Health inspections: See which Augusta restaurant scored 59 and why

The Georgia Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Section, conducts regular restaurant inspections to help keep residents and visitors safe.

The following is a list of restaurants in Richmond and Columbia counties that have been inspected between April 19 and 25, accompanied by their scores and, in some cases, the health infractions that lowered those scores.

Disclaimer: On any given day, an establishment may have fewer or more violations than noted in their most recent inspection. An inspection conducted on any given day may not be representative of the overall, long-term conditions at the establishment. A few more recent, follow-up inspections may not be included here.

Perfect scores

Here are restaurants in Richmond and Columbia counties that passed recent food-service inspections between April 19 and 25 with scores of 100, without a single health violation. Note: The perfect scores listed at the same Grovetown address represent temporary food kiosks at the Columbia County Spring Fair.

Amity Country Store, 5462 Columbia Rd., Grovetown

Arby's, 2733 Washington Rd.

B & B Concessions, 28229 C.R. 33, Leesburg, Fla.

Bianco's Foods, 5462 Columbia Rd., Grovetown

Big Mama's Soulfood 1, 5462 Columbia Rd., Grovetown

Big Mama's: Shay's Chicken & Seafood, 5462 Columbia Rd., Grovetown

Cross Creek High School, 3855 Old Waynesboro Rd.

Cullers Fries, 5462 Columbia Rd., Grovetown

Doc's Porchside, 3035 Washington Rd.

Drew Corn Dog, 5462 Columbia Rd., Grovetown

Drew Slushy, 5462 Columbia Rd., Grovetown

El Paso Tacos & Tequila, 1167 Broad St.

Gillette's Pizza, 5462 Columbia Rd., Grovetown

Icee 1, 5462 Columbia Rd., Grovetown

Icee 2, P.O. Box 5589, Augusta

Island Stylin Concessions, 144 Golden Ave.

Island Time Fusion Juice Bar & Grill, 2308 Lumpkin Rd.

J And K Blue Box, 2016 Randall Rd.

Lemonade Stand 1, 5462 Columbia Rd., Grovetown

Lemonade Stand 2, 5462 Columbia Rd., Grovetown

Lemonade Stand 3, 5462 Columbia Rd., Grovetown

McDuffie Woods Nutrition, 3431 Old McDuffie Rd.

Original Elephant Ears, 5462 Columbia Rd., Grovetown

Vic's Grill, 462 Columbia Rd., Grovetown

Getting warmer

Here are restaurants in Richmond and Columbia counties that passed with "A" scores in recent food-service inspections between April 19 and 25, followed by their scores:

E-Z-Go Café, 1451 Marvin Griffin Rd.: 98

Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers, 1102 Broad St.: 98

Oh My Wings, 2852 Deans Bridge Rd., Ste. B: 98

Bojangles, 2715 Peach Orchard Rd.: 97

Diamond Lakes Elementary School, 4153 Windsor Spring Rd., Hephzibah: 96

7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee, 105 Charlestowne Way: 95

Domino's Pizza, 3100 Washington Rd.: 95

Immaculate Conception School, 811 Telfair St.: 94

Café Dulce, 3118 Washington Rd.: 94

Waffle House 1971, 103 Talbot Dr., Hephzibah: 93

Homewood Suites By Hilton Gordon Highway, 312 Timbercreek Ln.: 92

The Solfood Kitchen, 471 Highland Ave.: 92

R&R Concessions & Catering, 7016 Evans Towne Center Blvd., Evans: 91

Los Cabos Mexican Restaurant, 920 Baker Ave.: 91

Firehouse Subs, 2930 Peach Orchard Rd.: 91

Not quite done

Here are restaurants in Richmond and Columbia counties that posted the lowest recent food-service inspections between April 19 and 25, followed by their scores and, where available, inspectors’ comments. Scores of 70 and below are considered failing:

Dunkin Donuts and Baskin Robbins, 3024 Washington Rd.: 89

Inspector's comments: "Observed open, expired milk with expiration date of 4/21/24 in front service area reach-in cooler. Monitor expiration dates closely."

"Observed storage container of cinnamon outside its original packaging without a common name label. Label all food stored outside its original packaging."

"Observed several employees wearing jewelry (bracelets, watches) during food prep. Refrain from jewelry outside of a plain band ring during food prep."

"Observed several soiled wiping cloths scattered across countertops in front food service area. Store wiping cloths in sanitizer buckets when not in use."

"Observed scoop with handle touching ice at ice machine in back prep area. Observed spoon with handle touching cinnamon in front service area. Store scoops outside of food product itself."

Georgia School For Innovation & The Classics, 5073 Storey Mill Rd., Hephzibah: 86

Inspector's comments: "Observed expired Serv Safe posted. Certification expired 3/5/24. Obtain or renew certification ASAP."

"Observed chicken quesadillas, cheese sauce and chicken strips not being hot held at appropriate temperatures. Hot hold food at 135 degrees F or higher. Reheat food for hot holding at 165 degrees F."

"Observed scoop stored in sugar container. Store scoops outside of food product itself."

WifeSaver North Leg, 1510 North Leg: 84

Inspector's comments: "Observed potentially hazardous (potato salad) food cold held at greater than 41 degrees F. All time/temperature control for safety foods must be held at 41 degrees F or below."

"Observed scoops being stored in flour and sugar containers. Do not store scoops inside of food product with handles touching. Scoops should be stored outside of food product."

"Observed wet nesting of stacked pans in dish washing area. Allow pans/dishes to properly dry prior to stacking."

"Observed water from cooler dripping on raw chicken box. Repair cooler."

"Observed build up on cords near fryer. Observed excess grease behind fryer area. Increase frequency of cleaning to avoid food contamination."

Vic's Grill, 3755 Wheeler Rd.: 83

Inspector's comments: "Observed no certified food safety manager for facility. To take ServSafe class or exam (Richmond County Health Department), please call (706) 667-4234. Certification is requested. Acquire as soon as possible."

"Observed pastry cheese and garlic butter stored past 7-day date mark. All ready to eat food must have a 7 day date mark and must be discarded after that time."

"Observed employee preparing food without beard restraint. Wear a beard restraint when preparing/cooking food."

"Observed employee items stored on food prep and storage surfaces. Keep employee items in a designated area, away from food storage and prep."

Waffle House 797, 3160 Deans Bridge Rd.: 76

Inspector's comments: "Observed expired milk in walk in cooler 7/3/2023. All expired foods must be discarded."

"Observed beef and bacon in reach in cooler uncovered. All foods must be remained covered."

"Observed ham, beef, tomatoes, butter in reach-in-cooler at temperatures above 41 degrees F for cold holding. All foods must remain under 41 degrees for cold holding."

"Observed mops being stored improperly. All mops must be hung out to air dry."

"Observed ice buildup in walk in freezer. Increase frequency of cleaning."

Persis Indian Restaurant & Bar, 3112 Washington Rd.: 59

Inspector's comments: "Observed employee leave kitchen area, touch several objects (tablet, cell phone) and return to kitchen to begin cutting vegetables without thoroughly washing hands. Wash hands prior to all food prep and in between changing tasks."

"Observed employee plate rice for immediate service, with no gloves. Observed employee's bare hands come in contact with ready to eat food."

"Observed cheese, onions and sauce stored uncovered in walk-in cooler and reach-in cooler. Repeat violation. Cover all food in storage."

"Observed ice machine with brown buildup. Clean food contact surfaces as needed."

"Observed shredded cheese left sitting out uncovered at 72 degrees F. Observed onions at 68 degrees F. Cold hold food at 41 degrees F or lower."

"Observed Raid bug spray in kitchen above 3-compartment sink. If a pest issue is present, seek out professional pest control."

"Observed several food items and products stored outside original packaging in dry storage area. Repeat violation. Label food stored outside its original packaging clearly."

"Observed chicken thawing improperly in prep sink. Utilize proper thawing methods."

"Observed several employees wearing watches, bracelets, rings, and handling phones during food prep. Refrain from using cell phones and wearing excessive jewelry during food preparation."

"Observed wiping cloths scattered and soiled across countertops. Place wiping cloths in sanitizer buckets when not in use."

"Observed scoops stored in sauces in walk-in cooler. Store scoops outside of food product itself."

"Observed wet nesting of stacked dishes. Repeat violation. Allow dishes to properly air dry prior to stacking."

"Observed excess debris and clutter on floors in dry storage, walk-in cooler. Observed several areas in need of wiping down. Observed missing ceiling tile above men's restroom."

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Health scores: Too many uncovered foods ding Augusta-area restaurants