West Charlotte Restaurant Receives “B” Grade Due to Health Violations
In a surprising turn of events, a restaurant in west Charlotte has caught the eye of local health inspectors after receiving a less-than-stellar sanitation grade. Shane’s Rib Shack, located at 5220 New Fashion Way, was given a score of 86.5% during its inspection on Wednesday, October 30. This marks the first time the beloved rib joint has fallen below an “A” grade, something that has left many patrons feeling concerned.
What Went Wrong?
During the inspection, health officials discovered several health violations that contributed to Shane’s Rib Shack’s “B” grade. Among the most alarming findings was a spoiled potato lurking inside a walk-in cooler. Not exactly the type of ingredient you would want in your meal, right? But that was just the beginning of the issues.
Inspectors also noted dishes that were supposed to be clean but had visible food debris on them, which is definitely not ideal for a place that prides itself on good food. Additionally, a salad was found stored at a temperature above the required level, raising questions about the freshness of the food being served.
Other Violations Spotted
The list of violations didn’t stop there. Here are a few more concerning observations made by the inspectors:
- Unlabeled spices sitting near a hand sink
- Wiping cloths stored in a soiled sanitizer mixture
- Heavy rust build-up inside the prep sink basin
- Food splatter inside the hotbox
- Cook-line equipment encrusted with grease deposits
Each of these violations plays a significant role in health standards designed to prevent food-borne illnesses, and they certainly contributed to Shane’s Rib Shack’s drop in grade this time around.
What This Means for the Restaurant
In North Carolina, sanitation scores are taken seriously. A score below 70% can lead to an immediate revocation of a restaurant’s operating permit. Thankfully, Shane’s Rib Shack remains in the clear, but it does serve as a wake-up call for the owners to tighten their kitchen practices.
According to the Mecklenburg County sanitation grades database, at least 226 restaurant inspections were completed from October 25-31, and Shane’s Rib Shack was the sole establishment to receive a “B” grade, with all others scoring above 90%. This has left some locals scratching their heads and wondering what this might mean for their favorite rib spot.
Moving Forward
While this news might be unsettling for regular patrons, it’s important to remember that health inspections are a necessary part of ensuring food safety. The hope is that Shane’s Rib Shack will take this feedback seriously and work hard to improve its sanitation practices, ensuring that customers can enjoy delicious meals without any worries.
For those looking to check on other restaurant inspections in the area, you can access public records online for more details. It’s always a good practice to stay informed about the places we eat—because a little knowledge can go a long way in keeping our meals safe and enjoyable!
If you’ve got questions about local businesses or want to share your own tips and experiences, be sure to voice your thoughts. Your community values your input, and together, we can ensure our dining experiences stay pleasant and safe.