The Georgia Department of Public Health’s Environmental Health Division regularly inspects restaurants to keep residents and visitors safe.
Below is a list of Richmond and Columbia County restaurants inspected between June 21 and 26. Included are the scores and, in some cases, the health violations that lowered the score.
Disclaimer: On any given day, a facility may have fewer or more violations than were noted in the most recent inspection. Inspections conducted on any given day may not be representative of the facility’s overall long-term condition. Recent follow-up inspections may not be included here.
Full marks
Below are the eateries in Richmond and Columbia counties that passed recent foodservice inspections from June 21-26 with zero sanitation violations and a perfect score of 100 points.
- Angelo’s Red Tacos 7016 Evans Town Center Blvd. in Evans.
- Bemy’s at the River 865 Reynolds St., Augusta.
- Chick-fil-A It’s located at 4201 Washington Rd. in Evans.
- Retreat It’s located at 3014 Washington Rd. in Augusta.
- Jamrock Jerk Spot 7016 Evans Town Center Blvd. in Evans.
- JH Moore BBQ & Catering It’s located at 312 Wiltshire Ct. in Evans.
- Marie’s Caribbean Creole It’s located at 215 Partnership Dr. in Grovetown.
- Mason’s Shaken Lemonade 7016 Evans Town Center Blvd. in Evans.
- Moe’s Southwest Grill It’s located at 4239 Washington Rd. in Evans.
- Paches Island Soul Restaurant It’s located at 307 James Brown Blvd. in Augusta.
- Pelican Snowball Mobile Unit 2 It’s located at 101 E. Robinson Ave. in Grovetown.
- PG’s Grill Mobile Located at 6440 Cobbham Rd. in Appling.
- Plantation Bloods Cafe 4127 Wallie Dr., Augusta
- Stillwater Taproom 974 Broad Street, Augusta.
- Studio Neighborhood Bar 473 Broad Street, Augusta.
- Tip Top Tap 936 Broad Street, Augusta.
- Trellis Coffee at 1902 Walton Way in Augusta.
- United House of Prayer Cafeteria It’s located at 1269 Wrightsboro Rd. in Augusta.
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Very close
Below are restaurants in Richmond and Columbia counties that received a score of 99 and only one sanitation violation during recent foodservice inspections from June 21-26. Here are some inspector comments:
- Chick-fil-A at Georgia Children’s Hospital It’s located at 1446 Harper St. in Augusta.
- Inspector’s comment: “Clean dishes observed stacked wet. Please allow dishes to air dry before stacking.”
- McDonald’s It’s located at 381 Furys Ferry Rd. in Martinez.
- Inspector’s comments: “A foul odor, blood residue and food residue were observed in the top drawer of the reach-in cooler behind the hot holding station/prep line. There was also fry debris on the bottom shelf of the fry freezer. Cleaning is required. Clean more frequently.”
It’s getting warmer
Below are the Richmond and Columbia County restaurants that received an “A” score during recent foodservice inspections conducted between June 21-26 and their scores.
- Little Caesars 3851 Evans to Locks Rd. in Martinez: 98
- Longhorn Steakhouse 434 Lewiston Road, Grovetown: 97
- Waffle House 1627 Walton Way, Augusta: 97
- Bollweeville Cafe & Sweetery 10 Ninth St., Augusta: 96
- Glam Deli Catering and Event Entertainment 1646 Gordon Highway, Augusta: 96
- Metro Diner 2820 Washington Road, Augusta: 96
- Soul Bar 984 Broad Street, Augusta: 96
- Waffle House 491 Lewiston Road, Grovetown: 96
- Big Daddy’s Loco 7016 Evans Town Center Blvd., Evans: 95
- McDonald’s 465 Lewiston Road, Grovetown: 94
- Harvest Table Buffet 1505 Gordon Highway, Augusta: 93
- Lennox on 10th 211 10th St., Augusta: 93
- Ruby Tuesday 4203 Washington Rd., Evans: 93
- Pineapple Ink Tavern 1002 Broad Street, Augusta: 92
- El Gringo Restaurant 313 E. Robinson Ave., Grovetown: 91
- Finch and Fifth 379 Highland Avenue, Augusta: 91
- Saul Augusta 1033 Broad Street, Augusta: 91
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It’s not over yet
Below are the Richmond and Columbia County restaurants that received the lowest food service inspection scores between June 21 and 26. Included are their scores and inspector comments, where available. A score of 70 or below is considered a failing grade.
- Ashley’s delicious belly 7016 Evans Town Center Blvd. in Evans received a score of 78. Here’s what the inspector said:
- “When the owner leaves the unit, there’s no one in charge and no procedures. Set up a PIC in their absence.”
- “The hand washing sink is clogged with towels and cups in the sink. Please do not block the sink.”
- “Uncovered food and uncovered dry foods stored next to the grill.”
- “Store any food within reach in a cooler at a temperature no lower than 41 degrees, but between 47 and 58 degrees. Make sure food is chilled at 41 degrees or below.”
- “Meat is being improperly kept warm next to grill area. Please keep food warm with proper equipment.”
- “A pot was placed on top of or among the pots containing noodles. To prevent contamination, do not place pots or other objects on top of cooked food.”
- “Gloves not being changed/used properly. Please make sure to change gloves when entering the kitchen.”
- “We have identified that non-food contact surfaces require cleaning. Clean equipment, hoods, vents and other areas.”
- Izumi Japanese Buffet The property at 4368 Washington St. in Evans received a score of 73. Here’s what the inspector had to say:
- “Live cockroach activity has been observed in the kitchen and sushi bar. We will need to have an exterminator come and remove them, but we will need to clean the kitchen to keep the roaches out.”
- “All beverages consumed by employees must have lids and straws.”
- “Please do not scratch or place any objects in the hand washing sink.”
- “Each tag must be marked with the date of the last oysters sold.”
- “Cover all food in dry storage, walk-in coolers and on the food preparation line.”
- “The water heater isn’t working properly.”
- “You will need to clean the dishwasher, hood, top of the dishwasher, hood filter in the kitchen, grill area, microwave, all shelves in the food prep line and outside the back door.”
- “There’s mold growing on the splash guard of the ice maker.”
- “Keep lots of ice under the food in the grill area.”
- “Remove any old or unused equipment.”
- Tipsy Bar & Grill The property at 239 Meridian Drive in Grovetown received a score of 71. Here’s what the inspector had to say:
- “An employee entered the kitchen without washing their hands. Please be sure to wash your hands when entering the kitchen, when switching tasks, and when coming in from outside.”
- “The employee entered the kitchen from outside the cooler room and did not wash their hands, change their gloves or remove their original gloves. Always change gloves when entering the kitchen and after washing your hands.”
- “Food in the reach-in cooler is stored uncovered, along with meats in the sink and on the stove. Food should always be stored covered to prevent contamination.”
- “Some of the food in the food preparation area and reach-in coolers/freezers is above 41 degrees Fahrenheit, ranging from 42 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Please make sure food is kept at or below 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Move food to a functioning cooler or place in ice water.”
- “There are several opened cans of vegetables and beans in the reach-in cooler. Once you open the cans, please store the remainder in a container. Do not store in open cans. This is a repeat violation.”
- “The hot water pressure in the hand washing sink is not adequate. Please repair the sink and check the pressure to ensure proper hand washing.”
- China City 3128 Deans Bridge Rd. in Augusta received a score of 69. Here is what the inspector had to say:
- “Raw chicken is being stored in containers on the floor with flies. All food must be kept six inches off the ground for storage.”
- “Raw chicken is being stored uncovered on the floor. Broccoli in the walk-in refrigerator is also being stored uncovered. All food should be stored covered for protection.”
- “Cabbage is stored at 54 degrees. Refrigerated storage temperature should be 42 degrees or below.”
- “Store the scoop in the container with the food. Store the scoop outside the container to avoid accidental contamination.”
- “Please hang wet mops to dry. All mops should be stored so they can air dry.”
- “There is a high infestation of flies on the premises. Please call a professional pest control company to remove the flies or use only commercial grade pest control systems.”