Health inspectors flagged a wide range of sanitation, food safety, and temperature violations across Charlotte restaurants last month. While all scored a “B,” several showed repeat violations and escalating risk factors. Like previous months, inspection reports list increasingly serious observations as scores decline.

Below are the 10 lowest scores, ranked from #10 to #1:

#10 – Hunan Express (88.5 – B)

901 N Wendover Rd, Charlotte – Inspectors cited food storage and labeling concerns.

Notable observations:

• “Observed boxes of unwashed produce on a shelf over washed and peeled onions.”
• “Observed raw shell eggs resting on top of a box with employee beverages inside.”
• “Observed several dishes with food debris and residue on the inside.”
• “PIC stated that they had stickers for date marking but did not have datemarks on any TCS foods.”

#9 – Ding Tea (87.5 – B)

7211 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte – Inspectors cited hygiene and sanitation issues.

Notable observations:

• “Observed food employee not use soap… and only wash hands for approximately 5–10 seconds.”
• “Observed facility’s lack of control of food safety measures.”
• “Observed plastic cups… with buildup of pink residue and debris.”
• “Observed milk, whipping cream, and liquid yogurt… with no date marking present.”
• “Observed 2 small pests in the facility.”

#8 – Taqueria Number 1 (87 – B)

3619 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte – Inspectors cited repeated cross-contamination and temperature issues.

Notable observations:

• “Observed raw bacon commingled with RTE ham and hot dogs in prep unit.”
• “Observed unwashed tomatoes… over RTE foods.”
• “Observed sanitizer at 3-comp sink at 10 ppm.”
• “Observed rice prepared prior day at 49F.”
• “Observed items hot holding below 135F.”
• “Observed crema above 41F and eggs at 51F.”

#7 – Lang Van Restaurant (86.5 – B)

3019 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte – Inspectors cited improper storage and cooling violations.

Notable observations:

• “Observed several bulging cans… over ready to eat food.”
• “Observed raw animal proteins with improper storage order.”
• “Observed dishes… with debris, stored as clean.”
• “Observed containers of vegetables… measured from 44F–47F.”
• “Observed several items held longer than 24 hours with no date mark.”
• “Observed sanitizer spray bottle without labeling.”

#6 – Charlotte Pizza (85 – B)

5428 New Fashion Wy., Charlotte – Inspectors cited sanitation and pest-related concerns.

Notable observations:

• “Observed uncovered container of yeast… contaminated by a live roach.”
• “Observed black build up… in blender and ice machine.”
• “Observed spinach and cheese filling above 41F.”
• “Observed sliced tomatoes with no date mark.”
• “Observed spray bottle with no label at hand sink.”
• “Observed improper TPHC logs for food timing.”

#5 – Kwik Stop (83.5 – B)

4000 N Graham St., Charlotte – Inspectors cited cross-contamination and temperature failures.

Notable observations:

• “Observed raw chicken in 3-comp sink along with clean dishes.”
• “Observed potatoes being washed while soiled dishes were present.”
• “Observed can opener heavily soiled with old food debris.”
• “Observed chicken stored above grill holding below 135F.”
• “Observed chicken out on prep table at 60F.”
• “Observed tomatoes, lettuce and cheese above 41F.”
• “Observed multiple deli meats and salsas without date marking.”

#4 – Soul Central UNCC (82.5 – B)

8531 N Tryon St., Charlotte – Inspectors cited major equipment and safety concerns.

Notable observations:

• “Observed carbon monoxide detector… alerting unsafe levels.”
• “Observed multiple cold holding units not properly functioning.”
• “Observed chicken sitting out at ambient air for extended time.”
• “Observed items in WIC reading at or above 41F.”
• “Observed raw eggs stored over shredded cheese.”
• “Observed chlorine sanitizer at 10ppm.”
• “Observed multiple foods above 41F and discarded.”

#3 – Harris Food Mart (82.5 – B)

8400 Old Statesville Rd., Charlotte – Inspectors cited repeated violations and enforcement action.

Notable observations:

• “This is the 6th consecutive time facility has been out on hot holding.”
• “This is the 5th consecutive time facility has been out on date marking.”
• “INTENT TO SUSPEND ISSUED.”
• “Observed slicer heavily soiled with old food debris.”
• “Observed eggs holding at 84F in the hot well.”
• “Observed chicken sandwiches below 135F.”
• “Observed multiple foods holding above 41F.”

#2 – La Michoacana Taqueria y Tortilleria (81.5 – B)

5400 Nevin Rd., Charlotte – Inspectors cited widespread food safety failures.

Notable observations:

• “Observed large pot of barbacoa sitting on the ground.”
• “Observed shredded cheese sitting out during lunch service.”
• “Observed buffet steam table not producing heat while storing hot food.”
• “Observed shrimp ceviche not properly cooked or temperature verified.”
• “Observed raw shrimp over RTE onions and raw beef over fries.”
• “Observed unwashed produce stored over ready-to-eat foods.”
• “Observed 3-comp sink used for raw meat and dishwashing.”
• “Observed items not fully submerged in sanitizer.”

#1 – Chicken King #2 (80.5 – B)

1740 W Trade St., Charlotte – This location recorded the lowest score with multiple critical violations.

Notable observations:

• “Observed PIC fail to ensure food employees are properly washing hands.”
• “Observed PIC plating sandwiches… bare handed.”
• “Observed employees fail to use barrier to turn off faucet.”
• “Observed shredded lettuce and raw ground beef temping above 41F.”
• “Observed reach-in cooler ambient temperature above 41F.”
• “Observed unit temperature rising to 70F when door opened.”
• “Observed multiple TCS items unable to cool properly.”
• “Observed cooked chicken wings without date marking.”
• “Observed no certified food protection manager onsite.”

Two shallow earthquakes struck a small town between Charlotte and Greensboro yesterday less than an hour of each other, according to the United States Geological Survey.

A magnitude 2.3 quake struck near Randleman, NC (about 60 miles NE of Charlotte) yesterday at 2:15 PM at a depth of .02 kilometers, followed by a second quake 30 minutes later with the same magnitude at a depth of .01 kilometers.

Earthquakes have been increasing in frequency around the Charlotte region over the past few years. Last year, we experienced the largest earthquake in over 100 years when a 5.1 magnitude quake hit Sparta, NC, and since then, dozens of aftershocks have continued to rattle our state.

According to USGS.gov, “Moderately damaging earthquakes strike the inland Carolinas every few decades, and smaller earthquakes are felt about once each year or two.”

Have you felt any of the quakes?

The North Carolina Office of the State Auditor will oversee Charlotte’s $650 million investment to renovate Bank of America Stadium, adding new accountability to one of the region’s largest public projects.

The plan received unanimous approval from the North Carolina Local Government Commission, allowing the City of Charlotte to move forward with financing.

The city will issue $650 million in Special Obligation Bond Anticipation Notes to fund the renovations. Charlotte City Council approved the spending in a 7–3 vote in 2024.

The tax payer funding will come from Charlotte’s Convention Center Fund, raised through a one-percent tax on restaurant tabs and hotel stays.

The new Bank of America Stadium would feature:

• A park-like setting and exterior video boards for watch parties.
• A new sound system, scoreboard, and video boards.
• Social areas with skyline views and improved concessions.
• Expanded Team Store for Panthers and Charlotte FC fans.
• New seats and upgraded restrooms.
• Improved accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
• Enhanced safety and security features, including better lighting.
• Redesigned South Lawn Pavilion for community use.
• Modernized building systems to reduce environmental impact.

Dave Boliek backed the plan, citing the city’s triple-A bond rating and verified ability to repay the debt. His office will now work with the city and Tepper Sports & Entertainment to provide regular updates and added transparency.

“This is an important project for Charlotte. With $650 million being spent in public funds, it is incumbent on the North Carolina State Auditor’s Office to provide regular financial oversight updates on the Bank of America Stadium upgrades,” said State Auditor Dave Boliek in a press release. “Through this innovative effort, and as the fiscal watchdog of the State, our office will bring transparency and accountability to the people of Charlotte on how the public’s money is being spent.”

The funding is supported by the Mecklenburg meals tax extension approved by the North Carolina General Assembly and signed into law in 2023.

Bank of America Stadium, operated by Tepper Sports & Entertainment since 2018, hosts about 40 major events annually along with dozens of corporate and community events. The venue draws visitors from across the country and more than 75 nations.

City leaders say the upgrades will help Charlotte compete for major events while securing a non-relocation agreement for the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC through April 1, 2046, delivering long-term economic benefits for the region.