Concerns Rise as South Carolina Restaurants Receive Low Inspection Grades
In sunny Myrtle Beach, local food enthusiasts may have some questions after the recent round of inspections by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA). The inspectors uncovered some troubling findings that left several popular dining spots receiving less-than-stellar grades. So, let’s dig into the details of what was found in our favorite eateries!
Restaurants Under the Microscope
During the recent inspections, the SCDA generally awards restaurants scores ranging from 88 to 100 points, indicating an “A” grade. Those receiving scores between 78-87 get a “B” grade while any score below 77 results in a “C” grade. Restaurants can also receive lower scores if they have recurring issues, pending enforcement actions, or face imminent health hazards. In this latest inspection, three restaurants scored a B while one received a C. But wait, it gets juicier—only three restaurants actually scored below that coveted 88-point mark!
Getting the Lowdown on Klocker’s Tavern
First up is Klocker’s Tavern, located at 4807 Highway 17 Bypass S.. This establishment scored a concerning 78 during a routine inspection on November 20. Inspectors found a host of issues: open hot dogs and mushrooms that were over a week old. Yikes! That’s not ideal. Additionally, they noted that raw chicken and hot dogs were chilling—well, not chilling—at insufficiently cold temperatures.
To top it all off, an employee was spotted keeping their open personal drink right in the ice bin used for mixed drinks—a big no-no in food safety! It didn’t stop there: inspectors mentioned exposed utility lines and damaged walls. But perhaps the most shocking finding was the amount of grease and grime build up on kitchen floors. A follow-up inspection is set for November 30, so here’s hoping they clean up their act!
Tupelo Honey Cafe: A Sweet Spot With Some Issues
Next on the list is the Tupelo Honey Cafe located at 3042 Howard Ave. This restaurant scored a slightly better 80 after a routine inspection on November 18. However, it still received attention for violations such as molding ginger and open items like fried chicken and chorizo without any date markings. Soiled cleaning rags were also seen not being sanitized, and even the sprayers in the kitchen were noted to be grimy.
That’s not the kind of “sweet” we want when grabbing a bite! They also had issues with the dishwasher temperatures not being hot enough to adequately sanitize utensils, which, let’s be honest, is pretty important. A follow-up inspection is anticipated on November 28, so we’ll see if they can get back into the good graces of the SCDA!
Not Quite Up to Snuff: Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Rounding out our list is the Carrabba’s Italian Grill at 6803 N. Kings Highway, which landed a 81. During the inspection on November 21, inspectors flagged several concerns including steak left out at room temperature and some sauces not held at the right hot temperatures. Plus, we found improperly thawed broccoli and garlic sauce! Not cool, Carrabba’s!
Another alarming discovery was a bar ice bin that was “clogged with standing water and slimy build up.” Yuck! Wet cloths weren’t sanitized between uses and a three-compartment sink was seen being used for both food prep and dirty dishes—definitely not the kind of crossover we want to see in food safety.
The Bottom Line
As restaurant lovers, it can be a little disheartening to hear about these findings. It’s critical for all dining establishments to adhere to health and safety standards to ensure that we can enjoy our favorite meals without any worries. With follow-up inspections scheduled, the hope is that these local spots can rectify their shortcomings and continue to serve up great food safely!
