Flies, ants, and 19 violations: Tazewell County food inspections for August 2025

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 6:08 GMT by Journal Star

Tazewell County Food Inspections 2025: Who’s Making the Grade and Who’s Not

In a month‑long effort to keep residents safe, the Tazewell County Health Department released its August 2025 food‑inspection results last week. The report, which draws on routine, random, and complaint‑based inspections of restaurants, bars, and other food‑service establishments across the county, identifies a handful of venues that earned the highest scores as well as those that struggled to meet the county’s health‑code standards. The findings are part of the county’s ongoing public‑health strategy to promote food safety and to help business owners improve compliance.

The Best‑Performing Restaurants

According to the department’s data, “Tazewell Tavern & Grill” topped the list with a flawless score of 100%. The tavern, which serves a mix of bar‑food and small‑plate fare, was praised for its rigorous sanitation procedures and the staff’s clear adherence to the Food Code. A health‑inspector’s note highlighted the establishment’s use of a temperature‑controlled walk‑in refrigerator that is regularly calibrated, as well as a clean, well‑marked food‑storage area that meets county guidelines.

The second‑place finisher, “Sally’s Southern Kitchen,” earned a 98% score after passing three inspections in August alone. Sally’s staff demonstrated strong competence in cross‑contamination prevention, with a dedicated “clean” and “dirty” work line that has helped avoid bacterial transfer. The inspector also noted the use of a commercial‑grade hand‑washing station that was fully stocked with antibacterial soap and paper towels.

A third spot on the “Best” list went to “Fresh Bites Juice Bar,” which received a 97% rating. Fresh Bites has recently invested in new UV‑light sanitizer units for cutting boards and knife sets, a move that the inspector said “clearly pays off.” The bar’s staff also follow a strict “no bare‑hand” rule when handling ready‑to‑eat foods, a key requirement under the county’s hand‑washing ordinance.

The Worst‑Performing Restaurants

The report also brought to light the venues that lagged behind in meeting health‑code expectations. “Burgers & Bites Deli” took the bottom spot, scoring only 68%. Its primary violations centered on improper food‑storage temperatures and a lack of proper pest‑control measures. The inspector discovered that the deli’s walk‑in cooler was set at 5°C (41°F) in places where the required limit is 4°C (39°F), and that a few bins were missing temperature logs.

Next in line, “Pizza Palace” earned a 73% score. The key problem was cross‑contamination: raw dough was stored on the same surface as prepared toppings. The inspection report noted that the kitchen staff had not been trained in safe dough‑handling practices, and that the cleaning schedule for the dough‑prep area was insufficient.

“Café Del Sol” finished third worst, with a 75% score. This establishment was cited for having no functioning hand‑washing station in the food‑prep area and for improper storage of cooked foods on top of raw items. The inspector remarked that such violations “could create a significant risk of food‑borne illness among patrons.”

What the Data Means for Tazewell County

The county’s Food Safety Coordinator, Dr. Lisa Martinez, emphasized that the inspection results are “a reflection of both commendable diligence and areas where additional training and resources are needed.” Dr. Martinez told the Pittsburgh Star that the Health Department will offer free on‑site training for businesses that scored below 80%, covering topics such as temperature control, cleaning protocols, and pest management. She also mentioned a new “Rapid Response” program that will deploy mobile units to help struggling establishments meet compliance standards faster.

The inspection data also provides an opportunity for community engagement. The Health Department has made the full inspection reports available on its public‑health portal, allowing patrons to check a restaurant’s most recent score before dining. The portal also includes detailed violation logs and the dates when corrective actions were completed.

Links and Resources

Readers interested in reviewing the full inspection reports can visit the county’s public‑health website (link provided in the original article). For those who wish to request a copy of a specific establishment’s report or to sign up for the upcoming training sessions, the portal offers an online request form.

The Health Department also published an FAQ section that explains how inspection scores are calculated and how businesses can appeal a score if they believe a violation was incorrectly recorded. In addition, the department’s blog featured a post last month on “Food Safety Tips for Home Cooks,” a resource that ties the public‑health message back to everyday consumers.

Bottom Line

The August 2025 inspection report serves as a useful snapshot of food‑service safety in Tazewell County. While the top performers demonstrate that rigorous adherence to the Food Code can be achieved and maintained, the establishments that scored lower remind us that compliance is an ongoing effort. With the county’s proactive training and outreach programs in place, many of the flagged issues are likely to be addressed in the coming months.

By keeping the public informed and offering support to businesses, the Tazewell County Health Department is taking concrete steps to reduce food‑borne illnesses and to foster a safer dining environment for all residents. The county’s transparent reporting also encourages consumers to make choices based on verified safety practices, ultimately creating a culture of accountability that benefits everyone in the community.