MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Whenever you go out to eat, knowing which kitchen is clean and what food is safe can mean the difference between a second helping or sending something back.
These scores are meant to help inform Memphis and Shelby County residents about what places pass and which ones need to clean up.
The Tennessee Department of Health posts scores regularly and updates them frequently. Click the link to learn more.
Top ScoresAlfred’s (Bar) | 197 Beale St. Memphis, TN 38103Alpha Omega Veterans Services, INC | 3114 Jackson Ave. Memphis, TN 38112AP Lemonade Sensation (Mobile Unit) | 1497 Timber Line Cv. Memphis, TN 38016Bar DKDC (Bar) | 964 Cooper St. Memphis, TN 38104Bardog Taven (Bar) | 73 Monroe Ave. Memphis, TN 38103Buffalo Wild Wings | 8544 Highway 51 N. Millington, TN 38053Chick-Fil-A | 6730 Raleigh LaGrange Ave. Memphis, TN 38105Dominos Event Center | 266 Danny Thomas Pl. Memphis, TN 38105Glizzy Gourmet Hot Dogs | 5431 Millers Glen Ln. Memphis, TN 38125McDonald’s | 1959 Whitten Rd. Memphis, TN 38133Something Desi (Mobile Unit) | 2683 Hunters Forest Dr. Germantown, TN 38138Taqueria de Leon (Mobile Unit) | 1985 Thomas Rd. Memphis, TN 38134Taqueria LaGuadalupana | 4818 Summer Ave. Memphis, TN 38122Taqueria Ta-Keriendo (Mobile Unit) | 6967 East Shelby Dr. Memphis, TN 38125
Low Scores
Red Suns – 85 | 2769 Wolfcreek Pkwy. Suite 1055 Bartlett, TN 38133
Person in charge (PIC) was unable to demonstrate knowledge of proper food safety standards that ensures proper food operations and customer safetyGeneral manager was off on the day of inspectionPIC notified that the buffet food items were under 135 °F, dumplings were reading °F, fried fish was reading 108 °F, chicken tenders were reading 112 °FPIC was notified that cold holding food items on sushi bar were reading over 41 °FPIC was notified that there is no date marking system taking place for ready-to-eat foodsPIC was notified that the inspector was unable to locate the internal hanging thermometers for the kitchen ice chest, walk-in and freezersPIC was notified that sushi bar rolls and chip containers were not labelledPIC was notified that the interior walk-in door is damagedPIC was notified that dish racks have dark debris presentPIC was notified that wooden pallets are not a suitable shelf. Walk-in shelving is dirty and not in good repairBoth restroom exhaust vents are visibly dustyPIC was notified that the women’s restroom is missing covered trash receptaclesCurrent food permit not postedNo “no smoking” sign posted at the entrance
Inspector’s Note: Please correct the priority violations prior to follow-up visit in 10 days.
Alfred’s (Restaurant)– 84 | 197 Beale St. Memphis, TN 38103
Can opener had buildup present. Onions and mushrooms are sitting in a pan on the grill reading 95 °F and 101 °F. Ribs and pork butts are not maintaining 135 °FItems on the cook line are not maintaining 41 °FLettuce, tomatoes, and sausage were discardedNew product was placed and ice was put underneath pans to maintain temperaturesItems in cooler drawers under the grill were not maintaining 41 °F Fish and ground beef patties were discardedUnlabeled dry ingredients are present next to the fryersScoop handle in flour was touching ingredientPlastic cup used as a scoop in dry rubFryers have grease buildupHand dryer in the women’s restroom is inoperableTrash cans do not have lids in the women’s restroomCeiling tiles are stained, damaged or missing in the dish areaVents have dust buildup present
Kentucky Fried Chicken – 83 | 8995 Highway 64 E. Lakeland, TN 38002
Person in charge (PIC) notified during inspectionPIC notified that there are no paper towels available at any kitchen hand washing stationPIC notified that the walk-in freezer and hot holding unit in the kitchen are not in a state of good repairPIC was informed that it is the facility’s responsibility to mark equipment that is out of order to avoid accidental usePIC was unable to locate internal hanging thermometersPIC was notified that the drive-thru window is propped openPIC notified that the fry cook is actively handling and preparing chicken wings is working with a full beard and no beard guardPIC was notified that clean stainless steel pans are stored wetUnderside of steam table shelf over food observed with dried food debrisPIC was notified that the women’s restroom toilet tissue is resting on the rail and not in the dispenserAir hand dryer is also damaged. Light fixture is missing a bulbPIC notified that the men’s restroom toilet is clogged with paper towels, back of the toilet is cracked. Exhaust vents in both restrooms are broken. Toilet paper is laying on the rail and not in the dispenserSoap dispenser is brokenPIC was notified of broken, missing kitchen floor tiles. Ceiling tiles are dirty as wellPIC notified that floor tiles in the kitchen are missing or damaged and that water was pooling on floor tilesPIC notified that the current food permit is expired.
Inspector’s note: Please correct the priority violations prior to follow-up visit in 10 days.
Waffle House – 83 | 11636 Highway 70 Arlington, TN 38002
Person in charge (PIC) notified both the front of house and customer facing beverage machine nozzles in the kitchen have dark debris built upPIC verified that raw eggs eggs were held out at room temperature are reading 70 °F and not time stampedPIC notified that chemical spray bottles were improperly stored on the shelf with syrup bottlesPIC notified chemical spray bottles were not labelledPIC notified unlabeled food items present in the kitchen refrigeratorsPIC notified that a pan of pecans was observed unlabeled and improperly stored above the toasterPIC notified that wiping clothes were observed being improperly stored on the kitchen prep tablesCurrent food permit needs to be posted
Inspector’s note: Priority violations need to be corrected. Follow-up visit in 10 days.
Bardog Tavern – 82 | 73 Monroe Ave. Memphis, TN 38103
Employee observed opening package of raw beef with gloved hands, removed the gloves and put on new ones without washing hands firstIce machines have buildup presentUnlabeled chemical bottle present at the dish washing machineSalmon is observed thawing in the reach-in cooler while still inside vacuum packagingVacuum packing states that it must be removed prior to thawingEmployee observed not wearing a beard guardIce scoop observed stored on top of the ice machine
B.B. King’s Blues – 78 | 143 Beale St. Memphis, TN 38103
Hand sink on cook line does not have paper towelsIce machine has black buildup presentChicken wings and shrimp in the fryer prep cooler are reading in the 50s °FAsterisks were not placed next to burger on menu that are offered undercookedContainer of raw fish was placed in hand sink to add waterTongs improperly stored on oven railingsPlastic ramekins used as scoops in croutons and baconThree compartment sink next to hot box has a leaky pipeDish washing machine is leaking a large amount of water onto the floorTwo of the women’s restroom stalls are missing lids for trash cansFloor next to the mop sink is not clean
Booya’s Restaurant – 78 | 954 W. Poplar Ave. Collierville, TN 38017
Observed raw chicken wings stored over raw beef. Cut pineapples stored on top of raw beef.Raw fish stored over sauce containersRaw eggs stored on top and above produceObserved worn standard cutting boards with deep grooves and stainsNeeds to be discarded and replaced because it cannot be properly sanitizedObserved rust buildup present on the can openerNeeds to be discarded and replacedObserved cooked chicken wings and tenders stored on the prep counter reading 77-78 °F. Cook said that wings and tenders are cooked at opening and left on the counter until an order is placedNo internal thermometers present inside most coolers and freezersUnlabeled food containers observedBoxes of food observed stored on the ground of the walk-in coolerWiping cloth observed being stored on the counterScoops observed inside sugar and rice containersObserved a pipe leaking under the three compartment sinkObserved damaged floor tiles near the grill
Chili’s – 73 | 237 Market Blvd. Collierville, TN 38017
Observed multiple priority violations regarding employee health, food contact surface sanitization, and proper cold holdingEmployee health policy is present at clock in system. An employee who had reportable symptoms clocked in and failed to follow the employee health policy. Person in charge (PIC) said that an employee clocked in and then not long after the employee started their shift, told a line cook they were sick and had been vomiting. Employee was in the bathroom for the entirety of the inspectionEmployees with reportable symptoms should be excluded from workWorn cutting board observed with deep grooves and stainsNeeds to be discarded and replaced since it cannot be sanitized properlyRaw chicken observed reading 49 °F inside the chicken prep cooler. All chicken was discardedThe cooler itself was reading 68 °F due to the cooler being unpluggedUnlabeled sauce bottles observedUncovered food containers observed in the walk-in cooler and on the line Wiping cloth observed being stored on the countersClean plates observed not properly invertedExcessive food debris observed on the floor
South of Beale – 76 (unchanged) | 345 South Main St. Suite 101 Memphis, TN 38103 (Follow-up)
Employee was observed washing dishes, removing gloves, putting on a new pair of gloves and then preparing food without washing handsViolations corrected 7/27Ice machine has pink and black buildup presentViolation not corrected 7/27Can opener has buildup presentViolation not corrected 7/27Salmon was reading 115 °F after being cookedCold holding items at prep station are not maintaining 41 °F Items are still not maintaining 41 °FChicken reading at 70 °F in cooler drawers is elevating the temperature of other items in the coolerItems are not maintaining 41 °F as of 7/27Prep cooler in the middle of the cook line is not maintaining 41 °FArugula and spring mix was discardedCooler is still not maintaining 41 °FTongs were improperly stored on oven railingScoop handle in sugar bin is touching sugarPlastic container is used to scoop dry beans and sugar containerCeiling tiles near vents have a dust buildupTrash bags needs in the covered trash cans in the women’s restroomsNo “no smoking” sign present at the front entrance
Inspector’s Note: Priority violations were not corrected. Management is waiting for technicians to come out and service the coolers and clean the ice machine.
Dixie Queen – 70 | 6769 E. Shelby Dr. Memphis, TN 38141
Multiple priority violations observedDemonstrated a lack of knowledgeMultiple cases of raw chicken wings stacked on top of empty bread racks in the back of the kitchen. Employees observed using empty bread racks to transport cooked food and/or ready to eat food items to reach-in coolers. Raw chicken needs to be moved to a clean designated areaWash, rinse and sanitize the racksIce machine is dirty and has slight buildupCutting board attached to prep cooler is stained and has deep grooves. Cooked chicken wings observed improperly cooling in the deep clear bin with a lid at room temperatureChicken temped at 126 °FDemonstrated proper cooling process to person in charge (PIC)Reach-in cooler observed reading at 52 °FChicken wings and burger patties improperly thawing in still waterNo interior thermometers present inside coolers or freezersEmployees observed not wearing proper hair restraintsInterior of several coolers or freezers are dirtySpread racks used to house breads and seasonings are dirty and covered with debrisBlack buildup present at three compartment sinkTop of portion of ice machine panel is broken and needs repairMop sink is dirty and has black buildupTrash can in women’s restroom does not have a lidContainers of old grease and oil observed in the back of the kitchenBlack buildup and dirty accumulation observed on walls and floors throughout the food service establishmentMissing floor tiles observed
Inspector’s note: Deep cleaning of the establishment and food handler’s class is highly recommended.
King Jerry Lawler’s Hall of Fame Bar & Grill – 56 | 159 Beale St. Memphis, TN 38103
Employee working in the kitchen did not have food safety trainingEmployee was observed to able to wash hands because both hand sinks are not supplied for handwashingEmployee was seen handling food and dishes without washing handsNeither hand sank in the kitchen area are not adequately supplied for washing handsMolded tomatoes present inside walk-in coolerCutting board has excessive grooves and needs replacementImproper reheating of hit holding items Items were placed directly into the hot holding wellNeither walk-in coolers are maintaining 41 °FAll items inside the cooler were discardedEstablishment must close due to imminent health hazard due to the incapability of maintaining cold holding temperaturesWalk-in cooler has large opening at the base of the doorBack door was wide open with flies present in the kitchen areaRodent droppings present in the kitchen in front of the walk-in cooler and in the back storage roomLiquid from raw pork is covering the right walk-in cooler’s floorUncovered food items are present inside walk-in coolerUnclean towels are present in the three compartment sinkBoxes of single-use items are stored on the floorPlastic ramekin used as a scoop in the baked beansChest freezer has ice buildup presentArea under the tea urns is not cleanMicrowave interior needs to be cleanedStove top has grease buildup presentUnclean carboard used to line the wall of the walk-in coolerOutside sugar bin is not cleanToilet paper holder is missing from the far right women’s stall in the restroomTrash cans in the women’s restroom are missing lids and one trash was overflowingFar left restroom stall in the women’s restroom is unclean as vomit appears to be on the toilet seatToilet paper roll is on the floor of the men’s restroom. Soap or paper towels were not present in the men’s restroom. Toilet was unclean as wellPaper towels are missing from the women’s restroomFloor grate on the floor at cook line is brokenNeeds repair so rodents can’t enter the buildingFryers are not placed under a ventahood
Inspector’s note: Permits are expired. Establishment must close due to imminent health hazard.
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Dining and Cooking