Local Restaurant Inspections (Apr. 1 through Apr. 15)

Includes health inspection results for restaurants in Holly Springs, Apex and Fuquay-Varina

Apr 16, 2025

Publisher’s Note: Our restaurant health inspection coverage has been expanded to include Apex and Fuquay-Varina.

HOLLY SPRINGS

Wake County did not report any restaurant health inspections from April 1, 2025, through April 15, 2025.

APEX

FUQUAY-VARINA

Note: Individual restaurant inspection reports’ Observations and Corrective Actions are below.

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.

HOLLY SPRINGS

Wake County did not report any restaurant health inspections from April 1, 2025, through April 15, 2025.

APEX

APEX WINGS
518 E Williams St, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 04/02/2025
Grade: A
Score: 97.5

Observations and Corrective Actions

21 3-501.16(A)(1); Priority; Observed a few boneless wings in the hot hold unit at 98 - 107F. Maintain TCS foods in hot holding at 135F or above. PIC indicated these were recently placed here and was unsure why they were not hot enough. No lid on container and food being stacked away from the bottom of the pan might have contributed to the temp being too low. All other foods observed sufficiently hot in this unit. CDI- boneless wings voluntarily discarded. No points taken today.

22 3-501.16(A)(2); Priority; Observed raw chicken on a prep cart next to a breading bowl at 47 - 55F. No active preparation was occurring. Staff was busy restocking a recent supply order. Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or below unless actively preparing the food. CDI- placed chicken back in walk-in cooler until preparation could continue. Chicken was not out of temperature for more than 4 hours.

43 3-304.12 (A); Core; Plastic ramekins were being used as scoops in containers of cheese in the makeline fliptop unit and left in the cheese. In-use utensils used in TCS food must be stored with handles above the food and top of the food container. Use appropriate dispensing utensils with handles. CDI- ramekins discarded. No point taken.

47 4-501.11; Core; Metal on inside of the fliptop unit is rusting. White coated metal shelving in small reach-in unit is chipping and rusting. Equipment shall be kept in good repair so that it is easily cleanable. Repair or replace this equipment.

54 5-501.111; Core; Green garbage receptacle is missing a lid. Storage areas, enclosures, and receptacles for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall be maintained in good repair. Repair or replace this receptacle to avoid a point deduction on next inspection.

55 6-501.11; Core; Wall base moulding is coming apart in spots near back entrance door and near walk-in cooler entrance.

Physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair. Repair/replace base moulding. No point taken today.

BOJANGLES
1209 Laura Village Rd, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 04/01/2025
Grade: A
Score: 97

Observations and Corrective Actions

24 3-501.19(B)(3); Priority Foundation; New cooked sausage patties on the makeline held on time were observed held under the old time stamp of 1 - 3pm at nearly 5:00pm. Follow written procedures for foods held using Time as a Public Health Control (TPHC) for 4 hours. Food shall be marked to indicate the time that is 4 hours past the point in time when the food is removed from temperature control. CDI- time stamp changed to reflect current time.

3-501.19(B)(4)(5); Priority; Observed cut tomato on the makeline with a time stamp of 1:05pm. Tomato measured 63F. It could not be determined if the time stamp for this product was reflective of the actual time product spent on the makeline. Follow written procedures for foods held using Time as a Public Health Control (TPHC) for 4 hours. The food shall be discarded after the food has completed its 4 hour hold time, if the food is in unmarked containers, or marked with a time that exceeds the 4 hour time limit. CDI- tomato was voluntarily discarded.

38 6-501.111; Core; Observed a live spider inside the cabinet under ice machine at drive thru. Keep the premises free of insects, rodents and other pests. CDI- spider was killed and removed during inspection. No other insects were observed. No point taken today.

41 3-304.14(B); Wiping cloths observed held in buckets with no chlorine residual. Hold in-use wiping cloths in properly concentrated sanitizer between uses. CDI- sanitizer buckets remade.

47 4-501.11; Core; Green coated metal shelving inside the walk-in cooler is chipping and rusting. This is a cleanability issue and paint chips may contaminate food. Equipment shall be kept in good repair. Replace this shelving. Full point may be taken for repeat violations. This item has been marked out on previous inspections due to other equipment issues.

55 6-501.11; Core; The cove tile caulking by ice machine is heavily soiled and coming apart from the wall. A cove tile is chipped and damaged. Floors, walls, and ceilings shall be maintained in good repair. Repair this area. Full point may be taken on future inspections.

LA TABERNA MEXICAN BAR GRILL
1301 E Williams St, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 04/02/2025
Grade: A
Score: 95

Observations and Corrective Actions

20 3-501.14(A); Priority; Observed cooked chicken cooling from last night in the walk-in cooler at 48F. Quickly cool TCS foods within 2 hours from 135F to 70F; and within a total of 6 hours from 135F to 41F. Use appropriate cooling methods to achieve proper cooling time. CDI- chicken voluntarily discarded.

33 3-501.15; Priority Foundation; Cooked chicken failed to cool within the proper time frame due to ineffective cooling methods.

Chicken was placed in a large stock pot with a lid. Quickly cool TCS foods using methods such as open/vented shallow pans, smaller portions, large ice baths or ice wands and active stirring. Cold air must flow around product to remove the heat. CDIchicken was discarded and cooling methods were reviewed with PIC.

39 3-305.11; Core; Observed frozen condensation accumulating on a box of open corn near the entrance of the walk-in freezer.

Frozen condensation observed on other food boxes as well. Food shall be stored in a clean, dry location and where it is not exposed to splash, dust or other contamination. CDI- box of corn was closed. Keep freezer door shut all the way to avoid ice accumulation near the entrance. This item was marked out for standing water inside the reach-in unit on last inspection. Full points may be taken for repeat violations in the future.

43 3-304.12 (A); Core; A plastic bowl was being used as a scoop in an open box of frozen corn. In-use utensils in TCS food must be stored with handles above the food and top of the food container. Use appropriate dispensing utensils with handles that can be kept out of the food. CDI- bowl removed. No point taken.

47 4-201.11; Core; Metal wire shelving in the walk-in cooler was spray painted with a silver coating. It is now starting to peel off which inhibits cleanability and may contaminate food. Equipment and utensils shall be designed and constructed to be durable and to maintain their characteristic qualities under normal use conditions. Replace shelving to avoid full point demerit in the future.

49 4-601.11 (C); Core; Inside of grill cooler drawers have food residue accumulation. Shelving in the walk-in cooler has residue accumulation. The nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue and other debris. Increase cleaning frequency. All other surfaces observed clean. Full point not taken.

56 6-501.14; Core; The ceiling vents in the prep area and near chip/salsa prep area are coated in heavy dust accumulation.

Ventilation systems shall be cleaned and filters changed so they are not a source of contamination by dust, dirt and other materials. Please clean these vents. Full point taken for repeat violation.

Additional Comments

Facility sometimes receives oysters from Performance or US Foods. Tags are kept in the office for 90 days.

LOWES FOODS #184 (DELI)
5400 Apex Peakway, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 04/08/2025
Grade: A
Score: 96

Observations and Corrective Actions

22 3-501.16 (A)(2) and (B); Priority; Several TCS foods (time/temperature controlled for safety foods) in the cold hold display unit were observed well above proper temperature (see temp chart). TCS foods shall be maintained at 41F or below in refrigeration.

CDI- all product was voluntarily discarded. A work order was placed for this unit. Do not store TCS foods here until unit is maintaining proper temperature. Full points taken for repeat violation.

23 3-501.18; Priority; Cut roast beef was incorrectly dated with 4/28 date. Ready-to-eat, TCS foods shall be discarded when they have exceeded their 7 day time window. The day of initial opening from a commercial package shall count as day 1. Ensure packages of ready-to-eat TCS food are properly dated once opened. CDI- discussion with PIC who will ensure new employees date product appropriately. Educational moment. Label was corrected with the correct date. Date was known. All other datemarking observed compliant. No points taken today.

43 3-304.12 (A); A ladle handle fell into a container of marinara sauce in the reach-in unit. In-use utensils used on TCS food must be stored with handles above the food and top of the food container. CDI- ladle removed. No point taken today.

49 4-601.11 (B) and (C); Core; Some food debris observed inside bottom of deli display units. One fan cover inside reach-in unit below deli counter had some dust accumulation. The nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of dust, dirt, food residue and other debris accumulation. Increase cleaning frequency. Cleaning has significantly improved since previous inspection. Full point not taken.

55 6-501.11; Core; The wall next to entrance of walk-in freezer is damaged. Physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair.

Repair the wall. Work order is already pending. Full point not taken.

Additional Comments

Parasite destruction records for Sushi are kept at the High House Rd, Cary location. Sushi is made there and transported to store #184 (this store).

MEZZA LUNA PIZZERIA
1763 W Williams St, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 04/14/2025
Grade: A
Score: 98

Observations and Corrective Actions

16 4-601.11 (A); Priority Foundation; Multiple plates stored as clean on the cook line soiled with food and debris. One stack of plates observed with a phone charger cord draped across the plates. Various utensils stored in a drawer in the pizza prep area soiled with food and debris. Food contact surfaces shall be clean to sight and touch. CDI - All items moved to the dish area for thorough cleaning.

22 3-501.16 (A)(2) and (B); Priority; Pizza sauce maintaining 42 F, and chicken maintaining 43-45 F in the pizza prep cooler. Cooler holding 41 F or below ambient. TCS (Time/Temp. Control for Safety) foods shall hold cold at 41 F or below. CDI - Pizza sauce and chicken moved to cool rapidly in the reach-in freezer.

38 6-501.111; Core; Flies present in the kitchen. The premises shall be maintained free of insects, rodents, and other pests.

Increase pest control measures.

48 4-501.14; Core; The prep sink's drain soiled with excessive brown residue. The compartments of sink basins, drainboards or other receptacles used for washing and rinsing equipment, utensils or raw foods shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to prevent recontamination. Drain cleaned during inspection.

49 4-601.11(B) and (C); Core; Walk-in cooler fan (inside) and fan above the walk-in cooler (outside) soiled with dust and debris. Surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dirt, dust, food residue, and other debris.

55 6-501.11; Core; Broken floor tiles present throughout the kitchen. Physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair. Repair/replace floor tiles.

NEW CHINA CHEF
1769 W Williams St, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 04/14/2025
Grade: A
Score: 99.5

Observations and Corrective Actions

15 3-302.11; Core; All foods uncovered in the front lowboy cooler (across from the deep chest freezer). Food shall be protected from contamination by storing the food in packages, covered containers, or wrappings. Lids/plastic wrap added.

41 3-304.14; Core; Wet wiping cloths stored on prep surfaces. Store wet wiping cloths in sanitizer. "In hand or in bucket".

SALEM STREET PUB
113 N Salem St, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 04/11/2025
Grade: A
Score: 98

Observations and Corrective Actions

5 2-501.11; Priority Foundation; Facility could not locate their clean-up procedures for bodily fluid. A food establishment shall have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events. CDI- educational material provided. Keep this material readily available in the future for employees to reference.

16 4-601.11(A); Priority Foundation; The deli slicer, stored as clean, had extensive food residue behind the blade. A large piece of cheese and meat residue were observed stuck behind the blade. Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. CDI- slicer cleaned and sanitized during inspection.

39 3-303.12; Core; Observed peeled, boiled eggs stored in a container of standing water in the reach-in unit. Except for raw vegetables such as carrots, celery and cut potato, do not store TCS foods in water. CDI- water drained. No point taken.

Additional Comments

Facility no longer par-cooks chicken wings according to PIC. All items are served fully cooked and facility has discontinued using raw egg in Caesar dressing.

FUQUAY-VARINA

AVIATOR SMOKEHOUSE
525 Broad St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
Inspection Date: 04/10/2025
Grade: A
Score: 95

Observations and Corrective Actions

22 3-501.16 (A)(2) and (B); Priority; Make line by back door holding at 48F. Food disposed of- lettuce, potato salad, slaw.

49 4-601.11(B) and (C); Core; Cleaning needed on exterior equipment and shelves in walk in cooler and dish dry area. Non-food contact services shall be clean to sight and touch.

55 6-501.12; Core; General cleaning of kitchen and dishwash area floors. Physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.

56 6-501.110 Jacket laying on dry goods container. Use an area for the orderly storage of employees' clothing and possessions that does not contaminate food and food related items. No points taken.

HIGHWAY 55 BURGERS SHAKES FRIES
3421 N Main St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
Inspection Date: 04/09/2025
Grade: A
Score: 96

Observations and Corrective Actions

2 2-102.12 (A); Core; No person in charge with food protection manager certification was present during inspection. At least one supervisor/manager shall be a certified food protection manager by passing a test (such as ServSafe) that is part of an ANSI accredited program. This certified person shall be on-site at all times during operation.

22 3-501.16 Make line items 43-44F (hot dogs, pimento cheese). Cold potentially hazardous food shall be kept at 41F or below. Moved items blocking fan, temperature normal.

47 4-501.11; Core; Reach in freezer unit has 2 cooling units, the one on the right side is encased in ice, fans included (repeat). The left side is still functioning. Equipment shall be kept in good repair.

56 6-202.11; Core; One fixture in back has light shield missing. Light bulbs shall be shielded, coated, or otherwise shatter-resistant in areas where there is exposed food; clean equipment, utensils, linens; or unwrapped single-service and single-use articles. You can replace cover or use protective sleeves for bulbs found online and at most hardware stores. No points taken on previous inspection.

JOYCE AND FAMILY RESTAURANT
129 N Main St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
Inspection Date: 04/08/2025
Grade: A
Score: 97

Observations and Corrective Actions

47 4-501.11; Core; Some rusty wire shelves by dishwaher. Half deduction taken as multiple rusty shelves have been replaced. Equipment shall be kept in good repair.

49 4-601.11(B) and (C); Core; General cleaning of exterior surfaces of equipment. Non-food contact surfaces shall be clean to sight and touch.

51 5-205.15 Drain at one handwash sink leaking on floor. Maintain a plumbing system in good repair. No points taken.

55 6-501.12; Core; Cleaning needed on walls and floors. Physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them

clean.; 6-501.1
6-501.114 Multiple pieces of unused equipment. Maintaining Premises.

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