Upstate restaurants with worst March inspections
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control regularly inspects restaurants across the state. In March of 2024, inspectors found multiple violations at restaurants in the Upstate, ranging from meats and vegetables covered in white growth to employees not washing their hands when handling food.
Crazy Tacos – Greenville
Crazy Tacos, located at 1540 S. Murray Ave. in Greenville, received a C grade during an inspection on March 22. The restaurant was voluntarily closed due to a lack of running water. Inspectors observed various meats, vegetables, refried beans, sauces, and butter with visible white growth and other substances on them. Additionally, food was stored on the floor, and certain items were not kept at proper holding temperatures. Shelving, prep tables, cooler handles, utensils, and equipment were found to have an accumulation of grime and buildup. After a required follow-up inspection on April 1, Crazy Tacos received an A grade.
Orient on Main – Greenville
Orient on Main, located at 4 S Main St. in Greenville, received a C grade during an inspection on March 13. Inspectors did not observe employees washing their hands throughout the inspection. An accumulation of a red substance was found in the ice bin, and certain foods were not kept at proper holding temperatures. Equipment surfaces, cook line shelving, and walls were found to have an accumulation of grease, grime, and food debris. A hole was also observed in the ceiling above the dish machine. After a required follow-up inspection on March 22, Orient on Main received an A grade.
Warehouse at Midtown – Greenville
Warehouse at Midtown, located at 1418 Laurens Road in Greenville, received a C grade during an inspection on March 13. Inspectors noted that employees failed to wash their hands as required when changing tasks, and certain foods were not kept at proper holding temperatures. Additionally, some foods were kept past their expiration dates, and equipment surfaces were found to be unclean. After a required follow-up inspection on March 20, Warehouse at Midtown received an A grade.
Chad’s Kitchen – Greenwood
Chad’s Kitchen, located at 117 S Greenwood Ave. in Greenwood, received a C grade during an inspection on March 25. Inspectors observed an employee handling ready-to-eat foods without wearing gloves and failing to wash hands before entering the kitchen after a break. An accumulation of black buildup was found inside the ice machine, and various raw proteins were thawing at room temperature. The restaurant received an A grade after a required follow-up inspection on March 29.
Hodges One Stop – Greenwood
Hodges One Stop, located at 4528 Main St. in Greenwood, received a C grade during an inspection on March 1. Inspectors observed the meat slicer, potato cutter, and pizza utensils with an accumulation of grease and food buildup. The cook line prep unit was also in poor repair. After a required follow-up inspection on March 29, Hodges One Stop received an A grade.
Rancho Grande – Greenwood
Rancho Grande, located at 95 Greenwood Ave. South in Greenwood, received a C grade during an inspection on March 21. Inspectors observed cooking equipment with an accumulation of grease buildup and an employee using gloves for more than one task. Certain foods were not kept at proper holding temperatures, and various proteins were thawing at room temperature. The restaurant received a B grade after a required follow-up inspection on April 2.
House of Pizza – Laurens
House of Pizza, located at 2189 Highway 101 North in Laurens, received a C grade during an inspection on March 6. Inspectors observed unclean equipment and floors, employees not washing hands when changing tasks, and certain foods not kept at proper holding temperatures. Cutting boards were found to have deep grooves and debris that could not be removed by normal cleaning. The restaurant received another C grade after a required follow-up inspection on March 15.
Trotters Restaurant – Laurens
Trotters Restaurant, located at 24239 Highway 76 E in Laurens, received a C grade during an inspection on March 20. Inspectors observed equipment with food and grime buildup, foods on a buffet not kept at proper holding temperatures, and fish thawing at room temperature without running water. The restaurant also had issues with their dish machine. Trotters Restaurant received an A grade after a required follow-up inspection on March 27.
China #1 – McCormick
China #1, located at 229 South Main Street in McCormick, received a C grade during an inspection on March 7. Inspectors observed raw meats being stored above fully cooked breaded chicken, a heavy accumulation of grime on dishes, and unsealed containers of flour, sugar, and rice in the back storage rooms. The restaurant also had an accumulation of grime on walls, equipment, and shelving. China #1 received an A grade after a required follow-up inspection on March 20.
Denny’s – Spartanburg
Denny’s, located at 2306 Reidville Road in Spartanburg, received a C grade during an inspection on March 12. Inspectors observed an employee prepping vegetables with gloves, touching their phone, and then continuing to prep vegetables with the same gloves. The restaurant also had issues with food holding temperatures and cleanliness throughout the kitchen. Denny’s received an A grade after a required follow-up inspection on March 21.
Conclusion
It is crucial for restaurants to adhere to health and safety regulations to ensure the well-being of their customers. Regular inspections help to identify areas for improvement and ensure that establishments maintain a high standard of cleanliness and food safety.
