During the month of March 2025, the Gwinnett, Newton & Rockdale County Health Departments inspected many restaurants. While most restaurants were able to score well in the health inspections, some stumbled after various food code violations were reported. These restaurants received an unsatisfactory ‘U’ grade, requiring follow-up inspections.
Highlights
- The GNR county health department failed several restaurants last month because of unsatisfactory levels of compliance with the food code.
- The total number of restaurants that received the unsatisfactory score during last month’s health inspections is 17.
- While a few restaurants faced temporary suspension of their permit, no permanent permit suspensions were reported.
Pita Mediterranean Street Food
- Where: 5385 Lawrenceville Hwy Lilburn
- Routine Inspection Date and Score: March 4, 2025 – 53(U)
- Follow-Up Inspection Date and Score: March 14, 2025 – 100(A)
Pita Mediterranean Street Food received an unsatisfactory score and had its permit suspended due to a repeat violation of the same code section that occurred during three consecutive routine inspections. The permit was reinstated after onsite training was completed.
A health inspection report cited multiple violations at the restaurant. The third consecutive violation was in the case of the PIC being unable to verifiably demonstrate that food employees were informed of their responsibility to report symptoms and/or illnesses. Other violations included improper food handling, sanitation issues, and lack of managerial control. Several second consecutive violations were also noted. Corrective actions were taken, and unresolved issues were given deadlines.
A follow-up inspection was conducted on March 14, in which the restaurant scored a perfect 100. The inspection history for the restaurant is available on the official page.
Meraki
- Where: 516 Grayson Pkwy Grayson
- Routine Inspection Date and Score: March 6, 2025 – 65(U)
- Follow-Up Inspection Date and Score: March 14, 2025 – 100(A)
Meraki received an unsatisfactory score after health inspectors identified multiple risk factor violations. Lack of active managerial control, improper food handling, cross-contamination risks, and inadequate employee illness reporting were among the issues.
The report also mentioned improper handwashing, bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat food, and employee drinks stored in food prep areas. Cross-contamination in storage areas and the mold-like buildup in the ice machine were also noted. The report said that the menu lacked a required consumer advisory for undercooked foods and that expired chlorine test strips were found. Actions were taken to correct most of the issues during the inspection itself.
The restaurant was able to perform well in the follow-up inspection, recouping its health inspection status. Further, it will face an additional routine inspection in 12 months. More details of the inspections at the restaurant can be checked online.
American Deli at Lilburn
- Where: 5385 Lawrenceville Hwy Lilburn
- Routine Inspection Date and Score: March 7, 2025 – 59(U)
- Follow-Up Inspection Date and Score: March 17, 2025 – 87(B)
The American Deli failed the health inspection on March 7. The Facility’s permit was temporarily suspended due to three consecutive violations being reported. The permit was reinstated after training was given.
A health inspection resulted in an unsatisfactory score due to multiple violations. The inspectors reported improper food storage, sanitation issues, and temperature violations. Two-second consecutive violations and one-third consecutive violations were reported. Corrective actions were taken immediately for most of the issues, and other issues were given a time frame within which they were to be resolved.
The follow-up inspection at the restaurant was conducted on March 17, which it passed after scoring 87 points. The restaurant will also face a required additional routine that will be conducted within 12 months. The inspection history of the restaurant can be found online.
Hanbat
- Where: 3525 Mall Blvd NW Suite B2 Duluth
- Routine Inspection Date and Score: March 8, 2025 – 61(U)
- Follow-Up Inspection Date and Score: March 17, 2025 – 94(A)
A routine health inspection conducted at Hanbat had multiple violations, leading to the restaurant being given an unsatisfactory score. The issues included improper managerial control, unverifiable illness reporting knowledge, improper food storage, temperature violations, and labeling issues. Corrective actions were taken, such as discarding unsafe food, relabeling, and reorganizing storage.
A follow-up inspection of the establishment was conducted, and the restaurant fared well. An additional routine inspection will also be conducted within 12 months. The details of the restaurant’s inspection history are available online.
Sunshine Chinese Restaurant
- Where: 525 Peachtree Industrial Blvd #F Suwanee
- Routine Inspection Date and Score: March 11, 2025 – 64(U)
- Follow-Up Inspection Date and Score: March 21, 2025 – 98(A)
The health inspection conducted at Sunshine Chinese Restaurant resulted in an unsatisfactory score due to multiple violations. The PIC’s lack of managerial control over food safety practices and lack of knowledge about reportable symptoms and diseases were cited. Improper food storage, insufficient sanitization of dishware, and documentation of time control procedures were also reported.
Food items were also improperly date-marked, and excessive grease and debris were found on kitchen equipment and surfaces, the report said. Reorganizing storage areas, implementing proper date marking, and switching to manual dish sanitization were some of the corrective actions taken.
The follow-up inspection to ensure compliance was conducted and the restaurant fared well. The inspection history can be found online.
Lao Wei Dao
- Where: 3875 Venture Dr Suite A-7 Duluth
- Required Additional Routine Inspection Date and Score: March 12, 2025 – 49(U)
- Follow-Up Inspection Date and Score: March 20, 2025 – 96(A)
The Required Additional Routine Inspection that was held at Lao Wei Dao identified multiple violations. Inadequate managerial control over food safety procedures, improper food storage leading to cross-contamination risks, and unsanitary dishwashing practices were some of the issues. Food items lacking date labels and improper cooling methods were also observed.
Employees were seen drinking in food prep areas and storing personal items improperly. Live and dead roaches were discovered, with no pest control records available. Corrective actions were taken, including reheating food to safe temperatures, reorganizing storage, and instructing staff on proper sanitation.
The restaurant performed well in the follow-up inspection that was conducted a few days later. Another required additional routine inspection will be conducted within 12 months. The restaurant’s inspection history is available online.
El Real Mexican Grill
- Where: 1475 Buford Dr, Suite 100, Lawrenceville
- Routine Inspection Date and Score: March 13, 2025 – 63(U)
- Follow-Up Inspection Date and Score: March 21, 2025 – 100(A)
The multiple violations reported at El Real Mexican Grill during the health inspection included sourcing food items from unapproved sources, missing consumer advisories for undercooked foods, cross-contamination risks, and others. The report began by stating that the person in charge was absent at the start of the inspection and that they lacked active managerial control of the facility.
Issues with TCS labeling and incorrect thawing procedures were reported, marking repeat violations. Furthermore, wet-stacked clean cups and containers were observed. While Corrective actions were taken for most violations, others were to be solved within a given time frame.
The restaurant emerged successful in the follow-up inspection as it scored 100 points after demonstrating perfect compliance. The required additional inspection is set to happen within the next 12 months. Inspection history and more details are available online.
Wasabi & Sushi
- Where: 1291 Old Peachtree Rd NW Suwanee
- Routine Inspection Date and Score: March 14, 2025 – 51(U)
- Follow-Up Inspection Date and Score: March 24, 2025 – 100(A)
The routine health inspection conducted at Wasabi & Sushi revealed multiple violations. The report cited a lack of active managerial control, bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat food, and improper storage of employee drinks. It was also reported that the restaurant was serving homemade kimchi, preparing sushi with a risk of cross-contamination, and was cold holding and cooling food improperly.
Reused single-use containers and failure to maintain clean storage shelves were also reported. Many of the issues were resolved by taking actions such as discarding unsafe food, educating staff, and addressing improper practices, but others remained to be solved within a time frame.
The follow-up inspection went well for the restaurant, as it was able to demonstrate full compliance. The inspection reports and history are available to the public at the official site.
Maki of Japan
- Where: 3333 Buford Dr Suite 1076 Buford
- Routine Inspection Date and Score: March 14, 2025 – 64 (U)
- Follow-Up Inspection Date and Score: March 27, 2025 – 97(A)
The health inspectors who had visited Maki of Japan had found multiple violations. The person in charge lacked active managerial control, and employees were unaware of illness reporting requirements, the report said. Improper food storage, inadequate cooling, and a malfunctioning cooler were among the issues reported.
The report also said that the facility had broken tiles, standing water, and food debris on the floor at various places. While corrective actions were taken for most issues, others were to be solved within a deadline.
A follow-up inspection was conducted, and the restaurant was able to retain its permit by obtaining an “A” grade. The required additional inspection will happen within the next 12 months. The official site provides access to the Inspection reports and history.
Golden Apple Buffet
- Where: 2059 Scenic Hwy N Suite 117 Snellville
- Routine Inspection Date and Score: March 18, 2025 – 60 (U)
- Follow-Up Inspection Date and Score: March 26, 2025 – 85(A)
The health inspection at Golden Apple Buffet revealed multiple violations. Improper food storage, inadequate cooling, incorrect thawing, and unsanitary dishwashing practices were reported.
Employees were also seen using unapproved drink containers, and scoops were stored improperly. Wet-stacked dishes and uncovered buffet plates were also among the issues reported.
The follow-up inspection at the restaurant was conducted, and the restaurant was able to pass it with an “A” grade. Further, the required additional inspection will occur within 12 months. The history of health inspections at the restaurant can be checked online.
Top Wings and Fish
- Where: 4099 Lawrenceville Hwy Lilburn
- Required Additional Routine Inspection Date and Score: March 18, 2025 – 51(U)
- Follow-Up Inspection Date and Score: March 26, 2025 – 91(A)
Multiple food safety violations were observed at Top Wings and Fish during the Required Additional Routine Inspection. Issues regarding food storage, glove use, and cooling methods were reported. Unlabeled and expired food, inadequate consumer advisories, unsanitary conditions, and improper waste management were also cited in the inspection report.
Other maintenance concerns at the facility, employee food storage at unapproved places, and missing inspection postings were also noted. Actions were taken to correct violations.
The restaurant fared well in the follow-up inspection. The required additional routine will be conducted within 12 months, the report mentioned. The full inspection reports can be found online.
Chung Dam
- Where: 2550 Pleasant Hill Rd Suite 401 Duluth
- Required Additional Routine Inspection Date and Score: March 19, 2025 – 60(U)
- Follow-Up Inspection Date and Score: March 25, 2025 – 82(B)
Multiple violations of the food code were found at Chung Dam during the Required Additional Routine Inspection. The lack of managerial control, improper food storage, temperature control issues, and pesticide use were among the reported issues.
Inspectors had also observed live insects in the facility. The back door was not self-closing, and a case of improper food storage was reported, marking the second consecutive violation. Many of the issues reported at the facility were corrected onsite, while other violations were given a deadline before which they were to be resolved.
The restaurant emerged successful in the follow-up inspection that was conducted. The full inspection reports can be found online.
Best Wings
- Where: 2522 Cruse Rd NW Suite A-3 Lawrenceville
- Routine Inspection Date and Score: March 19, 2025 – 65 (U)
- Follow-Up Inspection Date and Score: March 27, 2025 – 98(A)
The health inspection at Best Wings had revealed multiple violations. Improper food storage, lack of proper sanitization, temperature control issues, and missing time labels were reported.
Employee drinks stored in unapproved areas and the most recent inspection report not being posted for public view were also reported. Equipment and ventilation had grease buildup, the report also said. Corrective actions were taken for most of the issues, while others were given a time frame for resolution.
The follow-up inspection ensured compliance with the food code at the restaurant. Those who would like to check the inspection reports can find it online.
Poke Rock
- Where: 911 Duluth Hwy Suite D4 Lawrenceville
- Routine Inspection Date and Score: March 25, 2025 – 65 (U)
The health inspection that was conducted at Poke Rock unveiled multiple violations. Lack of managerial control, improper food storage, and mold-like substance in ice machines were among the issues cited.
Temperature violations, improper jewelry use by employees, and inadequate sanitizer concentration were also reported at the restaurant. Employee items were seen stored improperly, the report also said. Corrective actions that were taken included food disposal, proper storage, and replacing sanitizer.
The inspection report did not mention when the follow-up inspection will be performed. To access the inspection report, check the official site.
Kinnera Indian Restaurant
- Where: 302 Satellite Blvd NE Suite 111, Suwanee
- Routine Inspection Date and Score: March 25, 2025 – 60 (U)
A health inspection conducted at Kinnera Indian Restaurant had identified multiple violations. Lack of managerial control, improper handwashing, bare-hand contact with food, and missing employee health policy forms were some of the issues.
Further, risks of cross-contamination, temperature violations, and improper dishwashing were also reported. Corrective actions like discarding food, reorganization, and sanitization were taken.
A follow-up will be conducted within 10 days, and a required additional routine will be conducted within 12 months, the report said. The full inspection history and detailed reports can be accessed from here.
Waffle House #1194
- Where: 1205 Lakes Pkwy, Lawrenceville
- Routine Inspection Date and Score: March 26, 2025 – 55 (U)
Waffle House #1194 had several violations reported during the routine health inspection. Improper handwashing, lack of managerial control, and risks of cross-contamination were reported.
Further, the report also cited cold holding and cooling violations and incorrect labeling. The corrective actions taken included food disposal, reorganization, sanitization, and staff education.
The official report did not mention anything about a follow-up inspection. The inspection reports are available online.
Kisoya
- Where: 1291 Old Peachtree Rd NW Suite 110, Suwanee
- Routine Inspection Date and Score: March 26, 2025 – 61 (U)
The health inspection at Kisoya had revealed various violations at the establishment. Lack of active managerial control, expired food safety certification, cross-contamination, improper labeling, and unsanitary equipment were reported.
The second consecutive violations were reported for ice machine cleanliness, food labeling, improper utensil storage, walk-in cooler maintenance, and lack of sanitizer test strips. Corrective actions included food disposal, reorganization, sanitization, relabeling, and staff education.
The follow-up inspection is scheduled to be conducted within 10 days. The required additional inspection will occur within the next 12 months as well. The inspection history of the restaurant can be checked online.
Except for the restaurants listed above, all the restaurants that were inspected by the Gwinnett, Newton & Rockdale County Health Departments were successful in passing the inspections. As can be seen above, the restaurants that did fail the first time were able to recoup during the follow-up inspections as well.
