Chattanooga Food Establishments Get Graded in Recent Health Inspections
Hey there, Chattanooga food lovers! If you’ve ever wondered how your favorite eateries fared under health inspections, you’re in luck! Our local health departments have released their latest scores, and we’re diving into the details. As a friendly reminder, establishments in Hamilton County, Catoosa County, and Walker County are inspected biannually, receiving grades on a 100-point scale. A little bit of transparency goes a long way in helping us make informed choices about where to grab a bite!
Inspection Scores Overview
For the week ending October 29, 2024, scores ranged widely from a perfect 100 down to some lower results that raised concern. Let’s take a closer look at how some establishments fared this time around.
Lower Scoring Establishments
First up, we have Hunan Wok, located at 2201 E. 23rd St. They scored an 83, which is a few points below the passing mark. Some key issues included an employee returning from the restroom without washing their hands, raw foods stored too close to cooked items, and even some dirty surfaces. The inspectors noted that there were also wet wiping cloths improperly stored on working surfaces. Sounds like it might be time for a quick refresher on food safety!
Following closely behind, Naked River Brewing Co. received an 85. Reported concerns included improperly stored raw eggs, which were noted to be sitting atop buttermilk, and multiple items in the walk-in cooler lacking date marks. Additionally, there were flies spotted in the kitchen, giving it an unexpected unwelcome vibe.
Waffle House, a beloved breakfast stop at 5466 Highway 153, also found itself on the lower end with an 85. Inspectors noted poor conditions of the lettuce and several maintenance issues, including a sink leak. Looks like it might be time for some sprucing up over there!
Top Performers
On a much brighter note, we’ve got a long list of winners! Starting off strong, Avid Hotel, located at 50 Credit Union Way in Ringgold, scored a sparkling 100. Talk about perfection! Following them are some excellent establishments, including Busy Bee Learning Center and Chicken Salad Chick, which also proudly flaunted their perfect scores. It’s great to see places committed to upholding top-notch health standards!
Also making the list with impressive grades were Chipotle at 2989 Battlefield Parkway with a 99 score, and Starbucks Café at 1 Cameron Hill Circle, who also scored a cool 99. These beloved spots show us that consistency is key when it comes to maintaining high health standards.
Where to Turn for Help
Now, if you ever notice something amiss during your dining experiences, it’s essential to speak up! You can always file a health-related complaint by reaching out to the local health departments. For Chattanooga-Hamilton County, dial 423-209-8110; for Catoosa County, the number is 706-406-2030; and for Walker County, give them a call at 706-639-2574. They’re all here to ensure our dining experiences are safe and enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up this round of health inspections, it’s impressive to see the variety of scores across our local eateries. Whether you’re craving a perfect score pizza or just looking to grab lunch at a trusted spot, knowing these inspection results helps us find the best places to eat around Chattanooga. Let’s support our local food scene while keeping in mind the importance of food safety! Happy dining, everyone!