The Georgia Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Section, recently completed a series of restaurant inspections conducted between June 12 and June 20 in Richmond and Columbia counties. These assessments aimed to ensure that food service establishments adhere to health and safety regulations. The results varied significantly, with some businesses receiving perfect scores, while others faced notable infractions. Among the top performers were well-known chains such as McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Sonic Drive In, which passed without any violations. Meanwhile, several other restaurants received passing grades but with noted areas for improvement. However, a handful of locations fell into failing territory due to critical breaches in food handling, sanitation, and staff hygiene practices.

Among the standout performers, multiple eateries achieved flawless evaluations during the inspection period. Evans 14 Cinemas, Taco Bell on Washington Road, New China Restaurant, Jimmy John’s, Domino’s Pizza, McDonald's, Ding Tea, Pruitt Health Evans, The Eagle Club, Laziza Catering, Cliffisms Sports & Spirits, Red Lobster, Big D’s BBQ & Concessions, Little Caesars Pizza, Main Street Treats, and Outsyde all met every health standard without any infractions. Their success underscores the importance of consistent hygiene practices and adherence to food safety protocols across different types of food service operations.

Other establishments managed to secure "A" grades despite minor issues. Tasty Town scored 99 out of 100, demonstrating strong compliance with health codes. Vampire Penguin Grovetown and Fujiyama Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar each earned 98 points, reflecting their commitment to maintaining high standards. Locations like Tavern On the Trail, Walton Rehabilitation Hospital, Days Inn & Suites, and Dirty Boots also performed well within the A-range category. While these venues had no major violations, they still required adjustments in areas such as equipment maintenance, employee training, and storage conditions to maintain optimal safety levels.

Conversely, several restaurants struggled to meet basic requirements, leading to lower scores and detailed citations. Wings 2 Go received an 88 after inspectors observed improper raw chicken storage and food containers placed directly on the floor. At DQ Grill and Chill, employees failed to follow handwashing procedures, and cleaning was found lacking in multiple zones. Tanks Sports Bar & Grill faced challenges with malfunctioning handwashing facilities and incorrect sanitizer testing methods. Short Stop #2 – Blimpie lacked proper employee health reporting systems and had outdated inspection reports displayed. Each cited location was advised on corrective actions necessary to improve future assessments.

Some venues exhibited more severe deficiencies, resulting in failing marks. Lenox On Tenth, scoring just 64, lacked certified food safety management personnel and had numerous priority violations, including improper food labeling and chemical storage. Texas Roadhouse encountered issues related to employee beverage placement, fly infestations, and unsanitary dish drying practices. Holiday Inn Express faced similar difficulties with temperature controls and certification lapses. These findings highlight the necessity of ongoing oversight and education to prevent recurring issues and uphold public health expectations.

While many local restaurants demonstrated commendable efforts toward maintaining cleanliness and safety, others require immediate attention to rectify existing problems. Regular inspections serve as a crucial mechanism for ensuring that dining environments remain safe for both residents and visitors. Continued vigilance from regulatory bodies, combined with proactive improvements by food service providers, will help sustain and elevate health standards across the region.