South Wake Restaurant Inspections: Holly Springs (NC), Apex & Fuquay-Varina (Feb. 1–15)
All establishments passed inspection, with reports highlighting routine maintenance reminders and a few technical issues inspectors commonly monitor.
Holly Springs, NC, Feb. 17, 2026 — Recent health inspections across 13 local food establishments found no closures or critical violations requiring immediate action. Instead, reports largely reflected routine oversight, with inspectors noting areas where kitchens were reminded to maintain consistency in daily practices.
The most common observation involved non-food contact surfaces. Inspectors noted buildup on cooler exteriors, shelving, or equipment at 9 of the 13 establishments, areas that don’t directly touch food but can signal when deeper cleaning cycles need attention.
One inspection documented a hot-held item at 106°F, below the required 135°F minimum. While isolated, temperature control is closely monitored because it directly affects food safety.
Inspectors also noted a few instances where sanitizer solution levels were low or improperly mixed, reducing their effectiveness, as well as handwashing sinks that were temporarily blocked or missing supplies.
Additional reminders included keeping personal items away from prep areas, storing utensils properly, and addressing minor facility wear, such as damaged grout or surfaces that can be harder to sanitize over time.
Overall, inspectors reported kitchens operating safely, with findings largely focused on routine practices that help maintain consistent sanitation standards.
Rules Governing the Sanitation of Food Service Establishments (document)
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 Inspection Scores section.
HOLLY SPRINGS (9)
BASS LAKE DRAFT HOUSE | Inspection Date: 02/05/2026 | Score: 98.5 | Grade: A FREDDY'S #3207 | Inspection Date: 02/13/2026 | Score: 99 | Grade: A NIGHTINGALE | Inspection Date: 02/13/2026 | Score: 99.5 | Grade: A
SMASHED BURGERS | Inspection Date: 02/09/2026 | Score: 99 | Grade: A
SPAZIO | Inspection Date: 02/05/2026 | Score: 100 | Grade: A
TAZIKI'S MEDITERRANEAN | Inspection Date: 02/03/2026 | Score: 98.5 | Grade: A
THE BLIND PELICAN | Inspection Date: 02/05/2026 | Score: 99 | Grade: A
TIJUANA FLATS #182 | Inspection Date: 02/03/2026 | Score: 98 | Grade: A
ZAXBY'S #44901 | Inspection Date: 02/03/2026 | Score: 98 | Grade: A
APEX (3)
LA RANCHERITA | Inspection Date: 02/09/2026 | Score: 98.5 | Grade: A
SORA SUSHI & RAMEN | Inspection Date: 02/10/2026 | Score: 99 | Grade: A
VEGAN COMMUNITY KITCHEN | Inspection Date: 02/06/2026 | Score: 98 | Grade: A
FUQUAY-VARINA (1)
FAMOUS TOASTERY | Inspection Date: 02/03/2026 | Score: 99 | Grade: A
Inspection Observations and Corrective Actions.
HOLLY SPRINGS (9)
BASS LAKE DRAFT HOUSE
124 BASS LAKE RD, HOLLY SPRINGS, NC 27540
Inspection Date: 02/05/2026
Score: 98.5
Grade: A
Observations & Corrective Actions
49 4-601.11 (B) Food debris build up in left make line. Food contact surfaces of cooking equipment and pans shall be kept free of encrusted grease deposits and other soil accumulations.
56 6-501.14 Clean ceiling vents. Cleaning Ventilation Systems, Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)
6-501.110 Using Dressing Rooms and Lockers (C) Employee phone and items on rack to right of make line
FREDDY’S FROZEN CUSTARD STEAKBURGERS #3207
221 GRAND HILL PL, HOLLY SPRINGS, NC 27540
Inspection Date: 02/13/2026
Score: 99
Grade: A
Observations & Corrective Actions
49 4-602.13; Core; Walk in cooler wire shelves have food debris. Self serve soda dispenser has sticky residue around nozzles. (note: nozzles are clean and removed daily for cleaning). Nonfood contact surfaces shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation.
NIGHTINGALE
300 S MAIN ST, 312, HOLLY SPRINGS, NC 27540
Inspection Date: 02/13/2026
Score: 99.5
Grade: A
Observations & Corrective Actions
47 4-501.11 Replace cracked lid on dry goods container. Maintain equipment in good repair.
SMASHED BURGERS COCKTAILS
242 S MAIN ST, STE 118, HOLLY SPRINGS, NC 27540-9094
Inspection Date: 02/09/2026
Score: 99
Grade: A
Observations & Corrective Actions
43 3-304.12 In-Use Utensils, Between-Use Storage (C) Scoop handle buried in sugar. Store in product with handles up and extending out of foods.
49 4-602.13 Some cleaning needed of wire shelves by ice machine. Non-food contact services shall be clean to sight and touch.
SPAZIO
128 BASS LAKE RD, HOLLY SPRINGS, NC 27540
Inspection Date: 02/05/2026
Score: 100
Grade: A
Observations & Corrective Actions
No violations cited.
TAZIKI’S MEDITERRANEAN CAFE
108 GRAND HILL PL, HOLLY SPRINGS, NC 27540
Inspection Date: 02/03/2026
Score: 98.5
Grade: A
Observations & Corrective Actions
21 3-501.16(A) (1) Quinoa at 106F. Hot PHF shall be kept at 135F or above. CDI Food reheat 165. Plastic container set inside second container in steam table- Corrected by removing second container.
THE BLIND PELICAN
120 BASS LAKE RD, HOLLY SPRINGS, NC 27540
Inspection Date: 02/05/2026
Score: 99
Grade: A
Observations & Corrective Actions
39 3-305.11; Core; Cases of food stored on floor below bottom shelf in walk in cooler. Food shall be protected from contamination by storing at least 15 cm (6 inches) above the floor. Cases placed on sheet pans as per code 4-903.11(D) Items that are kept in closed packages may be stored less than 15 cm (6 inches) above the floor on dollies, pallets, racks, and skids that are designed as specified under sec. 4 204.122.
49 4-602.13 Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C) Cleaning needed of one black wire shelf in back. Non-food contact surfaces shall be clean to sight and touch. No points taken.
TIJUANA FLATS #182
161 GRAND HILL PL, HOLLY SPRINGS, NC 27540
Inspection Date: 02/03/2026
Score: 98
Grade: A
Observations & Corrective Actions
41 3-304.14(B) Wipes are above sanitizer in bucket, only about 2 inches cloudy solution in bucket. Hold in-use wiping cloths in properly concentrated sanitizer between uses.
44 4-901.11(A) Observed clean inverted food containers stacked wet. After cleaning and sanitizing, equipment and utensils shall be air-dried. Completely air dry these items before stacking them.
49 4-601.11 (B) Walk in cooler wire shelving has soil build-up, and wire shelves to left of 3 compartment sink are very greasy. Food contact surfaces of cooking equipment and pans shall be kept free of encrusted grease deposits and other soil accumulations.
56 6-501.110 purse stored on storage shelves with restaurant items. Do not store personal items with restaurant equipment and items. No points taken.
ZAXBY’S #44901
101 GRAND HILL PL, HOLLY SPRINGS, NC 27540
Inspection Date: 02/03/2026
Score: 98
Grade: A
Observations & Corrective Actions
43 3-304.12 (E) Plastic blue ice scoop holder needs cleaning. In-use utensils, such as ice scoops or utensils for non-TCS food, must be stored in a clean and protected location.
45 4-903.11(A) (C) Cup lids in sleeves stored on dirty portion of ice machine. Store single-use and single-service articles in a clean, dry location; where they are not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination.
49 4-602.13; Core; Wire shelves above prep table across from 4 compartment sink are sticky/soiled. Nonfood contact surfaces shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation.
APEX (3)
LA RANCHERITA
102 N SALEM ST, APEX, NC 27502-1428
Inspection Date: 02/09/2026
Score: 98.5
Grade: A
Observations & Corrective Actions
49 4-602.13 Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C) Detail clean exteriors and underneath equipment. Non food contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned frequently to preclude accumulation of soil residues. PIC advised.
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.REPEAT VIOLATION
SORA SUSHI & RAMEN
930 BROADSTONE WAY, STE 100, APEX, NC 27502
Inspection Date: 02/10/2026
Score: 99
Grade: A
Observations & Corrective Actions
10 5-205.11 (B) Washing in handwash sink. A handwashing sink may not be used for purposes other than handwashing Pf.
VEGAN COMMUNITY KITCHEN
803 E WILLIAMS ST, APEX, NC 27502
Inspection Date: 02/06/2026
Score: 98
Grade: A
Observations & Corrective Actions
16 4-602.12 Cooking and Baking Equipment (C) The inside of the microwave contains food splatter and build up. The cavities and door seals of microwave ovens shall be cleaned at least every 24 hours by using the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning procedure. The PIC cleaned the microwave during the inspection.CORRECTED DURING INPSECTION(CDI)
49 4-602.13 Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C) The exterior surfaces of the reach in cooler, prep unit/lowboy, and microwave contain build up and food debris. Non food contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned frequently to preclude accumulation of soil residues. PIC is advised.
FUQUAY-VARINA (1)
FAMOUS TOASTERY
612 LAKESTONE COMMONS AVE, STE 130, FUQUAY VARINA, NC 27526
Inspection Date: 02/03/2026
Score: 99
Grade: A
Observations & Corrective Actions
41 3-304.14(B); Core; Two sanitizer buckets with weak or Oppm quaternary sanitizer solution. Hold in-use wiping cloths in properly concentrated sanitizer between uses. Quaternary sanitizer shall be 200-400ppm. Sanitizer checked at sink and at 200ppm. Buckets are filled using tube from sink individually. EC recommended to fill sink with sanitizer and dip all buckets into sink to ensure all at correct concentration. Buckets replaced during inspection.
+4
48 4-501.14; Core; Warewashing Equipment, Cleaning Frequency; Outside of dish machine soiled with residue buildup. Drainboards with some food debris. Warewashing equipment, sink basins, drainboards and other equipment used for washing and rinsing equipment and utensils shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to prevent recontamination, and at least every 24 hours if used. Clean these areas more frequency. Employee cleaned these areas during inspection.
+2
49 4-601.11 (B) and (C) Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood Contact Surfaces, and Utensils; Core; Walk-in cooler shelving, handle on reach-in freezer, and side of ice machine soiled with food debris and residue splatter. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of a buildup of dust, dirt, food residue and other debris. Clean these areas more frequently.