These Midlands restaurants had the lowest health inspection ratings in February
Fruit flies and roaches and signs of rodents, oh my. State health inspectors found a number of pests, dead and alive, while inspecting Midlands restaurants in February.
The state Department of Health and Environmental Control each month releases grades and inspection reports for food establishments across Lexington and Richland counties.
Here are the restaurants that received some of the lowest ratings in February, based on The State’s review.
▪ Fatz on Main Street in Lexington
Fatz was awarded a 74 or a C on Feb. 8.
While at the restaurant, inspectors documented raw chicken stored over already made chips. There were signs that juices had dripped onto the chips, according to the DHEC report. Inspectors also recorded live roaches in the kitchen and found dead roaches in a cooler where single serve items were being stored. Dirty dishware was stored as clean, and “heavily crusted pitchers” were being used for scoops in bulk food containers. Shelving below the make line, the fronts of equipment and the inside of the cooler were “soiled and sticky to the touch,” inspectors wrote.
Fatz has scored a mix of A’s and C’s dating back to November. Before then, the restaurant consistently was awarded an A. During a Feb. 17 follow-up, Fatz was given an A.
▪ Miyabi on Columbiana Drive in Harbison
Miyabi was given an 85, or a B, after a Feb. 22 inspection.
Fruit flies were noticed around the trough drain areas, and dead roaches were found in the back hibachi area and on top of wrapped silverware, according to the DHEC report.
State health inspectors recorded an employee eating in the food prep area when they arrived at the kitchen, and an employee touching food with bare hands. None of the hand sinks were supplied with soap.
This month’s inspection marked the first time Miyabi scored lower than an A.
Miyabi has yet to receive a follow-up inspection.
▪ Nicks Gyros and Seafood, Saint Andrews Drive in Columbia
Nicks Gyros and Seafood scored a 73, or a C, after a Feb. 17 DHEC inspection.
At the restaurant, DHEC inspectors saw fruit flies at the dish line, the back storage and in the kitchen. They also saw “evidence of rodents,” according to their report. Equipment was being stored with food debris on the cook line, and there was splash and buildup on the exterior of equipment throughout the kitchen. DHEC inspectors noted black buildup at the dish line. Inspectors also saw chemicals stored next to open containers of sauce.
Nick’s has scored a mix of A’s and B’s in past inspections. During a follow-up inspection on Feb. 25, Nick’s was given a C.
▪ Persis Biryani Grill on Bush River Road in Columbia
Persis Biryani Grill was given a 64, or a C, after a Feb. 10 inspection.
At the restaurant, DHEC inspectors documented “fuzzy growth” on some produce, and other produce were discolored. They also recorded pests on bulk ingredients, and found roach, drain and fruit fly activity in the dish area, the prep area and the storage areas, and dead pests throughout the kitchen.
Black, pink and brown buildup was found inside the ice machine. A buildup of grease and food matter were found on the outside of equipment, and a “black, thick biofilm” was built up under equipment on the cook line, dish line and storage. Employees were seen not washing their hands between points of contamination and handling ready to eat food items with bare hands.
On past inspections, Persis has received a mix of A’s and C’s. During two recent follow-up inspections, Persis was awarded with C’s. On a Feb. 28 follow-up, Persis was given an A.
Here are the past months’ restaurant inspections:
▪ September and October inspection reports
This story was originally published February 28, 2022 at 1:06 PM.
