News Summary
Romeo’s Vegan Burgers in South Charlotte has unexpectedly received a ‘B’ health inspection grade due to numerous violations. The March 12 inspection revealed concerns such as pest presence, moldy food items, and improper food storage practices. This grade represents a significant drop in sanitation standards for the eatery, leaving patrons concerned about food safety. The community is now watching closely to see how the restaurant addresses these issues and if they can regain their coveted ‘A’ grade in future inspections.
Alert for Foodies: South Charlotte’s Romeo’s Vegan Burgers Receives a “B” Grade
In the heart of South Charlotte, food lovers flock to Romeo’s Vegan Burgers at 5518 South Blvd., known for its stylish vegan menu and tasty plant-based options. However, it seems the restaurant has hit a rough patch, recently receiving a less-than-stellar “B” grade for health violations from the Mecklenburg County Health Department.
Inspection Outcome: Not So Tasty
The inspection took place on March 12, 2025, and with a score of 88.5%, it marked the first time this popular eatery has been handed a “B” grade. This certainly comes as a surprise to many, as patrons have enjoyed their meals, blissfully unaware of the issues lurking behind the kitchen doors.
Health Violations: What Were They Thinking?
So, what exactly led to this troubling grade? Let’s break it down. The health inspectors discovered:
- Two wasps buzzing around in the back kitchen area, certainly not the kind of guests one wants while prepping tasty burgers.
- Numerous dead insects near the prep sink, raising serious concerns about cleanliness.
- A container of cheese sauce sitting in the walk-in cooler was found to have mold. Spooooky!
- Several items stored in cold holding were recorded as being above the right temperature. This could lead to some very unhappy stomachs!
- A can of Raid spray was located at the sink, which is definitely not how you want to handle pest control.
- Some sauce bottles were found without labels, leaving patrons guessing what they might be drenching their meals in.
- Pickles were sitting on the floor of the walk-in cooler, instead of being stored properly on shelves. Yikes!
- There was an accumulation of residue on the bottom shelf of the grill—definitely not appetizing.
- The floor behind the ice machine and under the grill showed an alarming amount of debris and residue. Not cool!
Comparing Scores: A Surprising Find
For context, the Mecklenburg County sanitation grades database reported that during the inspection week of March 7-13 alone, at least 145 restaurant inspections were conducted. To add to the saga, Romeo’s Vegan Burgers was the only establishment in that timeframe to earn a score below the coveted “A” grade, which requires a minimum score of 90%.
Health Regulations: What’s at Stake?
It’s important to remember that sanitation grades in North Carolina are not merely for show; these grades are a vital part of ensuring food safety and preventing food-borne illnesses. Under state law, restaurants receiving a score below 70% risk losing their health permits entirely. What would that mean for our beloved Romeo’s?
The Road Ahead
As the news of the “B” grade spreads, the community is keeping a close eye on Romeo’s Vegan Burgers. Will they bounce back and earn that coveted “A” grade next time around? Or will they struggle to keep customers coming through the door after this disappointing inspection?
Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—patrons will likely think twice before taking their next trip to this burger haven. Stay tuned for updates as we track how Romeo’s addresses these issues moving forward!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer: Alert for Foodies: South Charlotte’s Romeo’s Vegan Burgers Receives a “B” Grade
- Wikipedia: Food safety
- Herald Online: Health inspections in North Carolina restaurants
- Google Search: Restaurant health codes North Carolina
- Charlotte Observer: Food and drink trends in Charlotte
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Health code
- Charlotte Observer: Recent changes in local food businesses
- Google News: Restaurant health inspections
