Charlotte’s 10 Worst Restaurant Health Scores In April 2019

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Charlotte’s 10 Worst Restaurant Health Scores In April 2019

Even though the Charlotte region’s restaurant selection continues to grow, so does our population, and some restaurants are taking advantage of this growing customer base by letting their health standards slide.

Some of the most common reasons for low scores were food handlers not washing their hands properly, contaminated food containers, and improper food temperatures (many restaurants are starting to use infrared thermometers to avoid this). You can see exactly what the inspectors look for on this blank copy of an inspection report.

These were the top 10 worst inspection scores in Mecklenburg County for the month of April:

#10 Outback Steakhouse

1412 EAST BLVD, CHARLOTTE NC 28203
Scored 91 (A) on 4/13/2019

They had the following violations;

  • Food employee observed wiping face with hands then handling containers of prepped food.
  • Observed pan of hamburger patties over steaks in reach in cooler.
  • Observed unwashed asparagus, cucumbers and other produce in the walk in cooler above ready to eat foods/clean produce.
  • Observed quat ammonia solution in sanitizer buckets from 0-100 ppm.
  • Observed lettuce cooling in the walk in cooler (start cooling time of 10:00 am) at 63F at 1:08 pm. At 1:30 pm, the lettuce was at 62F.
  • Observed au jus at steam well at 128F. Au jus was in a pan that was not surrounded by hot water in well.
  • Observed buttermilk ranch dressing on ice bath at 45F. Observed cut cabbage mix for slaw at fry prep station at 46F. Observed cut lettuce in salad holding bin at 47F. Observed ahi tuna at 43F.
  • Observed lettuce cooling in large lexan pan tightly covered with lid.
  • Observed fettuccine noodles cooling in large lexan pan tightly covered with lid.

#9 Green’s Lunch

309 W FOURTH ST, CHARLOTTE NC 28202
Scored 90 (A) on 4/17/2019

They had the following violations;

  • Observed no certified food protection manager on site during inspection.
  • Through discussion, employee was unaware of foodborne illnesses and could name 2 symptoms.
  • Observed employees wash hands and recontaminate them by turning off the faucet with bare hands.
  • Observed employee wash hands for less than 15 seconds.
  • Observed raw bacon stored over onions in walk in cooler.
  • Observed can opener blade with food debris on it.
  • Observed hot dogs cooling at a rate of 0F/min.
  • Observed coleslaw cooling at a rate of .033F/min.
  • Observed hotdogs and eggs stored on counter above 41F. Hotdogs were 50F and eggs were 45F.
  • Observed livermush and potatoes in prep top above chill line above 41F.

#8 Little Caesar’s #1240-0031

10223 UNIVERSITY CITY BLVD, CHARLOTTE NC 28213
Scored 87.5 (B) on 4/9/2019 (rescored a 94.5 on 4/23)

They had the following critical violations;

  • Manager on duty was not familiar with employee health policy and their requirement to report illnesses and symptoms to PIC.
  • No hand soap available in employee restroom.
  • Observed food debris/residue build-up on pans and containers stored as clean on the drying rack.
  • Observed food residue build-up on can opener.
  • Observed multiple food items in prep cooler without date labels.
  • Observed food debris/residue build-up on food prep tables.

#7 KFC/Taco Bell #22 

9030 LAWYERS RD., CHARLOTTE NC 28227
Scored 87 (B) on 4/10/2019

They had the following violations;

  • Observed buildup on cutting boards at prep line.
  • Observed raw chicken in standing water that is thawed at 63F.
  • Observed time paper not with grilled or fried chicken prepared during previous shift.
  • Observed sewer backup at chicken thaw sink.

#6 Jasmin Grill

5033 SOUTH BLVD, CHARLOTTE NC 28217
Scored 87 (B) on 4/8/2019 (they also scored an 87 last month)

They had the following violations;

  • Observed employee rinse hands in 3 compartment sink instead of properly washing in the hand sink.
  • Observed only hand sink in the kitchen blocked by dirty utensils/pots/bins.
  • Observed raw chicken skewers stored above raw beef in walk-in cooler.
  • Employee did not sanitize cutting board after washing.
  • Foods at the front cold hold unit were temping at 45F-47F.

#5 America’s Best Wings

9630 UNIVERSITY CITY BV, CHARLOTTE NC 28278
Scored 87 (B) on 4/8/2019 (rescored a 92.5 (A) on 4/22)

They had the following violations;

  • Observed employee beverages stored in food prep area with exposed food.
  • Mens and womens restroom did not have hand soap at handsinks.
  • Observed multiple utensils stored in handsink in cooking area.
  • Observed food debris on plastic containers stored as clean.
  • Observed dried food debris on tomato slicer.
  • Observed dried food debris on slicer.
  • Observed heavy build-up on soda fountain nozzles.
  • Observed cooked chicken wings stored at fryers > 41F.
  • Observed crab sticks stored in prep area > 41F.

#4 Bar B Q King

2900 WILKINSON BLVD, CHARLOTTE NC 28203
Scored 86 (B) on 4/17/2019

They had the following violations;

  • Observed food employees are uneducated on when to wash hands. Food employees do not wash hands inbetween switching gloves, working with raw shrimp, or wash hands after coming back inside the facility to begin food preparation.
  • Observed no handwashing sign at handsink.
  • Observed employees are not switching gloves when needed.
  • Observed dried food debris and old stickers on food contact surfaces.
  • Observed old food debris on slicer.
  • Observed food employees are not fully cooking raw hamburgers on flat top stove, then holding hot on flat top stove. Flat top stove holding does not reach 155F for a final cook temperature. Burgers were holding at 120F.
  • Observed slaw prepared this morning stored in large bulk container not meeting time/temperature cooling criteria for cooling in the walkin cooler.
  • Observed items at the hot well in the temperature danger zone. Refer to temperature chart.
  • Observed product stored at the prep unit in the temperature danger zone.
  • Observed a bucket of sanitizer not labeled.

#3 La Belle Helene

300 S TRYON ST, CHARLOTTE NC 28202
Scored 83.5 (B) on 4/25/2019

They had the following critical violations;

  • Observed overall gaps in control throughout kitchen with regards to cooling, handwashing, bare hand contact, cold holding, and glove usage.
  • Observed employee handle raw proteins with gloved hands, doff gloves, and then immediately handle plates for customers and ready to eat foods.
  • Observed employee don gloves immediately after leaving the station and not washing hands.
  • Observed employee bare hand tomatoes onto burger setups.
  • Observed ice dumped in handsink at the dish area.
  • Observed unwashed produce over ready to eat foods in the walk in cooler. CDI: Products rearranged. Observed comingling of washed and unwashed citrus in the walk in.
  • Observed onion soup cooling at a rate of 0F/min and .08F/min in first cooling parameter.
  • Observed vegetable stock cooling in ice at a rate of .026F/min.
  • Observed TCS foods in pastry reach in cooler above 41F.
  • Observed several items in the prep top cooler date marked all for today. Items were prepared on various other days.
  • Observed no time marking on food items held on TPHC. Observed items held on TPHC past 4 hours still in service drawer.

#2 Urban Brick’s Pizza

210 E Trade St., CHARLOTTE NC 28208
Scored 82.5 (B) on 4/16/2019

They had the following violations;

  • Through discussion with employees, one employee was able to name some symptoms and 2 illnesses. Employees stated it is part of their onboarding packet but they do not remember the information.
  • Observed employee drink stored on prep table, during prep.
  • Observed employees wash hands for less than 15 seconds and use bare hands to turn off faucet several times during inspection.
  • Observed employees don gloves several times with no handwash.
  • Observed employee adjust clothing and immediately don gloves and make food several times.
  • Observed boxes of unwashed produce stored above ready to eat items in the walk in cooler. Storage order sticker provided today.
  • Observed employee wear gloves from pizza prep, to register/money-handling, to boxing and topping pizza with no glove change.
  • Observed black and pink build up on front of deflector plate on ice machine and on ice chute of coke machine.
  • Observed pasta cooling at a rate of 0F in walk in cooler. CDI: Item separated/spread out for cooling.
  • Observed several containers of chicken, mozzarella, romaine, pizza, and spinach cooling at rates of 0F/min. Products were uncovered and cooled at rates of .1F/min, but only had 30 min left in the cooling time, per prep labels.
  • Observed several food items above 41F. Items were being stored on a metal cart outside of the walk in. Employee who was preparing items stated that the cart had been out for 3 minutes total, for the whole day. The food items were 57F-64F throughout the cart.
  • Observed pasta salad in prep top with no date mark. Pasta was made yesterday.
  • Observed sanitizer bucket stored on prep table when not in use.
  • Observed ibuprofen sitting at bar in container above prep area.

#1 La Lonchera Latapatia 

10703 PARK RD, CHARLOTTE NC 28210
Scored 72.5 (C) on 4/3/2019

They had the following violations;

  • No employee present was able to discuss an employee health policy.
  • Observed employee drinks stored on food prep areas and cutting boards.
  • Observed employees handle trash, money, soiled utensils and then done gloves without a hand wash.
  • Observed employees enter the unit and don gloves without a hand wash.
  • Observed food prep occurring on top of the hand sink. A cutting board was observed on top of the hand sink with active food prep occurring.
  • Observed soiled utensils stored clean according to the employees.
  • Observed a large 5 gallon container of salsa at 109F cooling on the counter. 60 minutes after the first temperature the item was at 98F. At this rate the item would not meet the first cooling parameter.
  • Observed no dates on small green salsa containers, cut tomatoes, slaw, cut lettuce, small red salsa containers, RTE pork, and RTE steak.
  • Observed a bucket of sanitizer with wiping cloths inside not properly labeled.
  • Observed hood system, cold holding, and cooking equipment in need of cleaning due to grease residue build up and food debris build up.

If you’d like to monitor health scores or do a quick search for a restaurant you’re about to eat at, check out North Carolina’s health inspection database here.

This Lake Norman Non-Profit Is Saving The World One Dog At A Time

Charlotte Stories
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This Lake Norman Non-Profit Is Saving The World One Dog At A Time

hollyz-hope-lake-norman

Holly’z Hope lake norman dog rescue Holly’z Hope just launched about a year ago and has already rescued dozens of animals through custom building doghouses and fences, as well as giving free veterinary care to dogs that are stuck outside on a rope or chain. The local non-profit also gives out free pet supplies and education for owners of pets in need.

The organizations has already recently started working with city leaders in Cornelius to try to get an anti-tethering ordinance passed. They are arguing that tethered dogs negatively affect property values, as well as causing physical and emotional harm to the animals.

The city of Davidson has an anti-tethering law and they’ve seen a huge reduction in complaints, such as vicious dogs or dogs without water.

Holly’s Hope now has a goal to provide every chained up K-9 in the Lake Norman region with a proper pet shelter, up-to-date vaccinations, food, toys, warm bedding, and owner education that teaches responsible pet ownership.

Please help a dog by sharing this article or giving to Holly’s Hope;

22% of Charlotte Teachers are Cost-Burdened

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22% of Charlotte Teachers are Cost-Burdened
A new study from Apartment List has revealed that rising housing costs have disproportionately impacted teachers in Charlotte.
As home prices and rents continue to rise, salaries for one of our most important professions have not kept pace in many parts of the country, creating a growing housing affordability crisis that has forced many teachers into financial hardship. This could have a tremendous impact on the future of the U.S. education system and highlights the disparities between teachers and those in non-teaching professions that have achieved similar levels of education.
Their study found that:
  • In the Charlotte metro, 21.5% of primary-earner teachers are burdened by their housing costs.
  • The teacher cost burden rate in the Charlotte metro is 76.9% higher than the rate for households where the primary earner is a non-teacher with a college degree.
  • The median income of teachers in the Charlotte metro is 33.8% less than the median income of full-time workers with Bachelor’s degrees employed in non-teaching professions.

South Carolina Ranked As The 49th Worst State in America For Working Mothers

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South Carolina Ranked As The 49th Worst State in America For Working Mothers

The Palmetto State was just ranked as the 49th worst state in America for Working Moms.

With Mother’s Day around the corner and more than 70 percent of moms with young children working today, financial analyst website WalletHub compared state dynamics across three key dimensions: 1) Child Care, 2) Professional Opportunities and 3) Work-Life Balance. They used 16 metrics within the 3 key dimensions to compare the attractiveness of each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia for a working mother.

South Carolina ranked just ahead of Alabama (#50) and just behind Idaho (#48) and Mississippi (#47);

Overall Rank
(1=Best)		 State Total Score ‘Child Care’ Rank ‘Professional Opportunities’ Rank ‘Work-Life Balance’ Rank
1 Massachusetts 66.87 1 30 1
2 Rhode Island 61.96 11 8 2
3 Connecticut 61.06 3 10 5
4 Vermont 60.92 2 2 9
5 District of Columbia 58.92 8 6 6
6 New Jersey 56.02 7 25 8
7 Minnesota 55.36 6 3 16
8 Wisconsin 54.02 13 11 10
9 New Hampshire 53.54 4 4 34
10 Washington 52.99 21 45 3
11 Maine 51.67 23 14 12
12 North Dakota 50.88 5 24 23
13 Iowa 49.86 17 12 17
14 Delaware 48.81 10 5 41
15 Kansas 48.68 18 17 19
16 Colorado 48.24 16 9 27
17 Nebraska 48.08 30 1 26
18 Oregon 47.78 40 32 4
19 Montana 47.68 28 28 13
20 New York 47.50 20 39 14
21 Ohio 46.24 27 19 20
22 Indiana 46.00 14 31 28
23 South Dakota 45.71 26 16 24
24 Maryland 45.57 15 7 50
25 Virginia 45.56 9 27 48
26 Tennessee 44.02 12 29 46
27 Wyoming 43.84 19 42 21
28 North Carolina 43.07 33 15 37
29 Michigan 43.05 36 21 31
30 Florida 42.88 24 22 44
31 Missouri 42.76 31 18 38
32 Illinois 42.53 22 44 25
33 Hawaii 41.85 34 41 18
34 Kentucky 41.79 25 37 36
35 New Mexico 41.65 41 13 30
36 Alaska 40.91 44 20 22
37 Pennsylvania 40.77 35 34 35
38 Utah 40.28 37 51 11
39 Oklahoma 39.93 29 40 39
40 California 39.50 49 47 7
41 Arkansas 38.93 47 23 29
42 Arizona 38.57 39 38 33
43 Texas 38.57 32 35 49
44 West Virginia 37.67 43 36 32
45 Georgia 36.55 38 33 51
46 Nevada 34.15 48 26 45
47 Mississippi 33.86 42 43 47
48 Idaho 33.11 51 46 15
49 South Carolina 32.51 46 49 42
50 Alabama 31.65 45 50 43
51 Louisiana 29.00 50 48 40

 

To find out more about the study click here.

What do you think South Carolina should do to improve? 

Panthers Adding New ‘Hall of Honors’ Members For The First Time in 15 Years

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Panthers Adding New ‘Hall of Honors’ Members For The First Time in 15 Years

Before today, the Panthers’ legendary “Hall of Honors” only had 3 members; Linebacker and coach Sam Mills (credited with Panthers’ iconic phrase “Keep Pounding” and inducted in 1998), team president Mike McCormack (inducted in 1997), and all of the team’s PSL owners (inducted in 2004).

Owner David Tepper has now decided to more than double that list.

This morning, the organization posted the following video along with the official announcement of 4 new inductees;

The Panthers will be adding wide receiver Steve Smith, quarterback Jake Delhomme, offensive tackle Jordan Gross, and tight end Wesley Walls to the hall, with an official induction ceremony planned for sometime during the 2019 regular season.

“It’s something that was so overdue,” Tepper commented on the Panthers’ website. “I mean, to have one player in the Hall of Honor after 25 years? It was time. It was past due time. One year in, when I got to know a little more about the team, a little more about the history, I think it was the right time.”

Tepper personally told each of the new inductees earlier this spring and had each new member fly to Charlotte to be measured for their new bronze statue that will forever be displayed outside of the Bank of America Stadium.

Smith played a total of 16 seasons in the NFL with his first 13 in Carolina. He totaled 836 catches for 12,197 yards and 67 touchdowns with the Panthers, while also becoming a two-time All-Pro selection and being named to five Pro Bowls.

Delhomme played 11 seasons in the NFL and 7 with the Panthers. He acheived a 53-37 record as a starter with Carolina and led us to 3 postseason appearances, including the 2003 Super Bowl.

Gross spent his whole 11-year NFL career with the Panthers between 2003 to 2013. He was an All-Pro selection in 2008 and made the Pro Bowl a total of 3 times.

Walls played for Carolina between 1996 and 2002, racking up 324 total catches for 3,902 yards. He was named to five Pro Bowls.

What do you think about Tepper’s selections? 

Do you think anyone else should make the Hall?

 

Massive Lightning Strikes Halt Play During Charlotte’s Wells Fargo Championship

Steve Peters
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Massive Lightning Strikes Halt Play During Charlotte’s Wells Fargo Championship

Wells Fargo Championship players and spectators narrowly avoided some massive lightning strikes that darted across the Quail Hollow Club’s fairways this past weekend.

This photo was taken of the Green at #17 Executive Club and #17 Lakeside Chalets on Saturday afternoon;

The lightning storm caused play to stop on the Charlotte golf course at 3:37 pm. The round resumed at 4:48 pm, and the game was again halted just 30 minutes later after another massive thunderstorm moved in.

This is now the third weekend in a row that severe thunderstorms have blanketed our region.

Strangely enough, forecasters are now calling for another sunny week, and yet another round of rain and thunderstorms next weekend.

Rumors Circulating About The Panthers Cutting Cam Newton

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Rumors Circulating About The Panthers Cutting Cam Newton

Rumors are now circulating about Cam Newton being cut from the Panthers after the organization gave themselves an easy-out of his contract and signed 3rd round pick Will Grier.

Even though Newton still has $44.3 million left on his contract, the Panthers would now only be out a total of $2 million if they decided his shoulder problems become too much of an issue.

Attitude Sports has even started an online poll asking their readers if Cam should be cut.

In spite of the increased rumors, the star quarterback doesn’t seem phased. In an interview last week, Cam told reporters, “I reached out to Will. I actually saw Will play in high school with him being in Charlotte, and I’m just excited. Like I said, for him to come on a team that I know he possesses a rare talent, and I’m excited. It’s my job to put myself and my team in the best situation and to get everybody ready. I want to make sure that I’m my best teammate and my best self for everyone.”

What do you think about the Panthers signing Will and Cam’s future with the franchise? 

UNCC Hero Riley Howell Will Be Given Full Military Honors At Funeral

Steve
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UNCC Hero Riley Howell Will Be Given Full Military Honors At Funeral

21-Year-Old Riley Howell, the brave UNCC student who sacrificed his life to stop the school shooter, will now be given full military honors at his funeral.

Officials made the announcement on Friday afternoon during a student-led rally in Uptown Charlotte.

The decision came after a WhiteHouse.gov petition was started on Wednesday, asking for Howell to be given the highest honors.

The petition reads;

“Riley was an ROTC cadet and would have served his country. Instead, he died saving the lives of his classmates.

For his heroism, we ask the Riley be given a burial with full military honors.”

As of Saturday morning, the petition had received just over 30,000 signatures.

According to the US Military, “The honor detail will, at a minimum, perform a ceremony that includes the folding and presenting of the American flag to the next of kin and the playing of taps.”

Here is a demonstration of military funeral honors;

The Howell family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday evening at Wells Events and Reception Center in Waynesville, N.C.

On Sunday, a memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. in Stuart Auditorium at Lake Junaluska.

The suspect in Tuesday’s horrific UNCC campus shooting is now being charged with 2 counts of first-degree murder and 4 counts of attempted murder.

Sample Our Region’s Best Food and Beer At Charlotte’s 6th Annual South End Hops Fest

Steve
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Sample Our Region’s Best Food and Beer At Charlotte’s 6th Annual South End Hops Fest

The South End Hops Festival is about to hold its 6th annual event for beer enthusiasts, foodies, and puppy lovers. Proceeds will benefit RescuedMe, a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing dogs in dire need, rehabilitating them and placing them in stable, loving homes.

The festival, a staple in South End, will take place on Saturday, May 18th at 308 W. Carson Boulevard and Mint Street from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Attendees will experience craft beer, live music, and tons of amazing food.

“We are so excited for this year’s South End Hops Festival that will gather the community for a good time and a good cause,” said Maureen Mahood, President and Co-founder of RescuedMe. “The increased awareness of our services and financial support we receive allow us to care for those dogs in Charlotte who might not otherwise survive. Not only do our dogs find safe homes, but those who adopt find a companion.”

An anticipated 1,500 attendees will experience beer from more than 40 local favorites including D9, Unknown, Suffolk Punch, Big Boss Brewing Company, Blue Blaze Brewing Company, Triple C Brewing Company, and tons more.

New for 2019 is the addition of several local chefs hosting cooking demos and yes you will be able to sample some of Charlotte’s best foods, included in the price of your ticket.

Featured chefs include;

Robert Huffman of Angeline’s

https://www.angelinescharlotte.com/about-us/

Vince Giancarlo of Zeppelin

http://zeppelinsouthend.com/about/

Josh Kitchens of JP Charlotte

http://www.jpcharlotte.com/the-chef

Taylor Kastl of Tayste Catering

Also, new this year is the first annual South End Hops Fest Eve beer dinner and the pre Fest Pup Parade.

South End Hops Festival is dog-friendly and open to individuals 21 years of age or older. General admission entitles guests to unlimited beer tasting and a souvenir tasting cup. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the gate. Attendees can purchase tickets, volunteer and learn more about the event by visiting southendhopsfest.org or calling 877-725-8849.

CMPD Officer Invented A Product That Will Stop School Shooters

Steve
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CMPD Officer Invented A Product That Will Stop School Shooters

barricade-box-school-shooter-charlotteCharlotte Sergeant Chris Kopp has invented a new device that he hopes will soon be in every classroom in America in order to stop any potential school shooters.

The Barricade Box is a simple, yet powerful device that will prevent any door from being breached by up to 10,000 pounds of force.

It’s already been installed in 18 Charlotte area schools.

After installing, you can basically just pop the cap off, then stretch the Kevlar cord around a door handle and hooking it back on the box.

It’s a strategy to keep the door secure, and even an elementary school student can do it in seconds.

One of these can be installed in under 10 minutes, and each one costs around $50. With around 80 classroom doors in a school, it would cost a school around $4000 to be fully secure.

For more info or to buy a Barricade Box for your home, office, or classroom click here.

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