The Gwinnett, Newton & Rockdale County Health Departments conducted inspections at food establishments across Atlanta during the past month of May. While most restaurants performed well in the inspections, a few received low scores. As per the rules, the restaurants that failed to score the minimum required 70 points face follow-up inspections.
Please note that the results mentioned here are from inspections conducted in May 2025 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishment.
Highlights
- Metro Atlanta saw several of its restaurants fail health inspections in May 2025.
- All the restaurants that had already undergone the follow-up inspections were able to pass the inspection.
- Four restaurants that have faced routine inspections recently will face health inspections in the first week of June.
Restaurants Awaiting Follow-Ups After Failed Routine Health Inspections in May 2025
A total of four restaurants that were inspected during the last week of May have yet to face the follow-up inspections. The rules stipulate that the establishments will face a follow-up inspection 10 days after they fail the routine inspection.
Oystra Seafood Kitchen
- Where: 2863 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Suite KLM, Duluth, GA 30097, United States
- Date: May 28, 2025
- Score: 55 (U)
During the routine inspection at Oystra Seafood Kitchen, several violations due to poor management were found, which led to the unsatisfactory score. Problems included blocked hand sinks, no soap, and staff unaware of health policies.
Raw foods were seen stored improperly, sushi rice was seen without being labeled with time controls, and ice machines were found dirty. Oysters lacked required tags, and documents for undercooked fish were missing, it was pointed out. The back door was also left open.
As per the inspection report, some issues were fixed during the inspection, and others must be corrected by June 6, 2025. The follow-up inspection will be conducted within 10 days.
Pho Tai
- Where: 1630 Pleasant Hill Rd A7, Duluth, GA 30096
- When: May 29, 2025
- Score & Grade: 46 (U)
Pho Tai’s permit was temporarily suspended on May 29 due to a third consecutive violation of the same food code provision. The permit was reinstated after on-site training was given. The upcoming follow-up will determine compliance.
The routine inspection revealed several violations at Pho Tai, including poor managerial control and repeated cross-contamination issues. Other problems included unwashed produce stored above ready-to-eat food, unlabeled and improperly stored items, handwashing in a prep sink, and employee drinks near food.
Some foods lacked date marks or time control labels, and others were stored uncovered or on the floor. Equipment and utensils were unclean, and unsafe thawing practices were noted. Toxic items were stored near food, and employee belongings were mixed with customer items.
Two consecutive violations were noted. Some of the issues were corrected on-site during the inspection, and others are to be resolved by June 6, 2025.
Gom Shabu Shabu
- Where: 3502 Satellite Blvd, Duluth, GA 30096
- When: May 29, 2025
- Score & Grade: 56 (U)
Gom Shabu Shabu faced a temporary permit suspension after the routine inspection on May 29, as a third consecutive violation was reported. It was reinstated after on-site training was given.
The facility was cited for multiple violations, including a lack of active managerial control. Raw meat was stored improperly above or near ready-to-eat items and vegetables, creating cross-contamination risks. Shellfish were sourced from a non-approved supplier and discarded.
A handwashing sink was misused for storage, which was marked as a third consecutive violation. Some food items were held above safe temperatures, and toxic items like butane and rubbing alcohol were stored near food and clean utensils. Several corrective actions were taken on-site, including discarding items, relocating food, and cleaning the vegetable sink.
El Patio and Base of Operation
- Where: 1500 Pleasant Hill Rd Ste 116, Duluth, GA 30096
- When: May 29, 2025
- Score & Grade: 58 (U)
El Patio and Base of Operation were cited for several violations, including the absence of a person-in-charge at the start of the inspection and a lack of active managerial control. Several corrective actions were completed during the inspection.
Employee beverages were improperly stored in unapproved containers on prep surfaces. Pastries prepared at home were found for sale and discarded. Several raw animal products were stored above or next to ready-to-eat items, posing cross-contamination risks. Multiple food items were held above safe temperatures or failed to cool properly overnight and were discarded.
Unlabeled sauces and mixes were found and corrected with labeling. Cooling methods were improper, and the front prep cooler was not maintaining safe temperatures, the report said.
Restaurants That Failed Routine Inspection But Passed Follow-Up Inspections
Most of the restaurants that performed poorly and failed the routine inspection in May have already undergone the follow-up inspections. There were no restaurants that failed the follow-ups.
Moreover, all the restaurants listed below will face an additional routine inspection within 12 months. That inspection will ensure the continued compliance with the food code.
Chacko’s Udipi Indian Cuisine
- Where: 3300 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Suite J, Duluth, GA 30096
- Follow-Up Date: May 8, 2025
- Follow-Up Score and Grade: 100 (A)
Chacko’s Udipi Indian Cuisine failed the Required Additional Routine inspection on May 1, during which it scored 53 points and failed the inspection. The follow-up inspection was conducted on May 8, and it scored a perfect 100.
During the May 1 inspection, multiple priority and repeat violations were found, including moldy produce, improper glove use, unlabeled containers, and poor cleaning. Lack of active managerial control was also noted.
Baristaz Cafe
- Where: 1700 Medical Way, Snellville, GA 30078
- Follow-Up Date: May 15, 2025
- Follow-up Score and Grade: 86(B)
Baristaz Cafe’s permit was suspended during the health inspection conducted on May 5 after a third consecutive violation was reported. The permit was reinstated the same day after onsite training was given. Further, it faced the follow-up inspection, which was able to secure a B grade.
During the follow-up inspection, four violations were reported. The person in charge (PIC) could not verify that employees were informed of the health policy, it was reported. The PIC was seen wearing jewelry, including bracelets, rings, and a watch, during food preparation, which is prohibited.
A chlorine sanitizer bucket exceeded the allowed concentration of 100 ppm, it was noted. The report also said the facility did not display the most current inspection report as required.
SM Wing
- Where: 2930 Old Norcross Rd, Suite 800A, Duluth, GA 30096
- Follow-Up Date: May 15, 2025
- Follow-Up Score: 89 (B)
SM Wing had failed the routine inspection conducted on May 6, after scoring 61 points. Following this, it faced the follow-up inspection on May 15, during which it scored 89 points and received the B grade.
The only issue that was noted during the follow-up inspection was that several food items were found cold-holding at a temperature above 41°F.
Violations reported during the routine inspection included a lack of active managerial control, employee drinks in unapproved containers and improper food storage. Mold-like buildup in the ice machine, improper cold holding temperatures, expired cream, and several other violations were reported as well.
Chef Chang
- Where: 2645 N Berkeley Lake Rd NW, Building D, Suite 124, Duluth, GA 30096
- Follow-Up Date: May 16, 2025
- Follow-Up Score: 94 (A)
Chef Chang failed the Required Additional Routine inspection on May 8, scoring only 63 points. However, it passed the follow-up inspection with an A grade.
Two violations were reported during the follow-up inspection. First was in the case of the butane lighters that were seen stored over the prep cooler. Another violation was noted after multiple missing/broken floor tiles were found throughout the kitchen.
E.M. BOP
- Where: 2442 Pleasant Hill Rd, Suite 2, Duluth, GA 30096
- Follow-up Date: May 16, 2025
- Follow-up Score: 98 (A)
E.M. BOP has scored 59 points in the routine inspection on May 8, receiving an unsatisfactory score. On May 16, inspectors visited the establishment for the follow-up, which ended in it receiving 98 points.
The only issue that was reported, which led to the reduction of 2 points, was that Gaskets in a state of disrepair were found on the prep cooler across from the stove. The follow-up inspection report is available online.
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar
- Where: 655 Duluth Hwy, Lawrenceville, GA 30045
- Follow-up Date: May 19, 2025
- Follow-up Score: 100 (A)
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar underwent a routine health inspection on May 9. It failed the inspection after scoring only 63 points. However, in the follow-up inspection conducted on May 19, it successfully scored 100 points.
Several violations were observed during the routine inspection, including a lack of active managerial control. Improper glove use leading to cross-contamination and unclean food-contact surfaces was reported. Other issues concerning TCS foods and equipment were also noted.
Speedy Burrito Mexican Food
- Where: 2300 Liam Ave NE, Suite 113, Dacula, GA 30019
- Follow-up Date: May 20, 2025
- Follow-up Score and Grade: 100 (A)
In the routine health inspection conducted on May 12, Speedy Burrito Mexican Food had failed. It had scored only 62 points, leading to an unsatisfactory grade and on May 20, scored 100 points in the follow-up inspection.
In the routine inspection report, it was reported that the person in charge had not demonstrated active managerial control. Raw and ready-to-eat foods were said to be improperly stored. Inspectors stated that partially cooked beef lacked approved procedures, multiple TCS foods were held above 41°F or not cooled properly, and expired items were being kept beyond the allowable dates. A cooler was also reported to be holding food above safe temperatures.
Nature Village Restaurant
- Where: 302 Satellite Blvd, Suite C 125, Suwanee, GA 30024
- Follow-up Date: May 21, 2025
- Follow-up Score and Grade: 89 (B)
Health Inspectors conducted the routine inspection of Nature Village Restaurant on May 13. The restaurant failed the inspection after it scored 58 points. In the follow-up that took place on May 21, the restaurant passed the inspection with a B grade.
A violation was reported during the follow-up inspection. Eleven containers of rice pudding were seen cold-holding in a cooler at a temperature higher than the required limit.
XI Hotpot
- Where: 2645 N Berkeley Lake Rd NW Suite 116-119 Duluth, GA 30096
- Follow-Up Date: May 29, 2025
- Follow-Up Score: 93 (A)
On May 19, XI Hotpot failed the routine health inspection as it scored a meager 54 points. In the follow-up inspection, the restaurant recouped by scoring 93 points.
Inspectors noted three chemicals stored in spray bottles without labels to identify the chemicals during the follow-up inspection. Moreover, the front door was propped open for several minutes without actively being used when the inspection began. These were the two violations that were reported.
WNB Factory
- Where: 3050 Five Forks Trickum Rd SW Suite 003 Lilburn, GA 30047
- Follow-Up Date: May 29, 2025
- Follow-Up Score: 100 (A)
Officials from the GNR county health department visited the WNB Factory location in Lilburn on May 19. The restaurant only scored 62 points in the routine inspection, which led to its failure. Further, on the May 29 follow-up inspection, it was able to demonstrate perfect adherence to the food code.
During the May 19 routine inspection, it was reported that employees were seen putting on gloves without first washing their hands. The person in charge reportedly lacked procedures for responding to vomit or diarrheal incidents.
Food was observed to be stored under icicles, leading to contamination, and several TCS foods were held above 41°F. Additionally, the facility was said to lack a thermometer suitable for measuring the temperature of thin foods.
Charley’s Phillysteaks #2437
- Where: 4221 Atlanta Hwy, Loganville, GA 30052
- Follow-Up Date: May 30, 2025
- Follow-up Score and Grade: 89 (B)
A Charley’s Phillysteaks location in Loganville failed the routine health inspection on May 22. It had scored only 55 points in the inspection. On May 30, health inspectors visited for the follow-up and gave the restaurant a passing B grade.
It was reported during the follow-up inspection that no person in charge was present at the time, which employees confirmed when asked who was responsible in the manager’s absence. A sanitizer bucket was observed stored in a handwashing sink, though it was later removed.
The facility was also found to be displaying an outdated inspection score of 100, despite having received a “U” on May 22.
The health inspections ensure that the restaurants in Metro Atlanta adhere to the food code and avoid public health risks. Restaurants that do not comply with the rules will be closed down if they do not correct the issues. The health department periodically conducts the inspections as a matter of public health and safety.
