The Tennessee Department of Health conduts routine inspections at restaurants in Nashville. On July 22, inspectors cited an Italian eatery for multiple violations and issued a low health score.
Please note that the score mentioned here is from an inspection performed on July 22. It does not demonstrate the future health inspection status of the Italian food establishment.
Highlights
- Bellacino’s Pizza and Grinders was cited for many health violations during a July 22 routine inspection.
- The on-site inspectors from the Tennessee Department of Health gave the Italian eatery a low score of 78.
- The Hermitage-based facility must correct the violations before a follow-up inspection.
Bellacino’s Pizza and Grinders
Tempting pizza at Bellacino’s Pizza and Grinders (Source: bellacinos.com)
- Where: 4662 Lebanon Pike, Hermitage, TN 37076
- When: July 22, 2025
- Score: 78
The Hermitage location has been serving Italian classics to local patrons for years. During the July 22 inspection, health officials reported 11 violations at the Italian eatery. Based on the nature of violations, the Tennessee Department of Health gave it a low score of 78.
Inspection Findings
The on-site inspectors stated that the person in charge (PIC) demonstrated inadequate food handler knowledge at the Italian eatery. Additionally, the PIC did not wash their hands before touching ready-to-eat cooked wings and before baking pizzas. Inspectors also saw an employee handle clean towels before touching ready-to-eat bread with bare hands.
Bellacino’s Pizza and Grinders was then cited for missing dates on many TCS food items. Labels were also missing on sugar and flour in bulk containers. The inspectors pointed out missing thermometers at the Italian establishment as well. Light bulbs were burnt out in the dish area and the mop room.
Food safety officials then found an employee drinking inside an upright reach-in freezer above customer food items. A coffee mug was present on a wooden prep table at Bellacino’s Pizza and Grinders. Wet wiping cloths were kept on the counters of the Italian food facility.
The dough proofer and can opener holder at Bellacino’s Pizza and Grinders had excessive food debris. Food inspectors reported pooled water inside the upright reach-in refrigerator in front of the wooden prep table.
Based on the Tennessee Department’s report, Bellacino’s Pizza and Grinders must take corrective measures. This will make the Italian restaurant prepared for a follow-up inspection.
