South Durham Restaurant Inspection Scores for September 2024
On occasion, Southpoint Access will gather information from Durham County’s Public Health Department to get a snapshot of how facilities in this region are scoring on their inspections. In this report, we delve into recent reports on restaurants in the 27707 zipcode. These reports were filed between July 15 and Aug. 30, 2024.
TL;DR Version: Top scores (100) went to Alpaca Peruvian Chicken, Bella Napoli Pizzeria and Italian Grill, Bul Box, Five Guys, and Joe Van Gogh – Commissary. Lowest score (90) went to Urban Turban Indian Grill and Bar.
Alpaca Peruvian Chicken. 3726 Mayfair St. Inspection: Aug. 1. Score: 100. Notes: Steamwells and excess equipment stored on floor. Glass door to bottom rotisserie broken and covered with aluminum foil.
Asian Kitchen. 1125 NC Highway 54. Inspection: July 16. Score: 94.5. Notes: No certified food protection manager onsite during inspection. No written procedure for vomiting or diarrheal incident. Food using temperature control had wrong date marking or none at all. Some spices and sauces in make line lacked labels.
Banu Vegan. 2534 South Roxboro St., Ste. C. Inspection: July 30. Score: 98.5. Notes: Sticker residue on sauce bottles on clean dish rack.
Bella Napoli Pizzeria & Italian Grill. 3511 Witherspoon Blvd. Inspection: July 17. Score: 100. Notes: No notes.
Biscuitville. 2822 Chapel Hill Blvd. Inspection: July 23. Score: 99. Notes: Employee beverage stored on prep table near exposed food and food equipment at cook station. Pans of frozen foods stacked atop each other in reach-in freezer.
Bojangles. 4150 Garrett Rd. Inspection: Aug. 13. Score: 99. Notes: Grilled chicken breast holding at lower than 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bruegger’s Bagels. 1831 Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy. Inspection: July 25. Score: 99. Notes: Badly scored cutting boards on front coolers.
Bul Box. 3105 Shannon Rd. Inspection: July 31. Score: 100. Notes: No notes.
Burger King. 4829 Hope Valley Rd. Inspection: July 30. Score: 98. Notes: Half and half temperature was above 41 degrees Fahrenheit at the low-boy cooler.
Carolina Ale House. 3911 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd. Inspection: July 30. Score: 98. Notes: Sanitizer bucket stored atop food prep surface.
Chick-Fil-A. 4139 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd. Inspection: July 30. Score: 99. Notes: Grilled chicken breast cooling at 123 degrees Fahrenheit at room temperature. Difficult to get hand soap from dispensers at each handwashing sink.
Chipotle Mexican Grill. 3219 Watkins Rd., Ste. 100. Inspection: Aug. 7. Score: 99. Notes: Several pans stacked wet. Heavily soiled reach-in cooler next to grill.
Clean Eatz. 5320 McFarland Dr., Ste. 110. Inspection: July 15. Score: 99. Notes: Unlabeled bottle of sanitizer at front counter. Potatoes and marinara both tightly sealed covered and hadn’t cooled down to 41 degrees Fahrenheit.
Comfort Inn University Food Service. 3508 Mt. Moriah Rd. Inspection: Aug. 13. Score: 99.5. Notes: Ham cooling on rack at ambient temperature.
Cook Out. 3119 Shannon Rd. Inspection: July 31. Score: 99. Notes: Person in charge lacked unexpired food protection certification.
Don Gallo. 3411 University Dr. Inspection: Aug. 6. Score: 99.5. Notes: Soiled vent hood and kitchen walls.
El Chapin. 4600 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd. Inspection: July 22. Score: 98. Notes: Carrots and cabbage cooling at room temperature. Avocados washed, but still with stickers on them.To-go plates stored on floor in back of kitchen.
El Cuscatleco. 4212 Garrett Rd. Inspection: July 22. Score: 99.5. Notes: Multiple wet wiping clothes stored throughout kitchen.
Five Guys. 5332 McFarland Dr., Ste. 110. Inspection: Aug. 12. Score: 100. Notes: No notes.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers. 3303 Watkins Rd. Inspection: Aug. 7. Score: 98. Notes: Handwashing sink lacked paper towels. Open container of detergent powder next to food prep area. Multiple wet wiping clothes stored throughout kitchen.
Golden Pizza. 2300 Chapel Hill Rd. Inspection: Aug. 30. Score: 91.5. Notes: No paper towels at the handwashing sink by the walk-in cooler. Marinated raw chicken stored above pizza dough and pizza sauce in walk-in cooler. Food debris on knife that had been stored as clean. Chicken in pan sitting under grill below 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperature-controlled foods in one-door, reach-in cooler holding above 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Unlabeled bowl of sanitizer.
Happy + Hale. 3103 Shannon Rd. Inspection: Aug. 27. Score: 96. Notes: Box full of moldy individual blueberry containers in walk-in cooler. No time stamp for temperature-controlled items in the kitchen and on top of steamwell. Two containers of pickles stored on floor in walk-in cooler.
Hong Kong. 4711 Hope Valley Rd. Inspection: Aug. 8. Score: 95. Notes: Found fermented rice, which person-in-charge indicated was for personal use. Shrimp, chicken, noodles, and pork at room temperature. No time label on rice for temperature control.
Hope Valley Diner. 3710 Shannon Rd. Inspection: Aug. 21. Score: 97. Notes: Empty milk jug stored inside of back handwashing sink. Raw chicken stored above ready-to-eat potatoes in small reach-in cooler. Chicken plates stored in reach-in cooler out of date (made Aug. 19).
Jason’s Deli. 5408 New Hope Commons Dr. Inspection: Aug. 28. Score: 99. Notes: Stickers left on avocadoes stored at the make line. Black buildup on ceiling of walk-in cooler.
Jersey Mike’s Subs. 3219 Watkins Rd., Ste. 101. Inspection: Aug. 7. Score: 99.5. Notes: Dead roach in the dining area. Soiled vent hood.
Jimmy John’s. 4215 University Rd. Inspection: Aug. 7. Score: 98.5. Notes: Sliced tomatoes in low reach-in and make line sliced at 9:30 a.m. at temperatures above 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Sanitizer bucket stored next to boxes of mustard and mayonnaise.
Joe Van Gogh – Commissary. 3211 Shannon Rd. Inspection: Aug. 1. Score: 100. Notes: No notes.
Lakewood Social. 1920 Chapel Hill Rd. Inspection: July 24. Score: 96.5. Notes: No temperature-controlled foods in cold drawers at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Fly in kitchen with back door open.
McDonald’s. 3117 Tower Blvd. Inspection: Aug. 5. Score: 97. Notes: No soap at handwashing sink by drink area. Canadian bacon in cooler drawers by grill above 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cheese held on time on the line past discard time.
Moe’s Southwest Grill. 5332 McFarland Dr. Inspection: Aug. 12. Score: 99. Notes: Bucket stored in handwashing sink at back of kitchen. Two containers of chicken stored on floor in walk-in cooler.
Monterrey Mexican Grill. 4600 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd. Inspection: Aug. 13. Score: 99. Notes: Two cups in the handwashing sink by walk-in cooler.
Nana’s. 2514 University Dr. Inspection: July 17. Score: 99. Notes: Several unlabeled working bottles. Container of food stored on floor of walk-in cooler.
Neo China. 4015 University Dr. Inspection: July 31. Score: 95. Notes: Eggs stored above egg rolls in walk-in cooler. Wontons holding at 99 degrees Fahrenheit in steamwell. Lettuce holding above 41 degrees Fahrenheit on counter. Three unlabeled bottles of clear solution in kitchen near dish area.
New Top China. 5324 New Hope Commons Dr., Ste. 301. Inspection: Aug. 14. Score: 97. Notes: Handwashing sink lacked paper towels. Cooked chicken and egg rolls holding above 41 degrees Fahrenheit in walk-in cooler.
Only Burger. 3710 Shannon Rd., Ste. 118. Inspection: Aug. 19. Score: 95.5. Notes: No written procedure for vomiting or diarrheal events. Chicken stored above ground beef; fries near chicken.
Panera Bread. 3603 Witherspoon Blvd., Bldg. D6. Inspection: Aug. 13. Score: 98. Notes: Wet wiping cloth on counter in kitchen. Knife stored between unit and lid to unit, not in a cleanable area. Damage to front counter.
Peony Asian Bistro. 3515 Witherspoon Blvd. Inspection: July 17. Score: 99. Notes: Torn gasket in the sushi reach-in freezer.
Popeye’s. 3202 Westgate Dr. Inspection: July 17. Score: 98.5. Notes: Flies in the kitchen. Some food employees wearing watches while preparing food.
Pop’s Backdoor South. 3710 Shannon Rd., Ste. 104. Inspection: Aug. 21. Score: 99. Notes: Two badly damaged cans stored on dry good shelves with other cans for restaurant use. Torn gaskets on sandwich reach-in cooler next to stove.
Pure Soul. 4125 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd., Ste. 1. Inspection: Aug. 9. Score: 97. Notes: Two scoops and food probe thermometer stored as clean but had dry food residue. Time/temperature-controlled foods in two-door reach-in cooler holding above 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Ants on shelves storing dry foods and in nearby office.
Randy’s Pizza. 1813 Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy. Inspection: July 25. Score: 99. Notes: Torn gasket on pizza reach-in cooler.
Roots Bistro and Bar. 4810 Hope Valley Rd., Ste. 101. Inspection: July 17. Score: 95. Notes: Plates on the handwashing sink. No date marking on pico, steak, and rice in the walk-in cooler.
Sheetz. 7520 NC Highway 751. Inspection: Aug. 15. Score: 99.5. Notes: Several boxes food stored on floor in the walk-in cooler. Torn gasket on walk-in cooler.
Springhill Suites by Marriott. 5310 McFarland Rd. Inspection: Aug. 12. Score: 99.5. Notes: Eggs and egg and ham sandwich holding below 135 degrees Fahrenheit in hot box. Potatoes and sandwich thawing on counter.
Staybridge Suites Breakfast Bar. 3704 Mt. Moriah Rd. Inspection: July 23. Score: 97.5. Notes: No date marking on steak made the previous day. Unlabeled bleach bottle.
Tasu Noodle Bar. 3307 Watkins, Rd., Ste. 100. Inspection: July 18. Score: 93.5. Notes: Raw chicken stored above raw pork in walk-in cooler. Raw chicken stored above vegetables in reach-in cooler. Duck stored above pork in walk-in cooler. Dish machine reaching 0ppm chlorine. Lettuce stored in ice bath holding above 41 degrees Fahrenheit. No date on chicken in walk-in cooler made previous day. Menu missing accurate consumer advisory stating “consuming undercooked eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.” Unlabeled green solution in dish area.
Urban Turban Indian Grill and Bar. 1125 W. NC Highway 54. Inspection: July 18. Score: 90. Notes: No certified food protection manager present. Open soda can stored on clean side of the drainboard next to the dishwashing machine. Employee wearing gloves using cell phone while sitting on an overturned bucket in middle of kitchen, exited back door of kitchen and then returned to food prep activity without washing hands. Large spatula and metal bowl stored in front handwashing sink. In-use large pot lid and large stirrer stored on floor next to front handwashing sink. Items in walk-in cooler and prep cart at temperatures above 41 degrees Fahrenheit.
Vici Ristobar. 1125 W. NC Highway 54. Inspection: July 29. Score: 98. Notes: Hot water at handwashing sinks near salad station and in back was below 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Breaded chicken, eggplant, cheese patties, pepperoni, meatballs, mozzarella, lettuce, spinach, mixed greens all above 41 degrees Fahrenheit.
West 94th St. Pub. 4711 Hope Valley Rd., Ste. 6C. Inspection: Aug. 19. Score: 97. Notes: Chicken and fish above fries and hush puppies. Chicken wings at wagon cooler and lettuce and cheese stacked high in make line had temperatures above 41 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wingstop. 4010 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd. Inspection: July 15. Score: 96.5. Notes: Dishes stored on clean dish rack had food debris. Box of chicken patties stored on floor in walk-in freezer. Rags stored in soapy water. Exterior and interior of equipment soiled with buildup and food debris.
What Does the Data Tell Us?
We shared these reports with ChatGPT and asked for its analysis. Here’s how it responded:
This data on restaurant inspection scores in the Southpoint area of Durham provides a snapshot of the sanitation and food safety practices in various establishments. Here are the key takeaways:
Overall Observations:
- High Scores:
- The majority of restaurants received high scores, with many scoring 98 or higher. This suggests that most restaurants in the area maintain good food safety practices.
- Five restaurants achieved perfect scores of 100: Alpaca Peruvian Chicken, Bella Napoli Pizzeria & Italian Grill, Bul Box, Five Guys, and Joe Van Gogh – Commissary.
- Common Issues:
- Temperature Control: Many establishments had issues with maintaining proper temperatures for food storage, particularly keeping cold foods below 41 degrees Fahrenheit and hot foods above 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Hygiene and Cleanliness: Several restaurants were noted for having soiled equipment, improper handwashing facilities, and food debris on supposedly clean dishes.
- Storage Practices: Improper storage of food items, such as storing raw meats above ready-to-eat foods or placing food directly on the floor, was a recurring problem.
- Labeling and Date Marking: Some establishments failed to properly label food items or mark dates, which is crucial for tracking food safety.
- Minor Infractions:
- Many restaurants with scores in the high 90s had minor infractions, such as unlabeled bottles, damaged gaskets, or personal items stored in food preparation areas. These issues, while less severe, still contribute to food safety risks.
Conclusion:
The data suggests that while most restaurants in the Southpoint area maintain high standards of cleanliness and food safety, there are areas for improvement, particularly in temperature control, hygiene practices, and proper food storage.
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