Local Restaurant Inspections for Apex, NC (June 16 through June 30)

Wake County restaurant health inspectors visited nine Apex restaurants during the past two weeks. Inspections were also performed in Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina.

Jul 01, 2025

Apex, NC, Ju1. 1, 2025 — Local Restaurant Inspections

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.

Summary Scores.

APEX (9 Restaurants)

The “Observations and Corrective Actions” information for each restaurant is provided below.

HOLLY SPRINGS

Restaurant health inspection summaries are available here - link

FUQUAY-VARINA

Restaurant health inspection summaries are available here - link

APEX

CHIPOTLE #2822

1081 Pine Plaza Dr, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 06/23/2025
Grade: A
Score: 96

Observations and Corrective Actions

16 4-602.11 Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils - Frequency (P) The beverage dispensing nozzles on the organic lemonade machine were heavily soiled with build up. (4) In EQUIPMENT such as BEVERAGE dispensing nozzles EQUIPMENT shall be cleaned (b) Absent manufacturer specifications, at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil or mold. The PIC cleaned the nozzles. ***CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION (CDI)***

38 6-501.111 Controlling Pests (Pf)
Numerous flies observed in the kitchen, especially by the dishwashing area. The premises shall be maintained free of insects, rodents and other pests. Utilize approved methods of pest control, keep drains and equipment clean and keep doors closed to minimize flies. The PIC has been advised to review and adjust fly control methods. ***WILL VERIFY WITHIN 10 DAYS***

41 3-304.14 Wiping Cloths, Use Limitations (C)

The chemical sanitizing solution was visibly soiled with floating food debris. Maintain sanitizer containers for in-use cloths free of visible debris and soil. The PIC remade and tested the chemical sanitizing solution. ***CDI***

47 4-501.11 Good Repair and Proper Adjustment - Equipment (C)
The drink reach in cooler and three door upright reach in cooler are pooling water onto the floor. Equipment shall be maintained in good repair. The PIC is advised to have units inspected for repair.

49 4-602.13 Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

The following are soiled and shall be cleaned: reach in cooler interior, serving line counters, cubbies storing single service items, and hand washing sink. Non food contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned frequently to preclude accumulation of soil residues. Clean the items listed.

55 6-501.12 Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions (C)

Floors throughout kitchen are soiled including but not limited to high traffic areas, underneath equipment, and corners. Wall at hand washing sinks and grill area are soiled with food residue buildup and splatter. Physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. Clean these areas more frequently.

DOHERTY'S IRISH PUB RESTAURANT

5490 Apex Peakway, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 06/25/2025
Grade: A
Score: 100

Observations and Corrective Actions

39 6-404.11 Segregation and Locations - Distressed Merchandise (Pf) Several dented cans stored with cans in-use canned goods. Designate a separate area for items that are not for use and are being held for credit, such as dented cans or recalled products. The PIC moved the dented cans to a separate shelf. ***NO POINTS TAKEN***

HARRIS TEETER #496 STARBUCKS

940 US 64 Hwy W, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 06/16/2025
Grade: A
Score: 100

Observations and Corrective Actions

None noted.

LA RANCHERITA

102 N Salem St, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 06/24/2025
Grade: A
Score: 97

Observations and Corrective Actions

38 6-501.111 Controlling Pests (Pf)
Some flies observed in kitchen area. Keep the premises free of insects, rodents, and other pests. Review and revise insect control plan as needed. ***WILL RETUNR TO VERIFY WITH IN TEN DAYS***

43 3-304.12 In-Use Utensils, Between-Use Storage (C)
Spoon was buried in the pico de gallo. In-use utensils in TCS food, must be stored with handles above the food and top of the food container. The spoon was removed from the pico de gallo. ***REPEAT VIOLATION***

47 4-101.19 Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C) 4-501.11 Good Repair and Proper Adjustment - Equipment (C)
The walk in freezer floor is lined with card board and has excessinve ice build up on the evaporator fan drain pipes. Non FOODCONTACT 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. Equipment shall be maintained in good repair.

49 4-602.13 Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Cutting boards and food prep surfaces are soiled. Non food contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned frequently to preclude accumulation of soil residues. Clean the listed surfaces.

55 6-501.11 Repairing - Premises, Structures, Attachments, and Fixtures - Methods (C) 6-501.12 Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions (C)
The following areas are damaged and shall be repaired: severely receding tile grout and peeling/worn paint exposing wall construction materials and baseboard wood. Physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair.

56 6-304.11 Mechanical - Ventilation (C)

The kitchen area is excessively hot. Mechanical ventilation of sufficient capacity shall be provided to keep rooms free of excessive heat and steam. Inspect ventilation and exhaust for possible repair.

MAMMA MIA ITALIAN BISTRO

708 Laura Duncan Rd, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 06/20/2025
Grade: A
Score: 100

Observations and Corrective Actions

None noted.

SHAKEY RAY'S

5160 Sunset Lake Rd, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 06/27/2025
Grade: A
Score: 98

Observations and Corrective Actions

23 3-501.18; Priority; Chili that was properly date marked has exceeded the time/temperature limit. Foods that are maintained at 41F or below may be held no more than 7 days. Foods were discarded during inspection.

43 3-304.12; Core; Ice scoop stored on top of ice machine. In between use utensils, such as scoops used only with non potentially hazardous foods shall be stored in a clean location. Store in ice with handle sticking out of ice OR on a plate or similar that is washed and sanitized daily.

SUYU SUSHI

301 N Salem St, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 06/24/2025
Grade: A
Score: 100

Observations and Corrective Actions

None noted.

THE PROVINCIAL

119 N Salem St, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 06/24/2025
Grade: A
Score: 98.5

Observations and Corrective Actions

41 3-304.14 Wiping Cloths, Use Limitations (C)
Several wiping cloths were observed on prep surfaces upon arrival. Cloths in-use for wiping counters and other equipment surfaces shall be held between uses in a chemical sanitizer solution. CDI- bleach bucket made for cloths.***REPEAT VIOLATION***

45 4-502.13 Single-Service and Single-Use Articles - Use Limitations (C)
Establishment 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.***REPEAT VIOLATION***

55 6-501.11 Repairing - Premises, Structures, Attachments, and Fixtures - Methods (C)
Floor sealant and paint worn. Small holes in FRP. Splatter on ceiling tiles. Physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair. PIC advised.

WENDY'S

1900 Lake Pine Dr, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 06/24/2025
Grade: A
Score: 98

Observations and Corrective Actions

38 6-501.111 Controlling Pests (Pf)
Flies observed in the establishment today. The premises shall be kept free of pests. Utilize approved methods of pest control, keep doors and windows closed especially in summer to avoid their entry. ***WILL VERIFY WITHIN TEN DAYS***

47 4-501.11 Good Repair and Proper Adjustment - Equipment (C)
The following items are damaged and shall be repaired or replaced: reach in freezer (ice build up on bottom shelf floor and plastic coated metal shelving peeling and rusting) and missing and blown bulbs under hood system along cook line. Equipment shall be kept in good repair. Replace shelving and blown/missing bulbs. Inspect for ice build up.

55 6-501.11 Repairing - Premises, Structures, Attachments, and Fixtures - Methods (C) 6-501.12 Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions (C)

The following areas/items are soiled and shall be cleaned: walk in freezer floors under shelving; air vents in restrooms (black build up); wall tile in men's restroom stall, and stainless steel panels, pipes and drain lines along cook/fry line. Physical facilities shall be kept clean and in good repair. Repair wall tiles and clean listed areas.

56 6-304.11 Mechanical - Ventilation (C)
Excessive condensate build up on walls and surfaces. Dining area has wetness odors. Mechanical ventilation of sufficient capacity shall be provided to keep rooms free of excessive condensation and odors.

Holly Springs Update

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