Local Restaurant Inspections for Holly Springs, Apex and Fuquay-Varina (October 1st through October 15th)
Health inspectors visited and inspected a total of 23 Holly Springs (9), Apex (7) and Fuquay-Varina (7) restaurants.
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 Inspection Scores.
Note: Health inspector’s observations and comments are located below the Summary Scores section.
Holly Springs (9 Listings)
CHEN’S GARDEN | Inspection Date: 10/03/2025 | Score: 98 | Grade: A
DICED SALADS AND WRAPS | Inspection Date: 10/08/2025 | Score: 99 | Grade: A
FABLE BOOKS & CAFE | Inspection Date: 10/02/2025 | Score: 99.5 | Grade: A
OSTERIA G | Inspection Date: 10/01/2025 | Score: 98 | Grade: A
PANDA GARDEN | Inspection Date: 10/01/2025 | Score: 98 | Grade: A
PIMIENTO TEA ROOM | Inspection Date: 10/08/2025 | Score: 99.5 | Grade: A
SPAZIO | Inspection Date: 10/08/2025 | Score: 100 | Grade: A
SUBWAY #40395 | Inspection Date: 10/15/2025 | Score: 99.5 | Grade: A
WING STOP 3176 | Inspection Date: 10/15/2025 | Score: 99.5 | Grade: A
Apex (7 Listings)
EGGS UP GRILL #73 | Inspection Date: 10/15/2025 | Score: 99 | Grade: A
FISH HOUSE EATERY | Inspection Date: 10/01/2025 | Score: 98 | Grade: A
HARRIS TEETER STARBUCKS | Inspection Date: 10/15/2025 | Score: 100 | Grade: A
SERAFINA RISTORANTE | Inspection Date: 10/06/2025 | Score: 97 | Grade: A
SULTAN’S DELI | Inspection Date: 10/14/2025 | Score: 92 | Grade: A
SUPER TARGET FOOD AVE | Inspection Date: 10/09/2025 | Score: 99.5 | Grade: A
TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE | Inspection Date: 10/02/2025 | Score: 98.5 | Grade: A
Fuquay-Varina (7 Listings)
ANNAS PIZZERIA | Inspection Date: 10/01/2025 | Score: 99.5 | Grade: A
CALYX LIVING OF FUQUAY | Inspection Date: 10/01/2025 | Score: 98.5 | Grade: A
CHIPOTLE #3024 | Inspection Date: 10/13/2025 | Score: 99 | Grade: A
CONNECTIONS CAFE | Inspection Date: 10/13/2025 | Score: 99.5 | Grade: A
HIGHGROVE ESTATE | Inspection Date: 10/02/2025 | Score: 98.5 | Grade: A
MAHANA FRESH #2421 | Inspection Date: 10/14/2025 | Score: 96.5 | Grade: A
ZEERA INDIAN RESTAURANT | Inspection Date: 10/02/2025 | Score: 99 | Grade: A
Inspection Observations and Corrective Actions.
HOLLY SPRINGS (9 Restaurants)
CHEN’S GARDEN
523 N MAIN ST, HOLLY SPRINGS 27540
Score: 98
Grade: A
OBSERVATIONS & CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
47 4-101.19 Wooden rack in walk in cooler. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment that are exposed to soiling or that require frequent cleaning shall be constructed of a corrosion-resistant, nonabsorbent, and smooth material.
4-501.11 Some rusty wire shelving in walk in cooler. Equipment shall be kept in good repair.
49 4-602.13 Shelving in walk in cooler has food/soil build-up. Nonfood contact surfaces shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation.
DICED SALADS AND WRAPS
312 N MAIN ST, HOLLY SPRINGS 27540
Score: 99
Grade: A
OBSERVATIONS & CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
39 3-307.11 Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C) Lemon juice bottle sprayer and bottle have soil residue. Removed for cleaning at time of inspection.
55 6-501.12 Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions (C) Some minor cleaning under shelves in walk in cooler with glass door. No points taken.
Additional Comments Want to add Sous Vide, but will be cooking in vacuum bag, opening package and searing on grill daily. Vacuum packaging is never over 48 hours.
FABLE BOOKS & CAFE
219 RALEIGH ST, HOLLY SPRINGS 27540
Score: 99.5
Grade: A
OBSERVATIONS & CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
48 4-302.13 (B) No test strips or electronic device to check high temp machine for proper sanitizing temp. Provide an approved Max/Min thermometer for testing sanitizing temperatures in hot water warewashing machines. The thermometer must be readily accessible. -Pf Purchase strips that turn color at 160F when stuck on utensils.
OSTERIA G
5160 SUNSET LAKE RD, STE 101, HOLLY SPRINGS 27539
Score: 98
Grade: A
OBSERVATIONS & CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
15 3-302.11 (P) Dough stored on top of raw chicken in chest freezer (in plastic wrap-not commercial packaging). Raw pork in drawer cooler in plastic wrap touching bag of spice/garnish. Unless frozen food is commercially processed and in original sealed package it must be stored according to final cook temperatures. Example: Chicken final cook 165F on bottom, ground beef final cook 155F above chicken, and fish final cook 145F above ground beef. Moved.
47 4-501.11 Badly torn gasket on reach in freezer by window. Equipment shall be kept in good repair.
49 4-601.11 (B) and (C) Some minor cleaning in one reach in cooler. Non-food contact surfaces shall be clean to sight and touch. No points taken.
PANDA GARDEN
5249 SUNSET LAKE RD, HOLLY SPRINGS 27540
Score: 98
Grade: A
OBSERVATIONS & CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
10 5-205.11 Drain hose from ac unit is draining into handwash sink. (B) A handwashing sink may not be used for purposes other than handwashing Pf. Hose moved from sink to bucket. No points taken.
47 4-502.11(A) Rusty wire shelving in walk in cooler. Equipment shall be kept in good repair. Replace.
49 4-601.11 (B) and (C) Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood Contact Surfaces, and Utensils (C) Some cleaning needed on walk in cooler shelves. Non-food contact surfaces shall be clean to sight and touch.
PIMIENTO TEA ROOM
200 N MAIN ST, HOLLY SPRINGS 27540
Score: 99.5
Grade: A
OBSERVATIONS & CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
55 6-501.11 Repairing - Premises, Structures, Attachments, and Fixtures - Methods (C) Bathroom wall repair in progress. Have to seal hole. behind toilet. No points taken.
56 6-305.11 Designation - Dressing Areas. Cell phone on wire shelf on top of deli sheet box. Store personal possessions away from food, storage and prep areas related to kitchen.
SPAZIO
128 BASS LAKE RD, HOLLY SPRINGS 27540
Score: 100
Grade: A
OBSERVATIONS & CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
(No violations were cited in the inspection report.)
SUBWAY #40395
7016 GB ALFORD HWY, HOLLY SPRINGS 27540
Score: 99.5
Grade: A
OBSERVATIONS & CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
47 4-501.11 Reach in cooler has large amount of ice build-up in back; and bottom is flooding with water. Make sure unit is not freezing up and repair as necessary. Maintain equipment in good repair.
WING STOP 3176
7212 GB ALFORD HWY, HOLLY SPRINGS 27540
Score: 99.5
Grade: A
OBSERVATIONS & CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
47 4-501.11 Walk in freezer evaporator is freezing up. Unit is currently maintaining temp, but build up is a problem with ice also on floor. Note: work order in for repair.
APEX (7 Restaurants)
EGGS UP GRILL #73
1421 KELLY RD, APEX 27502-9572
Score: 99
Grade: A
OBSERVATIONS & CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
24 3-501.19 (A) (1); Priority Foundation; PIC could not locate their TPHC form used previously for eggs held on time at the cookline. Eggs were observed marked appropriately. Written procedures for Time as a Public Health Control shall be prepared in advance, maintained in the establishment, and made available for the Health Department upon request. Written TPHC procedures must specify methods of compliance with 3-501.19 (B) or (C). CDI- provided new TPHC form. No points taken today.
47 4-202.11; Priority Foundation; Wooden bowl used for chopped ingredients was badly chipped along the sides. Multiuse food-contact surfaces shall be smooth, free of open seams, cracks, chips, pits, sharp internal angles, crevices and assembled to allow access to clean. CDI- bowl voluntarily discarded.
49 4-601.11 (B) and (C); Core; Tall reach-in freezer has dust accumulation on top vent. Food debris observed in gaskets on reach-in freezer. Remnants of plastic coating observed on side of freezer. This prevents easy cleaning. The nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of dust, dirt, food residue and other debris accumulation. Clean freezer unit and remove remaining plastic coating.
FISH HOUSE EATERY
841 PERRY RD, APEX 27502
Score: 98
Grade: A
OBSERVATIONS & CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
23 3-501.17 Ready-To-Eat Time / Temperature Control for Safety Food, Date Marking (Pf): Cole slaw, potato salad, and turkey BBQ missing dates in prep cooler. Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods that are ready-to-eat shall be date marked for a 7 day hold. CDI - dates known and affixed during inspection.
33 3-501.15 Cooling Methods (Pf) Collard greens and green beans cooling in deep containers on top of very shallow ice baths. Cooling shall be accomplished by placing food in shallow portions and if using an ice bath, surrounding the food container with ice, not just the bottom. CDI - food moved to shallow containers and placed in reach-in freezer.
35 3-501.13 (A), (B), (C) Use approved thawing methods. Pf: Raw turkey wings thawing in prep sink without overflow. Thawing shall be accomplished by fully submerging food in running water at a temp of 70F or below that overflows to a drain. CDI - turkey wings moved to a bus tub and allowed to overflow into prep sink.
HARRIS TEETER #496 STARBUCKS
940 US 64 HWY W, APEX 27523
Score: 100
Grade: A
OBSERVATIONS & CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
47 4-501.11 Good Repair and Proper Adjustment - Equipment (C). Coffee pot and cold brew station are leaking water. Equipment shall be maintained in good repair. PIC is advised to repair or replace.
SERAFINA RISTORANTE
126 N SALEM ST, APEX 27502
Score: 97
Grade: A
OBSERVATIONS & CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
16 4-601.11(A) Equipment food contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. -Pf.: Handful of six pans stored as clean with food residue on them. Food contact surfaces shall be clean to sight and touch. CDI - containers moved to dish area to be rewashed.
22 3-501.16 (A) (2) and (B) Time / Temperature Control for Safety Food, Hot and Cold Holding (P): Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods held above 41F in top left portion of large prep cooler and in smaller prep cooler (temps outlined in grid above). TCS foods shall be stored at 41F or below for cold holding. CDI - foods moved to walk-in cooler to re-cool.
23 3-501.17 Ready-To-Eat Time / Temperature Control for Safety Food, Date Marking (Pf): Cooked filets, cooked short ribs, prosciutto in prep cooler all missing date marking. Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods that are ready-to-eat (RTE) shall be date marked not to exceed a hold of 7 days. CDI - dates known and affixed during inspection.
SULTAN’S DELI
1459 BEAVER CREEK COMMONS DR, APEX 27502
Score: 92
Grade: A
OBSERVATIONS & CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
2 2-102.12 (A); Core; PIC has a Serv Safe CFPM certificate, but it expired on 6/06/2024. At least one Supervisor/Manager shall be a certified food protection manager by passing a test, such as Serv Safe, that is part of an ANSI accredited program. This certified person shall be on-site at all times during operation. Reobtain credential.
15 3-302.11(A) (1); Priority; Observed raw beef above produce and chickpeas 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- beef moved to lower shelf. Full points taken for repeat violation.
16 4-501.114; Priority; Bleach water at three compartment sink measured 0-10ppm. Maintain sanitizer at correct concentrations when being used to sanitize. Bleach shall measure 50-200ppm to effectively sanitize. CDI- concentration adjusted.
47 4-501.11; Core; 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 to avoid full point demerit in the future.
49 4-601.11(B) and (C); Core; All cook line cooler gaskets, exterior of fliptop cooler and the counter under grill are soiled with food, debris and are sticky to the touch. 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.
55 6-501.12; Core; Walls near cookline are soiled with buildup of food debris, particularly underneath service counter. 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.
SUPER TARGET #1932 FOOD AVENUE
1201 BEAVER CREEK COMMONS DR, APEX 27502
Score: 99.5
Grade: A
OBSERVATIONS & CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
49 4-601.11 (B); Core; Baking pans have encrusted and burnt on food residue in several spots. Food-contact surfaces of cooking equipment and pans shall be kept free of encrusted grease deposits and other soil accumulations. Replace pans that can no longer be effectively cleaned.
56 6-303.11; Core; 4 out of 5 light bulbs above pizza oven are burnt out. Provide adequate lighting in areas where employees work with food. Replace light bulbs.
Additional Comments No hot holding observed during inspection
TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE
1264 W WILLIAMS ST, APEX 27502
Score: 98.5
Grade: A
OBSERVATIONS & CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
43 3-304.12 (E); Core; Ice scoop was stored in soiled holder. Brown residue observed on bottom of holder. In-use utensils, such as ice scoops or utensils for non-TCS food, must be stored in a clean and protected location. CDI- Holder and scoop removed for cleaning.
47 4-501.11; Core; Ice scoop holder is cracked at the bottom. Several metal container lids were observed rusting underneath and the shiny coating on top is flaking. Coating on base of blender is peeling which prevents easy cleaning. Equipment shall be kept in good repair. Replace these items.
4-202.16; Core; 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. Replace flaking and rusting container lids.
55 6-501.11; Core; FRP wall coating is in poor repair at wall joints above mop sink. Wall joint caulking is also coming apart in this location. Physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair. Repair this area.
Additional Comments No raw animal foods handled in facility. All protein arrives pre-cooked. Nothing held hot or reheated according to PIC
FUQUAY-VARINA (7 Restaurants)
ANNAS PIZZERIA
138 S MAIN ST, FUQUAY-VARINA 27526
Score: 99.5
Grade: A
OBSERVATIONS & CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
43 3-304.12 (F) Scoops and other utensils stored in container of water next to steam well and stove in water at 76F. Containers of water used for storing in-use utensils must be maintained at a temperature of at least 135 F and cleaned at least every 24 hours or when container has accumulated soil or residue. Container moved to stove top during inspection and hot water reached 140F after moving. Consider leaving scoops in the food unit or keep the container warm on the stove.
CALYX LIVING OF FUQUAY DINING
1121 E ACADEMY ST, FUQUAY-VARINA 27526
Score: 98.5
Grade: A
OBSERVATIONS & CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
16 4-501.114; Priority; Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment, Chemical Sanitization - Temperature, pH, Concentration and Hardness; Dish machine chlorine sanitizer tested at 10-20ppm. Mechanical Warewashing chemical solutions shall be sanitizing at correct concentration according to manufactures use instructions. Chlorine solutions shall be 50-200ppm. Solution bucket changed and primed and machine now sanitizing at 50ppm. Use test strips frequently to verify machine is sanitizing properly.
47 4-501.12; Red cutting board with deep cuts and heavily scratched corners. Resurface or replace cutting surfaces that can no longer be effectively cleaned and sanitized. All other cutting boards not as damaged as red board, manager removed red cutting board from dish area to office during inspection. No points deducted. Make sure to resurfaces or replace this cutting board.
CHIPOTLE #3024
1385 N MAIN ST, SUITE 120, FUQUAY-VARINA 27526
Score: 99
Grade: A
OBSERVATIONS & CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
44 4-901.11; Core; Observed clean food containers stacked wet. After cleaning and sanitizing, equipment and utensils shall be air-dried. Completely air dry these items before stacking them.
55 6-501.12; Core; Walls near handwash sink closet to walk in cooler, and dishwash area have food debris. Floors have food/soil debris, particularly under shelving. Physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
CONNECTIONS CAFE
8000 PURFOY RD, FUQUAY-VARINA 27526
Score: 99.5
Grade: A
OBSERVATIONS & CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
48 4-501.14 Warewashing Equipment, Cleaning Frequency; Core; Three compartment sink basins and sides of vegetable prep sink soiled with residue buildup. The compartments of sinks, 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 and at least every 24 hours. Soiled dishes on wash side of sink at beginning of inspection and employee cleaned sink before beginning to wash utensils and equipment.
HIGHGROVE ESTATE
1613 S MAIN ST, FUQUAY-VARINA 27526
Score: 98.5
Grade: A
OBSERVATIONS & CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
23 3-501.18; Priority; Ready-To-Eat Time / Temperature Control for Safety Food, Disposition; House-made dressings and sauces in walk-in cooler including red pepper and green goddess dressing date marked for 9/3 and 9/18. TCS (Time/Temperature Controlled for Safety) foods shall be held for maximum of 7 days, excluding time frozen. These items are not frozen but are kept for employee use when leftover from an event. Ensure items do not exceed the 7 day date marking. When items are prepared and frozen and removed from the freezer, add a second date marking to indicate when removed from freezer unless used within 24 hours from removing. Items exceeding 7 day dates voluntarily discarded during inspection.
48 4-302.14; Priority Foundation; Container of test strips empty and manager unable to locate other test strips during inspection. Another manager arrived onsite at end of inspection and was able to provide other test strips. Provide a test kit that accurately measures sanitizer concentrations, and should be readily available. No points deducted.
MAHANA FRESH #2421
2120 GATHERING SQUARE CT, FUQUAY VARINA 27526
Score: 96.5
Grade: A
OBSERVATIONS & CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
15 3-302.11(A)(1); Priority; Marinated shrimp in container in bottom of flip top cooler on shelf above cooked, ready-to eat pasta. Separate raw animal foods from ready-to-eat foods and washed/unwashed fruits and vegetables. Items rearranged during inspection. No other cross-contamination observed.
16 4-501.114; Priority; Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment, Chemical Sanitization - Temperature, pH, Concentration and Hardness; Dish machine sanitizer empty and chlorine sanitizer solution tested at Oppm. Bottle replaced and machine primed during inspection and solution at 50ppm. Chlorine sanitizer shall be 50-200ppm. Three compartment sink was set up with solution and at about 100ppm chlorine.
21 3-501.16(A) (1); Priority; Chicken, sweet potatoes and other items being held on make line hot holding below 135F. Maintain TCS(Time/Temperature Controlled for Safety) foods in hot holding at 135F or above. Items in hot holding cabinet and rice cookers at 135F and higher. Items in front are not always kept covered with lid during rush services. Educated about the use of TPHC (Time as a Public health Control) after asking about how long foods stay in this serving line. Employee stated items are used within 2 hours or replaced after 3 with fresh. Emailed TPHC forms and highly recommended to begin using these procedures. Owner agreed and has extra whiteboard for labeling the times. Items voluntarily discarded during inspection, and replaced with items from hot holding cabinet.
44 4-903.11 (A); Core; Several whisks hanging on a rack above the dirty side of the three compartment sink. These whisks at risk of being contaminated with splatter from dirty dishes or the sprayer. Store cleaned equipment, utensils, linens in a clean, dry location; where they are not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination; and at least 6 inches above the floor. Whisks moved during inspection.
ZEERA INDIAN RESTAURANT
1311 E BROAD ST, FUQUAY-VARINA 27526
Score: 99
Grade: A
OBSERVATIONS & CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
35 3-501.13 (E); Core; Salmon in ROP packaging in walk-in cooler without cut or opening to allow air when thawing. Reduced oxygen packaged fish, required to be kept frozen until time of use per labeling, shall be removed from the reduced oxygen environment prior to thawing under refrigeration or upon completion of thawing using running water. Packages cut during inspection.
41 3-304.14(B); Core; One wet wiping cloth on counter and one sanitizer bucket with Oppm sanitizer solution. Hold in-use wiping cloths in properly concentrated sanitizer between uses. Bleach/Chlorine sanitizer solution shall be 50-200ppm. Bucket remade during inspection.
44 4-903.11 (A); Immersion Blender placed on the floor of dry storage room with food portion touching the floor. Store cleaned equipment, utensils, linens in a clean, dry location; where they are not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination; and at least 6 inches above the floor. Blender removed from dry storage room and taken to dish washing area during inspection. Blender was not in this area at beginning of inspection, but was placed on the floor during inspection. EC observed and educated new employee about proper storage for food-contact surfaces and equipment. No points deducted.