Apex Restaurant Inspections (Feb. 1 through Feb. 28)
Report covers restaurant health inspection scores and comments for 14 local restaurants.
Apex, NC restaurants inspected between February 1, 2025, and February 28, 2025, include:
AJ's Food Mart, Date Inspected: 2/24/2025, Grade: A, Score: 99.50
Carrabba's Italian Grill #8412, Date Inspected: 2/11/2025, Grade: A, Score: 93.50
Cocina Mexicana La Pena De Horeb, Date Inspected: 2/12/2025, Grade: A, Score: 97.50
DQ Grill & Chill #24227, Date Inspected: 2/3/2025, Grade: A, Score: 98.50
Holiday Inn Express, Date Inspected: 2/7/2025, Grade: A, Score: 97.50
IHOP #3181, Date Inspected: 2/14/2025, Grade: A, Score: 97.50
Johnny's Pizza, Date Inspected: 2/17/2025, Grade: A, Score: 94.50
Knights Play Golf Center, Date Inspected: 2/14/2025, Grade: A, Score: 98.00
La Rancherita, Date Inspected: 2/27/2025, Grade: A, Score: 96.50
McDonald's #3923, Date Inspected: 2/18/2025, Grade: A, Score: 100
Moe's Southwest Grill #838, Date Inspected: 2/24/2025, Grade: A, Score: 98.00
Shakey Ray's, Date Inspected: 2/12/2025, Grade: A, Score: 96.50
Suyu Sushi, Date Inspected: 2/25/2025, Grade: A, Score: 98.50
The Provincial, Date Inspected: 2/27/2025, Grade: A, Score: 97.00
[Note: Details from each inspection can be found below in alphabetical order]
Rules Governing the Sanitation of Food Service Establishments
Rule (15A NCAC 18A .2662 GRADING)
(a) The grading of food establishments is based on a system of scoring. A food establishment that earns a score of at least:
(1) 90 percent shall receive a grade A;
(2) 80 percent and less than 90 percent shall receive a grade B;
(3) 70 percent and less than 80 percent shall receive a grade C.
Permits shall be immediately revoked in accordance with G.S. 130A-23(d) for food establishments receiving a score of less than 70 percent.
AJ'S FOOD MART
Location Address: 6204 TEN TEN RD
City: APEX
Zip: 27502
Grade: A
Score: 99.5
Observations and Corrective Actions
4-601.11 (B) and (C) Some wire shelving sticky by walk in cooler door. Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood Contact
Surfaces, and Utensils (C)
CARRABBA'S ITALIAN GRILL #8412
Location Address: 1201 HADDON HALL DR
City: APEX
Zip: 27502
Grade: A
Score: 93.5
Observations and Corrective Actions
2-102.12 (A); Core: PIC has a CFPM certificate, but it expired on 6/05/2024. Must have a CFPM (Certified Food Protection Manager) on site at all hours of operation. EHS recommends multiple employees obtain this certification. Obtain an updated CFPM certificate.
9 3-301.11; Priority: An employee observed slicing bread with their bare hands. Food employees may not contact exposed, ready-to-eat food with their bare hands and shall use suitable utensils such as deli tissue, spatulas, tongs, single-use gloves, or dispensing equipment. CDI - Education provided. Bread voluntarily disposed of and employee washed their hands.
10 5-205.11; Priority Foundation: Upon entry, the cook line handwashing sink (closest to the grill) was blocked by a rolling cart and a large plastic container. Additionally, a spray bottle of Greaselift was stored inside the handwashing sink (closest to the 3-compartment sink). Handwashing sinks may be used for handwashing only. This is not a storage area. A handwashing sink shall be maintained so that it is always accessible for employee use. It shall not be blocked. Blockage discourages handwashing. CDI - Items removed/re-located to appropriate areas.
6-301.12; Priority Foundation: No paper towels available at the cook line handwashing sink (closest to the grill). All handwashing sinks shall be provided with a hand drying device. CDI - Towels provided.
16 4-501.114; Priority: Facility is using Sink & Surface Cleaner & Sanitizer. Required range: 272-700 ppm. When dispensed (at the 3-compartment sink), sanitizer measured low at 0 ppm. CDI - Sink dumped and re-filled. Solution reached required range (272-700 ppm) during inspection. Solutions shall be tested regularly to ensure accuracy.
4-501.112; Priority Foundation: The high-temperature dish machine was unable to reach 180°F (160°F at the plate) for the final rinse temperature. It shall reach a minimum of 180°F (160°F at the plate). VR - PIC called EcoLab rep. for repair. EHS will return to ensure dish machine reaches a minimum of 180°F (160°F at the plate). In the meantime, the facility may wash and rinse using the dish machine and complete the sanitizing step at the 3-compartment sink.
4-601.11 (A); Priority Foundation: Various utensils, a couple of miniature white cutting boards, a couple of clear plastic lids, and numerous ramekins stored as clean were soiled with food and debris. A few containers were stored as clean with old sticker residue. Stickers shall be removed prior to/during the cleaning process. Equipment, food-contact surfaces, and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. CDI - Items moved for thorough cleaning.
41 3-304.14; Core: Sanitizer buckets registered less than the required concentration for the current sanitizer used (Sink & Surface sanitizer; range: 272-700 ppm). Cloths shall be held between uses in a chemical sanitizer solution at the appropriate concentration. Sanitizer buckets to be dumped and re-filled.
43 3-304.12; Core: Knives stored in between prep units. During pauses in food preparation, in-use utensils shall be stored in a clean, dry area. Do not store utensils in between prep units as this is not a clean area. Additionally, a single-use plastic bowl was observed being used for portioning in a cooler drawer. Only utensils with handles shall be used, and the handle shall be stored above the top of the food to prevent contamination.
45 4-502.13; Core: A single-use plastic container was observed being re-used to portion foods. Single-use articles may not be reused. CDI - Container voluntarily discarded.
4-903.11(A) and (C); Core: Two stacks of single-use (to-go) black trays stored directly beside the cook line handwashing sink (closest to the grill). One stack was partially stored inside the handwashing sink on the edge. No splash guard present. Single-service/use articles shall be stored in a clean, dry location. Next to the handwashing sink does not meet this requirement as it is considered a dirty area.
47 4-501.11; Core: Ice buildup is present in the walk-in freezer. Excessive ice buildup is also present inside the deep chest freezer. Equipment shall be maintained in a state of repair. Remove ice buildup and if ice persists, contact a technician for evaluation.
49 4-601.11(B) and (C); Core: Cleaning needed, but not limited to the following areas/items: walk-in cooler fan guards, walk-in freezer gasket, deep chest freezer interior, and blast chiller interior. Clean all areas mentioned on a more frequent basis. Food, debris, and accumulation present.
COCINA MEXICANA LA PENA DE HOREB
Location Address: 2125 TEN TEN RD
City: APEX
Zip: 27539
Grade: A
Score: 97.5
Observations and Corrective Actions
3-302.11(A)(1); Priority: Observed raw eggs stored above cooked RTE (ready-to-eat) foods in the reach-in cooler. Separate raw animal foods from RTE foods and washed/unwashed fruits and vegetables to prevent cross-contamination. CDI - Eggs moved to lower shelf.
49 4-601.11 (B) and (C); Core: Black residue observed on the fan covers in the reach-in cooler. The nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of residue accumulation. Increase cleaning frequency. All other surfaces observed clean. Full point not taken today.
56 6-403.11; Core: Open beverage container was observed on a prep table above facility produce. Another employee beverage was stored on a prep counter near clean equipment. Utilize a designated area to store employee food and drink where contamination of food, clean equipment, and single-service articles cannot occur. CDI - Cups moved to lowest non-working shelf.
6-303.11; Core: Two light bulbs are burnt out over the grill hood and a fluorescent light is out above the warewashing area. Provide adequate lighting by replacing these bulbs.
DQ GRILL CHILL #24227
Location Address: 2105 TEN TEN RD
City: APEX
Zip: 27539
Grade: A
Score: 98.5
Observations and Corrective Actions
3-501.16(A)(2); Priority: Hot dogs in the reach-in unit, which were recently out of refrigeration, were observed at 47°F. Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41°F or less. CDI - Hot dogs moved to freezer to rapidly cool. Avoid keeping TCS foods out of temperature control for too long. No points taken today.
47 4-202.11; Priority Foundation: A plastic food storage container on the clean equipment shelf was observed with multiple, tangible cracks. Multiuse food-contact surfaces shall be smooth, free of breaks, open seams, cracks, chips, inclusions, pits, and similar imperfections. CDI - Container discarded. Full point taken for repeat violation.
4-501.11; Core: The door to the walk-in freezer is not closing properly, which is causing condensation to accumulate and freeze near the entrance. The reach-in freezer at the makeline has a drip inside, causing water to accumulate and freeze on the bottom. This affects cleanability and the ability to maintain these freezers in a dry condition. No food is currently stored in the reach-in freezer. Equipment shall be kept in good repair. Repair tickets have been issued.
49 4-601.11 (B) and (C); Core: The gasket on the freezer drawer at the cookline had food residue inside. The nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of food residue, dust, dirt, and other debris accumulation. CDI - Gasket was cleaned during inspection. All other equipment was observed clean. No point taken today.
56 6-303.11; Core: Two light bulbs are burnt out above the cookline. Ensure adequate lighting is provided (at least 540 lux or 50 foot candles) at surfaces where employees are working with food by replacing bulbs. Half point taken. Please replace all bulbs to avoid full point in the future.
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS
Location Address: 1006 MARCO DR
City: APEX
Zip: 27502
Grade: A
Score: 97.5
Observations and Corrective Actions
2-102.12 (A); Core: No Certified Food Protection Manager on site. At least one employee who has supervisory and management responsibility and the authority to direct and control food preparation and service shall be a certified food protection manager who has shown proficiency of required information through passing a test that is part of an American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited program. Have kitchen employee obtain this credential to avoid future demerits.
15 3-302.11(A)(1); Priority: Observed raw bacon stored above pastries in the reach-in cooler. Separate raw animal foods from ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination. CDI - Bacon moved to lowest shelf.
IHOP #3181
Location Address: 1150 BEAVER CREEK COMMONS DR
City: APEX
Zip: 27502
Grade: A
Score: 97.5
Observations and Corrective Actions
4-601.11 (A); Priority Foundation: Multiple metal containers and coffee/tea containers stored as clean were soiled with food and debris. Equipment, food-contact surfaces, and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. CDI - Items moved for thorough cleaning.
47 4-501.11; Core: Excessive ice buildup is present on the walk-in freezer door, plastic curtains, condenser, and ceiling. Equipment shall be maintained in good repair. According to the PIC, a technician has evaluated the walk-in freezer and everything is functioning as intended. However, the walk-in freezer door does not close completely unless it is pushed, thus resulting in ice accumulation. Remove ice buildup as able. EHS also recommends making a sign as a reminder to employees to close the door.
48 4-302.14; Priority Foundation: Chlorine test strips are discolored in multiple spots and are water-damaged. A test kit or other device that accurately measures the concentration in MG/L of sanitizing solutions shall be provided. CDI - New chlorine test strips provided by PIC during inspection.
49 4-601.11(B) and (C); Core: Cleaning has improved overall; however, the following items need more thorough cleaning. Buildup of grease accumulated in between flat tops and on sides of tall reach-in coolers. Microwave interiors were soiled with food and debris. Cooking equipment shall be kept free of encrusted grease deposits and other soil accumulations. Surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of debris.
JOHNNY'S PIZZA
Location Address: 8759 HOLLY SPRINGS RD
City: APEX
Zip: 27539
Grade: A
Score: 94.5
Observations and Corrective Actions
3-501.16 (A) (2) and (B) Pepperoni and lettuce in plastic container on top of other containers in left top make line was 50F. Do not store items that high up in cooler. Disposed of at time of inspection.
39 3-305.11 Food Storage - Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C) Cases of cheese stored on the floor in the walk in cooler. All foods must be stored at least six inches above the floor. .
47 4-501.11 Good Repair and Proper Adjustment - Equipment (C) Rusty wire shelving in walk in cooler. Replace. Equipment shall be kept in good repair.
KNIGHTS PLAY GOLF CENTER
Location Address: 2512 TEN TEN RD
City: APEX
Zip: 27502
Grade: A
Score: 98
Observations and Corrective Actions
2-102.12 (A); Core; Upon arrival, no employees were CFPM's as required. The person in charge shall be a certified food protection manager (CFPM) who has shown proficiency of required information through passing a test that is part of an accredited program. Have one employee with required credential on site during all hours of operation.
43 3-304.12 (E); Core; Ice scoop was being stored in a soiled plastic holder mounted to the wall. In-use utensils such as ice scoops or utensils for non-TCS food must be stored in a clean and protected location. CDI- ice scoop and holder were removed for cleaning.
49 4-601.11 (B) and (C); Core; The wall mounted potato slicer has grease deposits and residue accumulation on the nonfood-contact portions. The nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of dust, dirt, food residue and other debris accumulation. Increase cleaning frequency.
LA RANCHERITA
Location Address: 102 N SALEM ST
City: APEX
Zip: 27502
Grade: A
Score: 96.5
Observations and Corrective Actions
4-501.114; Priority; The warewashing machine, in-use during inspection, was observed with 0ppm chlorine residual. 50 - 200ppm is the needed concentration. Chlorine was not coming into the machine. CDI- third compartment of the sink was filled with chlorine sanitizer at 200ppm and all dishes/equipment were sanitized in this solution after going through the warewashing machine. PIC to contact AutoChlor for repair. Use three compartment sink to sanitize equipment until machine is repaired. Verify concentration using the appropriate test kit.
28 7-102.11; Priority Foundation; Two spray bottles with different chemical cleaners were observed without labels. Label all working containers used to store toxic materials taken from bulk supplies. CDI- labels added.
41 3-304.14(B); Core; A wet wiping cloth was observed on a cutting board upon arrival. Hold in-use wiping cloths in properly concentrated sanitizer between uses. CDI- cloth was moved to a sanitizer bucket. No point taken.
43 3-304.12 (A); Core; Observed several tongs in the grill cooler drawers stored inside containers of food like raw meats and cut veggies. Handles were in direct contact with the food. In-use utensils in TCS food, must be stored with handles above the food and top of the food container. CDI- tongs moved to individual buckets on the makeline. The use of these tongs was a solution to employees needing to change gloves at the grill frequently when dispensing foods. If handles become contaminated, this would defeat this purpose. Spoke with PIC about proper use of utensils and their storage.
45 4-903.11(C); Core; Observed a stack of aluminum trays on a top shelf above the serve line stored outside their package with the food-contact surface exposed. Single-service articles shall be kept in the original protective package or stored by using other means that afford protection from contamination until used. CDI- trays were inverted. No point taken.
47 4-501.11; Core; Green coated metal shelving in the warewashing and dry storage area is chipping and rusting. This prevents effective cleaning. Equipment shall be kept in good repair. Replace this shelving in the near future. The bottom portion of the shelf nearest to the sprayer arm is so badly rusted that the metal is flaking off.
MCDONALD'S #3923
Location Address: 830 E WILLIAMS ST
City: APEX
Zip: 27502
Grade: A
Score: 100
Observations and Corrective Actions
No violations cited.
MOE'S SOUTHWEST GRILL #838
Location Address: 770 W WILLIAMS ST
City: APEX
Zip: 27502
Grade: A
Score: 98
Observations and Corrective Actions
4-202.16: Core; Observed the exterior plastic frame of the ice machine being held together with duct tape. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment that are exposed to splash, spillage, or other food soiling or that require frequent cleaning shall be constructed of a corrosion resistant, nonabsorbent, and smooth material. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be free of unnecessary ledges, projections, and crevices, and designed and constructed to allow easy cleaning and to facilitate maintenance.
4-201.11; Core; Equipment shall be designed and constructed to maintain its characteristics under normal use conditions. Replace this piece of the ice machine to allow easy cleaning.
49 4-601.11(B) and (C); Core; Dust accumulation observed behind and along duct tape on ice machine. The nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. Remove duct tape and clean exterior of ice machine. All other surfaces observed clean. Full point not taken.
55 6-501.11; Core; The ceiling above the warewashing machine is damaged. White paper material is hanging and peeling from the ceiling. Broken cove tile observed along the edge of the mop sink. Physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair and to facilitate easy cleaning. Please have these items repaired. Full point taken for repeat violations.
SHAKEY RAY'S
Location Address: 5160 SUNSET LAKE RD
City: APEX
Zip: 27539
Grade: A
Score: 96.5
Observations and Corrective Actions
2-102.12 (A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C) Facility does not have a person in charge with the Food Protection Manager Certification. The person in charge shall be a certified food protection manager.
28 7-204.11 Sanitizers, Criteria - Chemicals (P) Chemical sanitizer in bucket at cook line registering between 250-300ppm, which exceeds requirement of 50-200ppm. Provide sanitizer at correct concentrations, diluting as required. Corrected During Inspection - Inspector advised PIC to dilute the solution to meet 50-200ppm.
7-102.11 Common Name - Working Containers (Pf) Chemical spray bottles observed in dish area were not properly labeled to identify the contents. Label working containers of poisonous or toxic materials. Corrected During Inspection - PIC labeled bottles at time of inspection.
7-201.11 Separation - Storage (P) Many different types of chemicals are currently being stored on shelving above three compartment sink. First aid supplies with medicine also stored on drain board of three compartment sink. Store toxic materials to avoid contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service/use items. Corrected During Inspection - While three compartment sink is not currently in use, as piping has fallen off underneath, inspector advised PIC to relocate these items to proper chemical storage location.
39 3-305.11 Food Storage - Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C) Open bucket of pickles stored directly on floor in walk in cooler. Store food in a clean, dry location, not exposed to contamination and at least 6 inches above the floor.
44 4-901.11 (B) Employee observed using white towel to dry squeeze bottle container. After cleaning and sanitizing, equipment and utensils may not be cloth dried.
50 5-103.12 Pressure (Pf) Water to three compartment sink has been completely turned off. Water under pressure shall be supplied to all fixtures. Corrected During Inspection - While water is able to be resupplied to the three compartment sink, the piping underneath to all compartments has fallen off and needs to be resealed. PIC stated a plumber would be contacted to fix piping to ensure water is always supplied to sinks. Facility has prep sinks and an operational dish machine that is meeting data plate requirements at the time of inspection, but inspector emphasized the importance of having the three compartment sink as a back up in the event the dish machine is not operating properly.
51 5-205.15 Three compartment sink compartment are no longer plumbed, as the main pipeline has fallen off. Maintain a plumbing system in good repair.
SUYU SUSHI
Location Address: 301 N SALEM ST
City: APEX
Zip: 27502
Grade: A
Score: 98.5
Observations and Corrective Actions
3-302.11(A)(1); Priority; Observed raw beef thawing on a shelf above ready-to-eat sauces in the walk-in cooler. Separate raw animal foods from ready-to-eat foods and fruits and vegetables to prevent cross contamination. CDI- Beef relocated.
43 3-304.12 (A); Core; Observed spoons with their handles laying inside containers of tuna in the sushi prep unit. In-use utensils used on TCS food must be stored with handles above the food and top of the food container. CDI- spoons removed. No point taken today.
Additional Comments
Facility is using TPHC for sushi rice and labels rice cookers with time on a piece of tape. Written procedures are retained on site.
THE PROVINCIAL
Location Address: 119 N SALEM ST
City: APEX
Zip: 27502
Grade: A
Score: 97
Observations and Corrective Actions
15 3-302.11(A)(1) Priority; Observed a tray of raw chicken stored above blanched fries and cooked wings in the reach-in cooler. Separate raw animal foods from ready-to-eat foods and washed/unwashed fruits and vegetables.
3-302.11 (A)(2) Observed raw chicken above cartons of eggs in the walk-in cooler. Separate types of raw animal foods according to final cook temperature during storage, preparation, holding, and display to prevent cross contamination. CDI- foods rearranged.
23 3-501.18; Priority; Observed cooked wings in the walk-in cooler with a prep date of 2/20. Discard ready-to-eat, TCS foods after 7 days in refrigeration. The day of preparation shall count as day 1. CDI- wings voluntarily discarded. All other date marking observed compliant. No point taken.
25 3-603.11 (A); Priority Foundation; Caesar salad is made using raw, unpasteurized egg. This item was not included in the consumer advisory at the bottom of the menu. Provide a consumer advisory for animal foods served raw or that contain undercooked or raw ingredients. Consumers must be made aware of this. CDI- asterisk added to this menu item.
3-603.11 (C)(2); Priority Foundation; A Consumer Advisory Reminder shall include asterisking the food item to a footnote that states: * Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
30 3-302.13; Priority; Caesar salad is being made with raw eggs. Consumers were not made aware of this on the menu with appropriate advisory. Pasteurized eggs shall be used for ready-to-eat foods containing eggs that are not fully cooked unless a consumer advisory is present. CDI- asterisk added to this menu item linking it to the consumer advisory. Educational moment with PIC. Half point taken under item #25.
37 3-302.12; Core; No labels observed on salt and pepper containers at the makeline. Label all working containers of food (oils, spices, salts, flour, sugar) except food that is easy to identify such as dry pasta. No point taken.
45 4-502.13; Core; Facility is reusing plastic goat cheese containers for other food storage. Single-use containers cannot be reused. These containers are not meant to be reused for food storage and do not meet NSF standards for cleanability. Discontinue the use of these containers.
55 6-501.11; Core; Extensive rusting noted on the ceiling tile borders above prep area. Pieces of tape observed hanging from ceiling. Air vent is rusting over the warewashing area and prep area. These areas have reached a point where repair is necessary. Physical facilities shall be kept in good repair. Repair ceiling and vent. Full point may be taken for repeat violations.