On May 9, the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department conducted inspections that revealed food safety violations at three Charleston restaurants. Owing to the reported violations, the department will conduct a follow-up inspection at all three establishments.
Please note that the results mentioned here are from inspections conducted on May 9 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishments.
Highlights
- Three restaurants in Charleston were cited for food safety violations during inspections conducted.
- The Person in Charge (PIC) not performing their duties, and cleanliness issues were among the violations reported.
- Follow-up inspections have been scheduled for all restaurants.
Health Inspections Reveal Food Safety Violations at Three Restaurants
The respective inspection report for the restaurants cited various violations, which resulted in unsatisfactory levels of compliance.
Chili’s Grill & Bar
- Where: S101 Charleston Town Center, Charleston, WV 25389
- When: May 9, 2025
The location of Chili’s Grill & Bar at Charleston Town Center serves all of the chain’s most popular offerings, including Classic Fajitas, Ultimate Bacon Burger, Crispy Chicken Crispers, and Molten Chocolate Cake. An inspection that lasted 60 minutes on Friday revealed a total of two violations at the restaurant. Among them, one was a core violation, and the other was a priority foundation violation.
Violations Reported
As the priority foundation violation, the report noted that the Person in charge was not performing one of their duties. The PIC must ensure or provide training so that employees have their food handling cards (FHC).
The core violation involved the walk-in freezer, which was found to be in a state of disrepair. The equipment is to be maintained in working condition.
A follow-up inspection is required at the restaurant and will happen on May 23, 2025, as per the inspection report.
Black Sheep Burrito & Brews
- Where: 162 Summer Street, Charleston, WV 25301
- When: May 9, 2025
The Charleston location of Black Sheep Burrito & Brews serves fusion-style burritos, specialty wings, Quesadillas, tacos, and Ribeye Smashers. The restaurant also offers catering services.
The routine inspection that was conducted at the restaurant on May 9 lasted 45 minutes. Two violations were reported in that period, and both were core items.
Violations Reported
The first violation mentioned in the report was in the case of the prep cooler in the kitchen, which was in disrepair. The equipment must be maintained in working condition, the report instructed.
The second and last violation noted was that the walls of the kitchen were visibly unclean. The walls must be cleaned frequently to ensure cleanliness throughout the food establishment.
As per the inspection report, a follow-up check will be conducted at the restaurant on May 14, 2025.
Sarku Japan
- Where: 3023 Charleston Town Center, Charleston, WV 25389
- When: May 9, 2025
Sarku Japan, the restaurant chain famous for its teriyaki meals, has a location in the Charleston town center. In addition to the meals, the restaurant also serves bento boxes and sushi.
The May 9 inspection held at the restaurant lasted 60 minutes. During the inspection, a total of 4 violations were reported, 3 being core items and one priority foundation violation.
Violations Reported
The inspection report noted that the Person in Charge (PIC) failed to ensure employees had valid Food Handler Cards through appropriate training.
Further, it was reported that the prep cooler had broken down. The report instructed that the equipment be repaired immediately.
The report also indicated that the walls and ceilings at the establishment were visibly dirty. As per the guidelines, the floors, walls, and ceilings must be designed, constructed, and installed so that they are smooth and can be cleaned easily.
Moreover, a mop was seen stored in the mop bucket. Mops are meant to be stored in such a way that they allow them to air dry without soiling walls, equipment, and supplies.
The inspection report stated that a follow-up inspection is required at the establishment. It has been scheduled for May 15, 2025.
The Kanawha-Charleston Health Department inspected a total of 16 food establishments on May 9. All but the three restaurants mentioned above performed well in the inspections.
