Live roaches, gunky microwaves & more in Upstate restaurants with worst January inspections
South Carolina health inspectors found multiple violations at restaurants in the Upstate in January, from living roaches to workers not washing their hands between tasks. The state each month releases grades and inspection reports for food establishments across Upstate counties.
Here are the restaurants that received some of the lowest ratings in January.
Taco Riendo at 3310 Walhalla Hwy in Pickens
Taco Riendo had an inspection on Jan. 23 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed employees not washing hands when changing tasks.
Raw animal foods were seen not stored below prepared foods to prevent contamination. Equipment was seen not stored as clean. Certain foods were seen not kept at proper holding temperatures. Wiping towels in the kitchen were seen used for more than one task.
The restaurant had a required followup inspection on Jan. 30 and got a B grade.
Rigsby’s at 3070 Boiling Springs Road in Spartanburg
Rigsby’s had an inspection on Jan. 7 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed an employee changing gloves without washing hands.
The hand sink was seen without soap available. Certain foods were seen not kept at proper holding temperatures. Buildup of food debris was seen inside the microwave. A buildup of organic material was seen on equipment and door handles.
The restaurant had a required followup inspection on Jan. 17 and got an A grade.
Theo’s Family Restaurant at 1941 Highway 101 South in Spartanburg
Theo’s Family Restaurant had an inspection on Jan. 13 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed an employee taking out the trash the returning to work on a new task without washing hands.
Raw meat was seen stored above lettuce in the walk-in cooler. Organic material was seen inside the ice machine. Certain foods were seen not kept at proper holding temperatures. Coffee pot cleaner and WD40 were seen stored with spices.
The restaurant had a required followup inspection on Jan. 14 and got an A grade.
El Horno Bakery at 3058 Wade Hampton Blvd in Greenville
El Horno Bakery had an inspection on Jan. 6 and got a C grade.
An inspector observed live roaches by the cake decoration area and reach-in cooler. Also observed were several boxes of jam, bags of flour and shortening stored on the floor.
An employee was seen drinking from an uncovered cup next to food. The flour mixer and dough cutter were seen with excessive amounts of dry buildup on them. Certain foods were seen not kept at proper holding temperatures. Grease and dry food buildup was seen throughout the kitchen.
The business had a required followup inspection on Jan. 15 and got an A grade.
This story was originally published February 10, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
