Hamilton, Catoosa, and Walker Counties, September 11, 2025
News Summary
The health departments of Hamilton, Catoosa, and Walker Counties released their biannual food service inspection results, showing varying health scores among local restaurants. While some establishments received high scores, others faced concerning violations including inadequate food storage and cleanliness issues. Community awareness about food safety and compliance with health standards are emphasized for maintaining public safety in dining establishments.
Local Restaurant Inspections Reveal Mixed Health Scores for Hamilton, Catoosa, and Walker Counties
The health departments of Hamilton County, Catoosa County, and Walker County have released the results of their biannual food service inspections, revealing a mixed bag of health scores for local restaurants and food establishments. Inspections, which are conducted on a 100-point scale, aim to ensure compliance with essential health standards vital for public safety.
During the week ending September 9, several establishments garnered concerning scores, leading to potential reinspection due to critical health violations. Jersey Mike’s scored a 87, citing issues including contaminated sugar storage, inadequate date marking, and excessive dirt in food areas. Similarly, Primo Restaurant received an 89, with personnel using incorrect reheating methods and failing to keep garlic in oil at the appropriate temperature. Mexiville Mexican Restaurant tracked an inspection score of 90, indicating salsa abuse, improperly labeled foods, and unsanitary conditions in its walk-in cooler.
On a more positive note, several local eateries achieved scores in the 90s. Establishments such as Embassy Suites and Popeyes both scored 91, while Newk’s Eatery and Volunteer Community School Kitchen each managed scores of 92. Furthermore, restaurants scored between 93 and 98, including notable names like Bojangles and Pizza Hut. Perfect scores of 100 were awarded to select establishments, including Anomaly at OddStory Brewing Co., Chattanooga Pizza Co., and Firehouse Subs.
However, not all inspection results were encouraging. Crust Pizza received a low score of 67, failing largely due to dirty pizza ovens, accumulation of food debris, and unprotected food items. Conga Kitchen followed with a score of 79, which was attributed to critical faults such as raw fish stored alongside chicken and inadequate food storage practices. These low scores highlight the urgent need for stringent compliance with food safety practices among restaurant workers.
In addition, Hamilton County schools reported strong performance, scoring in the high 80s to low 100s during their recent inspections. This indicates a commitment to maintaining health standards within the educational institutions.
The health departments emphasize the importance of community awareness, encouraging local residents to remain informed about food safety practices and report any health-related concerns. Individuals can voice complaints to the following health departments: the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department, reachable at 423-209-8110; the Catoosa County Health Department at 706-406-2030; and the Walker County Health Department at 706-639-2574.
Recent Inspection Scores Summary
| Restaurant | Score | Notable Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Jersey Mike’s | 87 | Contaminated sugar storage, inadequate date-marking, excessive dirt |
| Primo Restaurant | 89 | Incorrect reheating methods, garlic temperature issues |
| Mexiville Mexican Restaurant | 90 | Salsa sitting out, unsanitary conditions |
| Embassy Suites | 91 | No significant issues reported |
| Popeyes | 91 | No significant issues reported |
| Newk’s Eatery | 92 | No significant issues reported |
| Volunteer Community School Kitchen | 92 | No significant issues reported |
| Crust Pizza | 67 | Dirty ovens, food debris, unprotected food |
| Conga Kitchen | 79 | Raw fish stored with chicken |
Conclusion
The health inspection results underscore the need for local restaurants and food establishments to adhere to health standards that safeguard consumer health. Community involvement and communication with health departments play a vital role in ensuring a safe dining experience for all.
FAQs
How frequently are restaurants inspected in Hamilton, Catoosa, and Walker Counties?
Restaurants are inspected biannually by the health departments of the respective counties.
What is the scoring system utilized for health inspections?
Restaurants are scored on a 100-point scale during health inspections, and establishments must meet critical health standards to avoid reinspection.
What should I do if I have a complaint about a food establishment?
You can file a complaint with the health department for your county. Contact the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department at 423-209-8110, Catoosa County Health Department at 706-406-2030, or Walker County Health Department at 706-639-2574.
Are the inspection scores and their associated issues publicly available?
Yes, inspection scores and details regarding health violations are published and available to the public for transparency regarding food safety.
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Additional Resources
- Local 3 News: Pizza Place Fails Inspection
- Wikipedia: Food Safety
- Times Free Press: Unwashed Hands and Improper Storage
- Google Search: Restaurant Health Inspections
- Local 3 News: Inspector Finds Food Issues
- Google Scholar: Food Safety Violations
- Times Free Press: Fruit Flies and Adulterated Cans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Health Inspection
- Local 3 News: Perfect Health Inspection Scores
- Google News: Restaurant Inspection Results
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
