Local Restaurant Inspections for Holly Springs, Apex and Fuquay-Varina (November 16th through November 30th)

Health inspectors visited and inspected a total of 14 restaurants in Holly Springs (3), Apex (7) and Fuquay-Varina (4).

Dec 02, 2025

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, NC, December 2, 2025

Summary Inspection Scores.

Note: Health inspector’s observations and comments are located below the Summary Inspection Scores section.

HOLLY SPRINGS

APEX

FUQUAY-VARINA

Inspection Observations and Corrective Actions.

Holly Springs

CHINA BEST

632 HOLLY SPRINGS RD, HOLLY SPRINGS, NC, 27540
Inspection Date: 11/21/2025
Score: 98
Grade: A

Observations & Corrective Actions

28 7-102.11 One spray bottle of degreaser not labeled in back area. Label working containers of toxic materials such as cleaners and sanitizers.-Pf No points taken. Labeled at time of inspection.

43 3-304.12; Core; Bowl used as scoop on make line. Scoops shall have handles and handles shall be stored above the top of the food.

47 4-101.19 Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C) Wood used in walk in cooler and freezer. Surfaces must be non-absorbent and easily cleanable.

49 4-602.13; Core; Wire shelving in walk in cooler have soil build-up. Nonfood contact surfaces shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation.

FIRST WATCH #6036

304 GRAND HILL PL, HOLLY SPRINGS, NC, 27540-4490
Inspection Date: 11/19/2025
Score: 99
Grade: A

Observations & Corrective Actions

49 4-601.11 Some food debris build-up on wire shelf to right of poached egg area. Cleaning needed on reach in cooler gaskets. Non-food contact services shall be clean to sight and touch.

HOMEGROWN PIZZA

4928 LINKSLAND DR, HOLLY SPRINGS, NC, 27540
Inspection Date: 11/21/2025
Score: 97
Grade: A

Observations & Corrective Actions

2 2-102.12 (A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C) There isn’t a certified food protection manager present at the time of inspection. There must always be a CFPM onsite whenever there is food/equipment prep or handling. The CFPM should be certified through an ANSI-certified course and exam. See ANSI website for a list of approved courses and exams. Recommend having multiple people certified to ensure there is always a CFPM available.

47 4-501.11; Core; Rusting shelving over 3 compartment sink. Equipment shall be kept in good repair. Replace.

56 6-202.11 Fluorescent lights with no cover in dishwash area. 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.

6-501.14 Cleaning Ventilation Systems, Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C) Vents in ceiling over reach in freezer blocked by dust/flour.

APEX

CAMBRIDGE VILLAGE DINING

10000 CAMBRIDGE VILLAGE LOOP, APEX, NC, 27502
Inspection Date: 11/18/2025
Score: 98.5
Grade: A

Observations & Corrective Actions

39 3-303.12 Storage or Display of Food in Contact with Water or Ice (C) Boiled eggs stored in container of water. Unpackaged food (boiled eggs) shall not be stored in water. The PIC removed the hard boiled eggs from the water and placed them in a clean, dry container.

47 4-101.19 Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C) Bottom shelves of stainless steel worktop counters are lined with cardboard. Non FOOD-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. PIC had an employee remove cardboard. 4-501.12 Cutting Surfaces (C) Cutting boards are deeply scratched and discolored. Resurface or replace cutting surfaces that can no longer be effectively cleaned and sanitized. PIC advised.

55 6-501.11 Repairing - Premises, Structures, Attachments, and Fixtures - Methods (C) Repair worn ineffective finish in high traffic areas. Finish was replaced after last inspection, however, it has began to wear away. Physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair. PIC informed EHS that the floor repair is a work in progress. ***NO POINTS TAKEN*** ***NOTE: Floors in the dry goods storage area have been replaced.***

DANIEL’S RESTAURANT

1430 W WILLIAMS ST, APEX, NC, 27523-9300
Inspection Date: 11/20/2025
Score: 96
Grade: A

Observations & Corrective Actions

10 6-301.11; Priority Foundation; No soap available at cookline handwashing sink. Provide soap for handwashing at each handwashing sink. CDI- soap replaced.

6-301.14; Core; No handwash sign at back prep area handwashing sink. Post a handwash sign at each handwashing sink. CDI- signage provided.

23 3-501.18; Priority; A container of cooked veal with a prep date of 11/11 was observed in the walk-in cooler. Ready-to-eat TCS foods shall be discarded after 7 days in refrigeration. The day of preparation shall count as day 1. CDI- veal voluntarily discarded. All other date marking observed compliant. No points taken.

28 7-102.11; Priority Foundation; Two spray bottles of concentrated bleach disinfectant were observed without labels. Label working containers of poisonous or toxic materials with the common name of the material when taken from bulk supplies. CDI- labels added.

43 3-304.12 (A); Core; Pizza sauce scoop handle was laying inside the sauce. Spoon handle left inside container of beef stock. In-use utensils in TCS food, must be stored with handles above the food and top of the food container. CDI- Handles removed. No point taken.

44 4-903.11(A), (B) and (D); Core; Multiple metal pans were stacked wet. Dishes and equipment shall be stored in a self-draining position that allows air drying. Air dry prior to stacking. Full point taken for repeat violation. Several clean plates were stored on the clean equipment shelf with the food-contact surface exposed. Store clean plates covered or inverted.

47 4-501.11; Core; Shelving in the interior walk-in coolers is rusting and paint is chipping. Metal shelving in warewashing area is rusting. This affects cleanability and flakes of paint or rust may contaminate food. Equipment shall be kept in good repair. Replace shelving in the near future. NSF rated plastic shelving may be used in areas where moisture is persistent such as walk-in coolers and warewashing areas.

55 6-501.11; Core; AC vent above prep area in back room is in poor repair and coating on metal frame is flaking off. Wall near hot water heater is badly damaged. Floors, walls, ceilings and physical facilities shall be kept in good repair. Repair these areas.

DALLAS FAMOUS CHICKEN N’ BISCUITS

1101 E. WILLIAMS STREET, APEX, NC, 27502
Inspection Date: 11/18/2025
Score: 98
Grade: A

Observations & Corrective Actions

20 3-501.14 Cooling (P) A large pot of turnip greens that was prepared on 11/17/25 was 45F. Quickly cool cooked foods within 2 hours from 135F to 70F; and within a total of 6 hours from 135F to 41F. The PIC voluntarily discarded the turnip greens. EHS reminded the PIC to use shallow vented container, active stirring, and ice wands (which are stored in the reach in freezer) .***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 in the walk in cooler were held above 41F (see temperature chart). Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. The PIC voluntarily discarded the food items. EHS noticed that all food items stored in the walk in cooler were tightly wrapped with plastic wrap and covered with aluminum foil. EHS explained that the tight double wrapping was preventing air flow and adequate cold holding. The PIC was informed to use the lids, plastic wrap, or aluminum foil, but not all three at the same time. ***CDI***NO POINTS TAKEN EDUCATION PROVIDED***

47 4-501.11 Good Repair and Proper Adjustment - Equipment (C) The following items shall be repaired: exposed wood on counters and dry goods shelves, peeling edging in counters, and worn wood on cabinet doors. Equipment shall be maintained in god repair. ***REPEAT VIOLATION***

DOHERTY’S IRISH PUB RESTAURANT

5490 APEX PEAKWAY, APEX, NC, 27502
Inspection Date: 11/21/2025
Score: 100
Grade: A

Observations & Corrective Actions

51 5-205.15 (B) Leak pipe etc. not imminent threat The hand washing sinks in the kitchen have leaking faucets. Maintain a plumbing system in good repair. The PIC has placed a work order with in-house maintenance. No points taken at this time.

MCDONALD’S #3923

830 E WILLIAMS ST, APEX, NC, 27502
Inspection Date: 11/24/2025
Score: 97.5
Grade: A

Observations & Corrective Actions

15 3-304.15 (A) Gloves, Use Limitation (P) Employees are wiping work top counters with gloved hands while prepping food. Discard gloves after a task is complete or any time they are damaged or soiled. Staff was redirected by EHS to wash hands. PIC is advised to retrain of proper glove use and food prep.

49 4-602.13 Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C) The following areas are soiled and shall be cleaned: the frozen fry food drawer and gaskets, the area behind mccafe coffee station has mounds of sugar and coffee grounds, ice build up and soil on dessert unit in b-dap station. Keep non food contact surfaces of equipment clean to avoid build up of dust, food residue or debris.

4-602.13 Non food contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned frequently to preclude accumulation of soil residues.

51 5-205.15 (B) Leak pipe etc. not imminent threat The three compartment sink leaks at the hot water spigot. Plumbing shall be maintained in good repair. The PIC is advised.

NEW WANGS KITCHEN

712 LAURA DUNCAN RD, APEX, NC, 27502
Inspection Date: 11/24/2025
Score: 97.5
Grade: A

Observations & Corrective Actions

15 3-302.11 Packaged and Unpackaged Food - Separation, Packaging, and Segregation (P) Raw beef, raw shrimp, and raw chicken stored on the same shelf in the walk in cooler. Separate types of raw animal foods from each other such as beef, fish, lamb, pork, and poultry during storage, preparation, holding, and display. PIC rearranges the raw animal foods on to separate shelves. ***CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION (CDI)***

47 4-501.11 Good Repair and Proper Adjustment - Equipment (C) Torn and corroded gaskets on the lowboy doors. Equipment shall be maintained in good repair. PIC is advised.

49 4-602.13 Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C) Work top counters and outer surfaces of equipment are soiled and shall be cleaned. Non food contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned frequently to preclude accumulation of soil residues. The PIC is advised.

55 6-501.12 Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions (C) The grated ceiling intake vents are heavily soiled with dust build up and floors along the cookline and in the prep areas. Floors, walls, ceilings including the attachments such as soap, towel dispensers; light fixtures; and heat/ac vent covers shall be clean. Caution should be used to minimize food exposure. The PIC is advised.

POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS

2824 TEACHEY PL, APEX, NC, 27523
Inspection Date: 11/25/2025
Score: 99.5
Grade: A

Observations & Corrective Actions

41 3-304.14 (B); Core; Wiping cloth Quat sanitizer measured below the required concentration (less than 150ppm). Hold in-use wiping cloths in properly concentrated sanitizer between uses. CDI- sani buckets remade with correct sanitizer concentration.

55 6-501.11; Core; Mop sink border tile on lip of mop sink is coming apart. PIC is in contact with contractor for repair. Physical facilities shall be kept in good repair. Repair mop sink tile. No point taken

FUQUAY-VARINA

APPLEBEE’S #1125

1480 N MAIN ST, FUQUAY-VARINA, NC, 27526
Inspection Date: 11/24/2025
Score: 96.5
Grade: A

Observations & Corrective Actions

22 3-501.16(A) (2); Priority; Spinach artichoke dip, cheese sauce, and cream sauce in ice bath on make line at 45-50F. Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. Items pulled from walk-in cooler at 11 when opened, sticker indicates time EC recommended items on ice bath be placed in ice and water with sufficient water and ice to cover the sides of the containers to food product. Ice in bin with container sitting on top. Items labeled for TPHC and will be discarded at 3 if any product left.

48 4-501.14; Three compartment sink soiled with residue buildup. Warewashing machines and the compartments/drainboards of sinks used for washing and rinsing equipment, utensils, raw food, etc. shall be cleaned before use, throughout the day to prevent recontamination of equipment and utensils, and at least every 24 hours if used. Manager stated all items are washed in dish machine, but sink should be cleaned before and after use, even as a pre-wash sink.

49 4-601.11 (B) and (C) Sides of equipment, shelving in reach-in coolers and freezers with food debris and residue buildup. Flip top cooler lids and gaskets with food splatter and residue buildup. Speed rack holding dry goods on make line left side and right side with food debris. Non-food contact surfaces shall be kept free of a buildup of dust, dirt, food residue and other debris. Clean these areas more frequently. Full points taken for repeat violation.

55 6-501.12 Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions; Core; Floors under equipment, walls behind equipment and sinks, and ceiling tiles near dish area soiled with residue and dust accumulation. Physical facilities including floors walls and ceilings shall be kept clean.

BLUEGRASS BAGELS

100 DICKENS RD, FUQUAY-VARINA, NC, 27526
Inspection Date: 11/20/2025
Score: 99
Grade: A

Observations & Corrective Actions

10 5-205.11 (A) Large spoon in handwash sink. A handwashing sink shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee use Pf. Moved at time of inspection.

EGGS UP GRILL #17

1436 N MAIN ST, FUQUAY-VARINA, NC, 27526
Inspection Date: 11/26/2025
Score: 98.5
Grade: A

Observations & Corrective Actions

10 5-205.11; Priority Foundation; Plastic container with water in handwash sink by prep table. Empty pitcher in handsink near cook line. A handwashing sink may not be used for purposes other than handwashing and shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee use. Removed at time of inspection.

45 4-903.11(A) (C) Unopened box of wrapped silverware stored under front handsink. Store single-use and single-service articles in a clean, dry location; where they are not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination; and at least 6 inches above the floor. Silverware are wrapped individually and still in box, but do not store single-service items under handsinks. Box moved during inspection.

WINDSOR POINT RESTAURANT

1221 BROAD ST, FUQUAY-VARINA, NC, 27526-3602
Inspection Date: 11/24/2025
Score: 99
Grade: A

Observations & Corrective Actions

10 5-202.12;Core; Serving kitchen on second floor not providing hot water. Provide at least 100F water at handsinks. Work order already in place to have handsink repaired with hot water.

49 4-601.11 (B) and (C) Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood Contact Surfaces, and Utensils; Core; Minor dust buildup along vent in walk-in cooler, and a few shelves in this cooler. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of a buildup of dust, dirt, food residue and other debris. Much improvement on nonfood cleaning of equipment from previous inspection. Keep working on cleaning these areas.

Holly Springs Update

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