130 N. Tryon St. in Charlotte (87)

Inspected May 17: Seven violations resulting in a demerit, including person in charge unfamiliar with various food safety requirements — certified food protection manager arrived after start of inspection (1 point); mobile-food unit lacked written plan for responding to vomiting or diarrheal events (1 point); person in charge failed to wash hands after handling customer cards and before changing gloves (4 points); cooked chicken and cooked rice were hot holding below required temperature (3 points); mobile-food unit failed to follow written procedures for using Time as a Public Health Control for cut lettuce, cooked chicken and cooked lamb (1.5 points); mobile-food unit in need of thin, probed thermometer (0.5 point); sliding windows over food, at service window and back door remained open without fly protection (2 points). (Reinspected May 26: 95.5/A)

La Unica Mexican Restaurant, 900 North Carolina Music Factory Blvd. in Charlotte (84/B)

Inspected May 31: Eleven violations resulting in a demerit, including person in charge failed to demonstrate knowledge of various rules in code for food safety and handling (1 point); unwashed lemons and oranges found stored over washed, chopped lettuce/unwashed tomatoes stored over washed, cut onions/hard taco shells, sugar, seasoning, beans, queso, salsa and sour cream observed uncovered/raw chorizo and beef stored over avocados (1.5 points); reheated food observed in hot-holding unit below required temperature (1.5 points); rice, beans, queso, barbacoa, pork and steak were hot holding below required temperature (1.5 points); sliced ham, hotdogs, cooked mushrooms, octopus, crab, sliced tomatoes and shredded lettuce in prep unit were cold holding above required temperature (1.5 points); sliced ham, hotdogs, cooked chicken tenders, wings, black beans, charro beans, opened milk and diced tomatoes lacked date marks (3 points); unapproved household bug spray for cockroaches found stored near office/multiple spray bottles containing bleach ad degreaser found unlabeled throughout establishment (2 points); live and dead pests observed in establishment (2 points); ice machines were not working (0.5 point); water leaking from upstairs water heater into large bucket and down the stairs leading to other business/leaky prep sink (1 point); and employee eyeglasses and Vaseline found over prep line in same container as single-use cups and spices/nail clippers and Vaseline over dishes (0.5 point).

Little Caesars, 9009 Albemarle Road in Charlotte (86.5/B)

Inspected May 30: Nine violations resulting in a demerit, including person in charge was not a certified food protection manager (1 point); food employee observed washing hands and turning off faucet without using paper towel (2 points); no date marking observed throughout establishment (3 points); establishment failed to follow written procedures for using Time as a Public Safety Control for pizza (3 points); establishment in need of new food thermometer (0.5 point); multiple food boxes stored in direct contact with floor (2 points); multiple containers stacked while still wet (0.5 point); buildup of food residue observed on pizza racks, shelving throughout kitchen and on door handles (1 point); and pizza sauce found splashed and dried on walls throughout kitchen, next to pizza oven and prep unit (0.5 point).

Little Caesars, 10223 University City Blvd. in Charlotte (88.5/B)

Inspected May 4: Ten violations resulting in a demerit, including no certified food protection manager on site during inspection (1 point); establishment lacked written plan for responding to vomit/diarrheal events (0.5 point); employee observed on phone while on the line and then touched hair before going to prepare pizza (2 points); shelf observed blocking hand-washing sink/back hand sink lacked soap/paper-towel dispenser was broken (1 point); old food debris found on can opener (1.5 points); marinara and pepperonis in prep unit and sausage and ham in reach-in unit were cold holding above required temperature (1.5 points); establishment failed to follow written procedures for using Time as a Public Health Control for marinara (1.5 points); clean and dirty dishes found stored together on same rack (0.5 point); pizza speed racks, dish racks and pizza press in need of cleaning (1 point); and floors under sink, vents, walls at pizza prep area, pizza shelf, oven and hand sink in need of cleaning (1 point).

Los Paisanos (mobile food), 3737 Atmore St. in Charlotte (85.5)

Inspected May 9: Nine violations resulting in a demerit, including no person in charge on site with full knowledge of food code rules (1 point); raw beef found inside hand-washing sink (1 point); raw bacon observed in same storage container as opened bags of cheese and sour cream (3 points); food cooked the prior day in stand-up cooler was quickly cooling outside of required temperature/time range (3 points); cheese and pupusa mix, large container of coleslaw and cooked chicken were cold holding above required temperature (3 points); no date marks observed on any containers on food truck (1.5 points); proper cooling methods not used on food truck (0.5 point); approved thawing method not used for raw beef (0.5 point); and three-compartment not functioning properly (1 point).

Pho @ Noda, 2100 N. Davidson St. in Charlotte (86/B)

Inspected May 26: Nine violations resulting in a demerit, including no certified food protection manager on site at start of inspection (1 point); spray bottle, scrubber cleaning tools and personal water bottle inside hand-washing sink that was also covered by two cutting boards/cooked noodles inside bottom of second hand sink (1 point); raw beef stored over vegetables in walk-in cooler/raw shell egg stored over imitation crab and vegetables in prep cooler (3 points); food debris observed on rice bowls stored as clean/food buildup on slicer that had not been used that day/black buildup inside blender lid/chlorine sanitizer at dishwasher at incorrect concentration (1.5 points); large pot of bone broth in walk-in cooler was cooling outside of required temperature/time range (1.5 points); two boxes of beef tendons, cooked rice, cooked shrimp, cooked broccoli, tofu and imitation crab were cold holding above required temperature (3 points); hard-boiled eggs, sliced pork loaf, rice, cooked chicken and cooked beef lacked date marks (1.5 points); proper cooling method not used for bone broth (0.5 point); and hoisin sauce stored directly on floor near server prep area and carrots and rice noodles stored on floor of walk-in cooler (1 point).

SmokeHouse CLT, 9330 Center Lake Drive in Charlotte (80/B)

Inspected May 4: Fourteen violations resulting in a demerit, including person in charge failed to demonstrate knowledge of various rules in code for food safety and handling (1 point); no certified food protection manager on site during inspection (1 point); person in charge demonstrated limited knowledge of employee health, illnesses of concerns and symptoms/employee health signage missing from establishment (2 points); employee put on gloves to prep food without first washing hands (2 points); rear and front hand-washing sinks blocked by trash cans and rolling carts/all three hand sinks lacked soap and paper towels (1 point); raw beef stored above raw fish/raw bacon stored above ready-to-eat sauces (3 points); buildup of food residue and debris found on numerous metal pots, pans, plastic containers and utensils stored as clean/heavy soil, residue and debris found on in-use metal lids and containers (1.5 points); hotdogs, slaw, raw fish and raw chicken in flip-top cooler and cooked noodles and cooked greens in walk-in cooler were cold holding above required temperature (3 points); cooked noodles, opened package of hotdogs, cooked greens, coleslaw and cooked ribs in flip-top and walk-in coolers lacked date marks (3 points); no asterisks found on menu for burger served undercooked and eggs cooked to order (0.5 point); food prep employees lacked hair restraints (0.5 point); single-use condiment containers used as scoops for dry goods/boxes of plastic cups stored on kitchen floor (0.5 point); no chlorine sanitizer test strips found in establishment (0.5 point); and heavy buildup of food residue and debris found on cooking equipment, food prep equipment and shelving/mold growth on shelving in walk-in cooler (0.5 point). (Reinspected May 16: 93.5/A)

Tacos La Hidalguense (mobile food), 4252 Business Center Drive in Charlotte (84)

Inspected May 19: Ten violations resulting in a demerit, including person in charge not on site at start of inspection (1 point); certified food protection manager not on site (1 point); first hand-washing sink lacked soap (1 point); mobile-food unit received tamales from potentially unapproved source (2 points); food employee observed cutting cooked beef next to raw beef and raw chicken/cutting or preparing raw meat is not allowed on mobile-food unit/tortilla dough stored underneath hand sink and ice (3 points); cooked egg wraps, cooked peppers, tamales and chicken were hot holding below required temperature (3 points); salsa was cold holding above required temperature (3 points); proper cooling method not used for salsa/not allowed on mobile-food unit (1 point); approved thawing method not used for beef (0.5 point); and second hand sink leaking onto floor (0.5 point).

Taqueria Gaviota Latina, 3112 The Plaza in Charlotte (86.5/B)

Inspected May 15: Twelve violations resulting in a demerit, including no certified food protection manager on site during inspection (1 point); person in charge not familiar with foodborne illnesses/reportable symptoms (1 point); establishment lacked written procedures for responding to vomit/diarrheal events (0.5 point); both food prep employees improperly washed hands by turning off faucet without using paper towel/employee washed hands in prep sink (2 points); no paper towels observed at establishment's only hand-washing sink available for public use and in association with bathrooms (1 point); raw eggs found stored over ready-to-eat vegetables in tall reach-in unit (3 points); cooked beef, pork and beans and thawed tamales found without date marks (1.5 points); proper cooling methods not used (0.5 point); gaskets of reach-in cooler were torn and hanging (0.5 point); third compartment of sink unable to drain water (1 point); no dumpster available to place in waste/large number of flies surrounding trash bags by back door (0.5 point); and holes and water damage observed on floorings in rear dry storage area/heavy food buildup, splash and residue on walls, paper towel dispensers, air vent and floors (1 point).

Reinspected May 31 — 83.5/B: Thirteen violations resulting in a demerit, including no certified food protection manager on site during inspection (1 point); establishment lacked written procedures for responding to vomit/diarrheal events (1 point); two employee drinks stored on food prep table (0.5 point); both food prep employees put on gloves without first washing hands/employees rinsed hands in three-compartment sink for less than required time and without soap (4 points); bags of cut cantaloupe and watermelon lacked prep dates/menudo lacked thaw date (3 points); proper cooling methods not used (1 point); multiple squeeze bottles found without labels (1 point); large gap observed in front and back door/numerous live and dead cockroaches found in establishment (1 point); prepared tamales and raw meat stored directly on on floor in walk-in freezer (1 point); water in container used to store utensils was at too low a temperature/ice scoop stored in container that had not yet been sanitized that day (0.5 point); single-use cups stored directly on ground in dry storage area (0.5 point); gaskets of reach-in cooler were torn and hanging (1 point); and holes and water damage observed on floorings in rear dry storage area and cracked floor tiles in front of stove/buildup and rust on vents in floor and wall (1 point).

The Original New York Bagels, 610 Jetton St. in Davidson (84/B)

Inspected May 17: Nine violations resulting in a demerit, including person in charged failed to demonstrate active managerial control over establishment during inspection (1 point); no certified food protection manager on site during inspection (1 point); opened employee Gatorade stored on prep table next to deli-meat slicer (0.5 point); employee observed briefly washing hands and turning off faucet without using paper towel/grill cook observed changing gloves but not washing hands after cracking eggs and then handling read-to-eat foods (4 points); hand-washing sink lacked soap and blocked by large trash can being used to prop open door (2 points); multiple foods in walk-in cooler were cold holding above required temperature due to an issue with unit/milk on ice cold holding above required temperature (3 points); multiple products in display case were past expiration date/large containers of pasta salad, egg salad, potato salad, chicken salad and tuna salad lacked date mark (3 points); chemical bottle observed with illegible label (1 point); and chlorine sanitizer in buckets was at incorrect concentration level (0.5 point).

Wing Zone, 9605 N. Tryon St. in Charlotte (88/B)

Inspected May 4: Six violations resulting in a demerit, including person in charge not on site at start of inspection/employee left in charge was unfamiliar with various code requirements (1 point); no certified food protection manager on site at start of inspection (1 point); employee moved from register to putting on gloves for food prep without first washing hands (4 points); hand-washing sink lacked paper towels/hand sink in kitchen and in bathroom lacked soap (2 points); establishment failed to follow written procedures for using Time as a Public Health Control for wings (3 points); and sanitizer bucket found unlabeled (1 point).