Local Restaurant Inspections for Holly Springs, Apex, and Fuquay-Varina (June 1 through June 15)

It was a busy two weeks for health inspectors with a total of 34 restaurants visited and inspected.

Jun 20, 2025

Apex, NC, Jun. 20, 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

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

ALPACA PERUVIAN CHARCOAL CHICKEN
1107 Pine Plaza Dr, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 06/04/2025
Grade: A
Score: 99

Observations and Corrective Actions

10 5-205.11 Using a Handwashing Sink - Operation and Maintenance (Pf) 6-301.11 Handwashing Cleanser, Availability (Pf) Handwashing sink had drink pitcher stored in it and was not equipped with hand soap. A handwashing sink may not be used for purposes other than handwashing. Provide soap for handwashing at each hand sink. PIC removed pitcher and placed hand soap at sink. ***CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION (CDI)***

DELL/EMC2
5800 Technology Dr, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 06/06/2025
Grade: A
Score: 97.5

Observations and Corrective Actions

22 3-501.16 (A)(2) and (B); Priority; Temperature control for safety (TCS) items at 2 make lines observed above 41 F. Cold potentially hazardous food shall be kept at 41F or below. CDI Thermostats on both units adjusted.

28 7-202.12(A) Can of Raid ant killer located in cabinet under coffee station. Use poisonous or toxic materials according to manufacturer's label. Use pesticides approved for use in commercial food service only. No points taken.-P Removed.

39 3-305.11 Case of food stored on floor of walk in freezer. Store food in a clean, dry location, not exposed to contamination. Keep at least 6 inches above the floor. Put on shelf at time of inspection.

EGGS UP GRILL #73
1421 Kelly Rd, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 06/04/2025
Grade: A
Score: 98

Observations and Corrective Actions

22 3-501.16(A)(2); Priority; Several TCS foods in the makeline fliptop unit were observed above 41F (see temp chart). Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. Foods were held here less than 4 hours. CDI- foods moved to walk-in cooler. Keep lids closed as much as possible to retain cold air.

23 3-501.18; Priority; House-made potato salad prepared on 5/28 was observed in the reach-in cooler. Discard the food requiring date labels once time/temperature window has expired (7 days), if it is not been labeled, or if the label is incorrect. The day of preparation shall count as day 1. CDI- potato salad was voluntarily discarded. All other date marking was observed compliant.

No points taken

37 3-302.12; Core; A container of salt was unlabeled. Label all working containers of food (oils, spices, salts, flour, sugar) except food that is easy to identify such as dry pasta. CDI- label added. No point taken

43 3-304.12 (A); Core; Two food scoops were observed inside containers of TCS food like corned beef and ground sausage. In-use utensils in TCS food must be stored with handles above the food and top of the food container. CDI- scoops removed.

HARAZ COFFEE
1750 Olive Chapel Rd, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 06/04/2025
Grade: A
Score: 98

Observations and Corrective Actions

5 2-501.11; Priority Foundation; No bodily fluid clean-up procedure was available for review. A food establishment shall have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events. CDI- provided educational material.

No point taken.

28 7-102.11; Priority Foundation; Two spray bottles of cleaning chemical were observed unlabeled. Poisonous or toxic materials taken from bulk supplies shall be labeled with the common name of the material. CDI- labels added.

48 4-302.14; Priority Foundation; No quat testing kit was available to measure sanitizer concentration in three compartment sink. A testing kit or device shall be available to measure the concentration of sanitizing solutions. Verification required

49 4-601.11 (B) and (C); Core; The bottom of the pastry case has food debris and some standing water in it. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue and other debris. Clean this case daily if necessary.

Additional Comments

Facility is exempt from the CFPM requirement for 210 days after permitting. Have a CFPM on site during all hours of operation by 12/28/25

Green Chefmaster food coloring is used in certain drinks

Text a video of Quat testing paper in facility once it arrives. EHS # 919-500-6269.

KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN G135995
1403 W Williams St, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 06/11/2025
Grade: A
Score: 97

Observations and Corrective Actions

16 4-601.11 (A); Priority Foundation; Several food containers stored as clean were observed with old sticker residue on the outside and stacked together so that the outside of one touches the interior of another. Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. Stickers shall be removed prior to the cleaning process. CDI - containers removed to be thoroughly cleaned. Full points may be taken for repeat violations.

40 2-402.11; Core; Two food employees were observed without proper hair restraints or hats. Food employees shall wear effective hair restraints when working with food to prevent hair from contaminating food and clean equipment. Provide hair restraints or hats. No point taken today

44 4-903.11(A), (B) and (D); Core; Multiple cleaned and sanitized containers stacked wet. Clean equipment and utensils shall be stored in a self-draining position that allows air drying after being cleaned and sanitized. Air dry completely, then stack. Full point taken for repeat violation.

47 4-501.11; Core; Metal shelving in the storage area is chipping and peeling. Equipment shall be kept in good repair so that it is easily cleanable. Replace shelving in the near future. No point taken

49 4-601.11(B) and (C); Core; Walk-in cooler door (interior) and fan covers have debris and residue accumulation. Shelving in the back storage area is sticky to the touch. Insides of hot holding equipment have food and grease accumulation. Area at the base of the can opener mount is soiled. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dirt, dust, food residue and other debris. Increase cleaning frequency. All other surfaces observed clean. Full point not taken today.

NAAN HOUSE INDIAN BISTRO
5460 Apex Peakway, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 06/06/2025
Grade: A
Score: 98.5

Observations and Corrective Actions

5 2-501.11 Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Event (Pf)

The bodily fluid clean-up procedures previously given to the food establishment were not readily available for review. PIC could not locate them in his email. A food establishment shall have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events. These should be readily accessible for employees to follow in the event they are needed. CDI- left a hard copy of educational material with PIC. ***REPEAT VIOLATION***

47 4-501.12 Cutting Surfaces (C) Cutting boards deeply scratched and discolored. Resurface or replace cutting surfaces that can no longer be effectively cleaned and sanitized.

56 6-304.11 Mechanical - Ventilation (C) The kitchen is excessively hot and smokey, especially along the cook line. Mechanical ventilation of sufficient capacity shall be provided to keep rooms free of excessive heat, steam, condensation, vapors, odors, smoke, and fumes. The PIC is advised to have the hood exhaust system evaluated and use fans to help with the excessive heat.

NAMOLIS NY PIZZERIA
5444 Apex Peakway, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 06/13/2025
Grade: A
Score: 96

Observations and Corrective Actions

2 2-102.12 (A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C) No CFPM on site during inspection. 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 such as ServSafe. Obtain required credential. ***REPEAT VIOALTATION***

10 5-205.11 Using a Handwashing Sink - Operation and Maintenance (Pf) Cleaning brushed and salad spinner lid were stored in the hand washing sinks. A handwashing sink may not be used for purposes other than handwashing The cleaning brushes were removed and stored with other cleaning equipment. The salad spinner lid was placed in the dish pit. ***CDI***

22 3-501.16 (A) (2) and (B) Time / Temperature Control for Safety Food, Hot and Cold Holding (P) The marinara sauce is holding at 44F. The ambient air temperature of the walk in cooler is 51F. Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. Maintain raw shell eggs in refrigeration with an ambient air temperature of 45F or below. The marinara was moved to the walk in freezer. The raw shell eggs were moved to a unit with an ambient air temperature below 41F.

***CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION (CDI)***

55 6-501.12 Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions (C Dust accumulation observed on walk-in cooler vent and fans throughout kitchen. Physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. Increase cleaning frequency. ***REPEAT VIOLATION***

PANERA BREAD #1650
1001 Beaver Creek Commons Dr, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 06/11/2025
Grade: A
Score: 97

Observations and Corrective Actions

39 3-305.11; Core; A box of pasteurized egg cartons was observed on the walk-in cooler floor. Store food in a clean, dry location, not exposed to contamination and keep at least 6 inches above the floor. Find room on shelving for this box and remove from the floor. No point taken.

42 3-302.15; Core; Produce stickers on avocado were being removed and placed on the avocado box but avocado was not washed prior to cutting. Wash fruits and vegetables prior to use and after removing any stickers or wrappings. CDI- avocado was sent to be washed in the prep sink.

43 3-304.12; Core; Multiple dispensing/portioning utensils stored with their handles touching the food inside of food containers in prep coolers. During pauses in food preparation or dispensing, utensils shall be stored with their handles above the top of the food and the container to prevent contamination when used on TCS food. Store handles accordingly.

44 4-901.11; Core; Multiple metal pans were stacked wet. After cleaning and sanitizing, equipment shall be placed in a self-draining position that allows air drying. Separate pans for drying.

49 4-601.11(B) and (C); Core; Insides of cooler drawers and in between cooler drawers soiled with food and debris. Prep cooler interiors and exteriors soiled with black accumulation, food and debris. The nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue and other debris. Increase cleaning frequency. Full point taken for repeat violation.

55 6-501.12; Core; The main walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer floors are soiled with residue and debris. Physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. Clean these areas. Particular attention should be given to the back left corner of main walk-in cooler where black residue is present.

PEAK CITY DINER
802 Perry Rd, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 06/12/2025
Grade: A
Score: 96.5

Observations and Corrective Actions

44 4-901.11; Core; Multiple metal pans were stacked wet. After cleaning and sanitizing, equipment shall be placed in a self-draining position that allows air drying. Separate pans for drying.

RUCKUS PIZZA, PASTA SPIRITS APEX
1055 Pine Plaza Dr, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 06/09/2025
Grade: A
Score: 96

Observations and Corrective Actions

8 2-301.14 When to Wash (P) Food prep employee left cookline to engage in other kitchen activities and return to food prep without washing their hands. Wash hands after engaging in other activities that contaminate hands. PIC redirected food prep employee to wash their hands.

***CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION (CDI)***

22 3-501.16 (A) (2) and (B) Time / Temperature Control for Safety Food, Hot and Cold Holding (P) Several food items were held in the walk in cooler above 41F. Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. These food items were removed from the walk in cooler. ***CDI***

41 3-304.14 Wiping Cloths, Use Limitations (C) Wet wiping cloth stored on sushi station counters. Hold in-use wet wiping cloths in properly concentrated sanitizer between uses. PIC placed wet wiping cloth is a chemical sanitizing solution. ***CDI***

47 4-501.11 Good Repair and Proper Adjustment - Equipment (C) The following items shall be repaired, replaced, or removed: walk in cooler (food items not holding below 41), discolored and deeply scratched cutting boards, make line prep reach in cooling pooling condensate, and cracked/chipped plates. Maintain equipment in good repair.

53 6-302.11 Toilet Tissue, Availability (Pf) Women's room disabled assessible toilet stall was not equipped with toilet tissue. Supply toilet tissue at each toilet. PIC had employee equip the disabled assessible stall with tissue. ***CDI***

56 6-304.11 Mechanical - Ventilation (C) The cook/make line in the kitchen is excessively hot. Staff and EHS observed sweating while working in this area. Mechanical ventilation of sufficient capacity shall be provided to keep rooms free of excessive heat, steam, condensation, vapors, odors, smoke, and fumes.

Additional Comments

Refrigeration repair arrived during inspection. Walk in cooler was stuck in defrost mode. Repairman reset walk in cooler. Ambient air temperature decreased from 46F to 40F within an hour of the repairman's visit.

SULTAN'S DELI
1459 Beaver Creek Commons Dr, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 06/05/2025
Grade: A
Score: 94.5

Observations and Corrective Actions

5 2-501.11; Priority Foundation; PIC could not produce a bodily fluid clean-up procedure for review. A food establishment shall have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events. CDI- provided educational material. Keep these procedures readily available for future use. No point taken today.

15 3-302.11(A)(1); Priority; Observed raw, whole shell eggs stored above produce in the glass door reach-in cooler. Separate raw animal foods from ready-to-eat foods and washed/unwashed fruits and vegetables to prevent cross contamination. CDI- eggs moved to lower shelf.

38 6-501.111; Core; Numerous flies observed in the facility. The premises shall be maintained free of insects, rodents & other pests. Their presence shall be controlled by using approved pest control methods. Increase pest control measures and keep exterior doors closed to avoid entry. Back door was observed propped open upon arrival and then closed during inspection. Full points taken for repeat violation.

43 3-304.12 (A); Core; A scoop was observed inside a container of filafel mix (cooked, mashed chickpeas). In-use utensils in TCS food, must be stored with handles above the food and top of the food container. CDI- scoop removed. No point taken.

47 4-501.11; Core; The rice cooker/crockpot handle is broken. Gasket on grill cooler drawer is badly torn. Shelving inside glass door cooler is showing signs of rust. Equipment shall be kept in good repair so that it is easily cleanable. Repair/replace this equipment.

49 4-601.11(B) and (C); Core; All cook line cooler gaskets, handles, and exterior surfaces are soiled with food, debris and are sticky to the touch. Reach-in freezer interior has food debris. Food debris and residue observed on exterior of rice cooker and under grill top on counter. Exterior portion of ice chute on drink machine has black residue. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of food residue, dust, dirt and other debris. Increase cleaning frequency. Full point taken for repeat violations.

54 5-501.114; Core; Outdoor recycling bin is missing a drain plug. Waste and recycling units shall have drain plugs in place. Have drain plug replaced.

5-501.113 (B); Core; Both outdoor waste and recycling bins have missing or damaged lids. Keep outside waste containers covered with tight-fitting lids or doors. Contact waste contractor for repair/replacement. No point taken

55 6-501.12; Core; Walls and floors throughout the kitchen are soiled with buildup of food debris, particularly underneath and behind equipment. Ceiling tiles and ceiling vents above the cook line and above the self-service area are soiled with dust and debris. Physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. Improve cleaning of facility to avoid full point on next inspction.

STARBUCKS #29148
1101 Pine Plaza Dr, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 06/04/2025
Grade: A
Score: 98

Observations and Corrective Actions

2 2-102.12 (A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C) No certified food protection manager on site during inspection. Manager certificate was not present during inspection. The person in charge shall be a certified food protection manager who has shown proficiency of required information through passing a test that is part of an accredited program. Have additional management level employees obtain this credential to avoid future demerits.***REPEAT VIOLATION***

54 5-501.16 Storage Areas, Rooms and Receptacles, Capacity and Availability (C) Several bags of trash and cardboard boxes stored at the back door. (B) A receptacle shall be provided in each area of the FOOD ESTABLISHMENT or PREMISES where REFUSE is generated or commonly discarded, or where recyclables or returnables are placed. The PIC is advised to stored all trash and recycling in a

55 6-501.12 Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions (C) Floors throughout are soiled and contain sticky residue. Physical facilities shall be maintained clean. PIC advised to clean.

TANDOORI TRAIL
2017 Creekside Landing Dr, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 06/04/2025
Grade: A
Score: 93.5

Observations and Corrective Actions

2 2-102.12 (A); Core; No CFPM was present during the inspection. 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 PIC obtain this credential.

5 2-501.11; Priority Foundation; Facility could not locate their bodily fluid clean-up procedures. A food establishment shall have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events. CDI- provided educational material. No point taken today. Ensure these procedures are readily available for reference.

10 5-202.12; Core; The hot water handle at the prep area handwashing sink is broken. Only the cold side works. Provide at least 100F water at handsinks. Repair hot side handle. No point taken today.

13 3-101.11; Priority; Papaya and cauliflower was observed with microbial growth in the tall reach-in cooler. Samosas and cream cheese were also observed with microbial growth in the same unit. Food shall be safe for consumption, unadulterated and honestly presented. CDI- all affected foods were voluntarily discarded.

16 4-601.11(A); Priority Foundation; Almost all the food storage containers on the clean equipment shelf had old date marking sticker residue on them and were stacked together. One pan was observed with food residue on the inside. Equipment foodcontact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. CDI- all equipment was placed in the three compartment sink for further cleaning and cleaned.

4-602.11 (E) (4): Core; The ice machine has microbial growth along the interior panel. The interior of ice machines shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude the accumulation of microbial growth and residue. Clean this ice machine.

23 3-501.18; Priority; Lamb prepared on 5/25 and cooked tomato puree prepared on 5/24 were observed in the reach-in cooler. Ready-to-eat TCS foods shall be discarded after 7 days in refrigeration. The day of preparation shall count as day 1. An opened bag of samosas with no date was observed in the reach-in unit as well. Samosas had microbial growth. Discard the food requiring date labels once time/temperature window has expired, if it is not been labeled, or if the label is incorrect. CDI- food voluntarily discarded.

43 3-304.12; Core; Utensils were being stored in stagnant water with food debris at 85 F on the stovetop. If utensils are stored in water, the water shall maintain at least 135 F temp and be clean. CDI- water was drained and replaced. Stove was turned on to heat water. Full point taken for repeat violation.

49 4-601.11 (C); Core; Plastic wrap was observed on shelving with sticky substance underneath. The bottom of the freezer has residue accumulation. The nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be maintained free of dust, dirt, food residue or other debris accumulation. Remove plastic wrap and clean these areas.

Additional Comments

No CFPM was present and priority violations were observed. PIC demonstrated knowledge by adequately answering questions about food safety and employee health applicable to the operation.

No raw animal foods were observed cooked during inspection. Only pre-cooked foods reheated for immediate service.

TAP STATION
320 S Salem St, Apex, NC
Inspection Date: 06/05/2025
Grade: A
Score: 98.5

Observations and Corrective Actions

23 3-501.18 Ready-To-Eat Time / Temperature Control for Safety Food, Disposition (P)

Homemade strawberry and homemade poppyseed dressing were held in walk in cooler beyond the marked discard date. Discard the food requiring date labels once time/temperature window has expired. The PIC discarded the food items. EHS advised to include use by/discard date on labels to encourage staff to discard food before date marking expires. ***CORRECTED DURING

INSPECTION (CDI)***

47 4-501.12 Cutting Surfaces (C)

Cutting boards are deeply scratch and discolored. Resurface or replace cutting surfaces that can no longer be effectively cleaned and sanitized. PIC advised.

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