Live roaches, flies over food and more in Midlands restaurants with worst July inspections

South Carolina health inspectors found multiple violations at restaurants in the Midlands in July, from live roaches to flies and fly traps over food preparation areas. The state each month releases grades and inspection reports for food establishments across Midlands counties.

Here are the restaurants that received some of the lowest ratings in July.

Flaming Grill Supreme Buffet at 115 Afton Court in Lexington

Flaming Grill Supreme Buffet had an inspection on July 9 and got a C grade.

An inspector observed live roaches and various dead pests around in the facility. Also observed was a gap around the edges of the back screen door, which allowed for the elements and pests to enter.

An employee was seen smoking or vaping in the food prep area. An employee was also seen eating in the food prep area.

Dirty dishes were seen stored as clean. Certain foods were seen not kept at proper holding temperatures. Broccoli was seen cut and served without being washed. Food matter was seen on the sides of equipment, along with grease and grime in the hood system filters.

The restaurant had a required followup inspection on July 29 and got an A grade.

Wendy’s at 1410 Lake Murray Blvd. in Lexington

Wendy’s had an inspection on July 24 and got a C grade.

An inspector observed flies throughout the facility. Also observed was that the air curtain and self-closing drive-thru window were functional.

Food was seen stored less than 6 inches off the floor and exposed to splash and dust, increasing the potential for contamination. An employee with painted nails longer than allowed was seen scooping fries without gloves. An employee with long braids was seen working without proper hair restraint.

Dust and debris was seen on ceiling tiles throughout the facility. Excessive dirt and grime buildup were seen above the prep area and drive-thru window.

A required followup inspection has not yet been held.

El Poblano at 2824 Main Street in Newberry

El Poblano had an inspection on July 29 and got a C grade.

An inspector observed multiple employees not washing hands between tasks and between glove changes.

Raw shrimp was seen stored above ready to eat foods in the walk-in cooler. Dirty and soiled dishes were seen stored as clean. Certain foods were seen not held at proper holding temperatures.

A required followup inspection has not yet been held.

Popeyes at 1248 Wilson Road in Newberry

Popeyes had an inspection on July 18 and got a C grade.

An inspector observed dirty and soiled dishes stored as clean.

Chemicals were found in the facility near the food prep areas and stored with single service items. There were single service items seen stored directly under plumbing from the soda fountain.

Racks in the walk-in freezer were seen as grimy and soiled with food residue.

The restaurant had a required followup inspection on July 26 and got an A grade.

Zestos at 2720 College St. in Newberry

Zestos had an inspection on July 26 and got a C grade.

An inspector observed portioned raw chicken stored above raw fish and ready to eat food items in the freezer.

Dirty dishes were seen stored as clean. Certain foods were seen not kept at proper holding temperatures. No date marking was found on chicken salad, coleslaw, deli meats or tarter sauce. Biological waste was found around the grease receptacle. Heavy grease and grime buildup was seen on the floors behind the fryers.

A required followup inspection has not yet been held.

Rivera’s Food at 1807 Decker Blvd. in Richland

Rivera’s Food had an inspection on July 11 and got a C grade.

An inspector observed live flies throughout the facility. Also observed were adhesive fly traps installed above the food prep and ware washing areas.

Standing water was seen in the bottom of the meat display coolers. Dark buildup and grooves were seen in the cutting boards. Encrusted food debris was seen on handles and tracks of meat display cooler doors.

Furnished sleeping quarters were seen opening directly into the dry storage room. An employee was seen washing hands without soap. Various meats and other foods were seen not held at proper cooling temperatures.

The restaurant had a required followup inspection on July 29 and got an A grade.

Texas Roadhouse at 8304 Two Notch Road in Richland

Texas Roadhouse had an inspection on July 22 and got a C grade.

An inspector observed an employee handing an order of tater skins to a customer with bare hands.

A metal pan full of raw chicken was seen stored directly over ready to eat macaroni and cheese in the prep cooler. Various meats were seen not kept at proper holding temperatures. Grease buildup was seen on top of the grease trap. Low grout was seen throughout the facility.

The restaurant had a required followup inspection on July 23 and got another C grade. A second followup inspection has not yet been held.