Food Inspection Scores Show Mixed Results Among Chattanooga Restaurants

Food Inspection Scores Released: Mixed Results from Local Eateries

Hey there, Chattanooga! If you’re one to keep an eye on the cleanliness of your favorite local restaurants, we’ve got some fresh updates for you. Recent food inspection scores are in, and they’re shedding some light on the good, the bad, and frankly, the ugly. Here’s the scoop from inspections carried out up until September 10, 2024.

The Not-So-Great News

Some eateries are falling short when it comes to hygiene and safety standards. Jack’s at 3530 Cummings Highway scored a 72, with inspectors finding multiple issues including a lack of control over foodborne illness risk factors, dirty surfaces, and shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes held at unsafe temperatures. Also, the thermometer in the cook-line refrigerator was found to be inaccurate, and clean dishes were stored on dirty surfaces. It seems like they have quite the to-do list for improvements!

Next up, Huddle House at 5611 Brainerd Road scored an 80. This location had problems with their high-temperature dish machine not reaching the correct temperatures, unlabeled food items, and improper storage of cleaning products like Windex.

Agave & Rye at 185 Chestnut St. and Taqueria el Jaguar at 807 Dodds Ave. both scored an 86. Some notable issues ranged from servers eating in food prep areas to improper cooling of food items. Both establishments will need to step up their game to meet higher standards.

On the Positive Side

But it’s not all doom and gloom, folks! Many of our local spots are doing a stellar job. Scoring an excellent 99, the following venues have shown they know how to keep things clean and safe:

• California Smothered Burritos (Mobile Unit) at 5612 Alabama Ave.
• Krystal at 3409 Amnicola Highway
• Little Caesars at 531 Signal Mountain Road
• Primrose School of Hixson at 5170 Preschool Lane
• Subway at 815 University St.
• Taco Bell at 5439 Highway 153

Perfect Scores – Worth a Shout!

And drum roll please… a whole lot of establishments hit the perfect score of 100! Yes, you read that right. Here are just a few of them:

• Chick-fil-A at 209 Northgate Mall
• Hixson First Baptist Day Care at 5800 Grubb Road
• Los Potros at 9408 Apison Pike, Suite 146
• Panda Express at 8967 Old Lee Highway
• James A. Henry Community YMCA at 3500 Dodds Ave., Suite 108

It’s reassuring to know that many of our favorite places are at the top of their game.

Takeaway

So, Chattanooga, while we have some eateries needing to tidy up their act, we’ve also got a fantastic bunch maintaining spotless conditions. Whether you’re grabbing a meal or dropping your child off at school, it’s good to know some places take cleanliness as seriously as we do.

Remember, if you’ve got concerns about food safety somewhere, you have the power to act. Dial up the respective health department and make your voice heard. For Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department, call 423-209-8110. For Catoosa County Health Department, reach out at 706-406-2030, and for Walker County Health Department, dial 706-639-2574.

Let’s keep Chattanooga not only vibrant but also safe and hygienic for everyone. Until next time, happy dining!