All Inspected Restaurants Cited with At least One Violation

Viet Cafe and King House Lead This Week’s High Inspection Totals

The Central Virginia Health District has released its latest food establishment inspection reports covering inspections conducted January 6–9, 2026, with routine inspections accounting for most activity and several follow-up visits conducted to verify prior corrections.

Inspection volume remained moderate as the region continued to transition back to normal operations following the New Year’s holiday. Routine inspections ranged from a single violation to double-digit totals, while follow-up inspections focused on confirming compliance from earlier findings.

Routine Inspections

A total of 19 routine inspections were completed during the reporting period, with violation totals ranging from one to fourteen.

Low Violation Totals (1–2 violations)

Violations in this range are typically minor and often corrected during or shortly after the inspection.

• Taqueria Elizabeth – 21120 Timberlake Road
  (Routine | Jan. 6) — 1 violation
• Domino’s Pizza – Appomattox
  (Routine | Jan. 7) — 1 violation
• Apple Market / Subway – Moneta
  (Routine | Jan. 8) — 2 violations
• The Loving Coffee – 901 Jefferson Street
  (Routine | Jan. 9) — 2 violations
• Firehouse Subs #0432 – 4018 Wards Road
  (Routine | Jan. 9) — 2 violations

Moderate Violation Totals (3–6 violations)

Several establishments recorded mid-range violation counts during routine inspections.

• White House Corner Store – Huddleston
  (Routine | Jan. 6) — 3 violations
• Lula Mae’s – 1042 Florida Avenue
  (Routine | Jan. 6) — 3 violations
• Bunker 42 Bar Bites – 1257 Burnbridge Road
  (Routine | Jan. 7) — 3 violations
• CiCi Pizza – 3700 Candler’s Mountain Road
  (Routine | Jan. 9) — 3 violations
• Burgers, Shakes & Cream – Brookneal
  (Routine | Jan. 9) — 3 violations
• Original Italian Pizza – Bedford
  (Routine | Jan. 7) — 4 violations
• All American Grill – Bedford
  (Routine | Jan. 8) — 4 violations
• Bentley’s On Bedford – 2302 Bedford Avenue
  (Routine | Jan. 8) — 4 violations
• Yellow Submarine – 3313 Old Forest Road
  (Routine | Jan. 6) — 5 violations
• Shakers Restaurant – 3401 Candler’s Mountain Road
  (Routine | Jan. 7) — 5 violations
• Shoemakers – 1312 Commerce Street
  (Routine | Jan. 8) — 5 violations
• Cilantro Mexican Grill – Moneta
  (Routine | Jan. 6) — 6 violations

Two Highest Violation Establishments

Viet Cafe Cited for 14 Violations During Routine Inspection

Viet Cafe
18396 Forest Road, Suite B, Forest
Full Service Restaurant | Routine Inspection
January 7, 2026

Viet Cafe recorded the highest violation total of the week, with 14 violations cited during a routine food safety inspection conducted on January 7. Inspectors observed multiple issues related to handwashing practices, food storage, temperature control, sanitation, and facility maintenance. Several violations resulted in immediate food disposal and corrective actions during the inspection.

While management demonstrated knowledge of food safety requirements and a Certified Food Protection Manager was present, inspectors documented numerous breakdowns in daily food safety execution.

Key Violations and Observations

Handwashing Practices and Supplies
Inspectors observed an employee washing hands in a one-compartment sink rather than a designated hand sink. In addition, the hand sink in the prep area lacked soap at the time of inspection. Employees were instructed on proper handwashing locations, and soap was provided during the inspection.

Improper Food-Grade Containers
A non-food-grade bucket was being used to store broth. Management stated hot broth had been poured directly into the container prior to cooling. The broth was discarded, and management indicated only food-grade containers will be used moving forward.

Severely Damaged Canned Goods
Several canned food items with severe dents along seams and buckled metal were observed. All affected cans were voluntarily discarded during the inspection.

Improper Food Storage Order
Inspectors found raw chicken and beef stored above pickled vegetables and uncut produce in a reach-in cooler. Eggs were also stored above sprouts in another cooler. All items were reorganized during the inspection to ensure proper storage based on internal cooking temperatures and to prevent cross-contamination.

Cooling and Cold Holding Violations
Significant cooling and cold holding issues were documented:

• A large pot of broth cooling since 6 a.m. was measured at 109°F and discarded
• Rice noodles cooling since 9:30 a.m. were measured at 63°F
• Sausage and broth in a prep unit were measured at 48°F and 46°F

Inspectors noted that items had been stored overnight in the prep unit and that empty slots allowed cold air to escape. All time/temperature control for safety foods in violation were discarded. Management was instructed on proper cooling methods, filling prep unit slots, and keeping lids closed.

Date Marking
Inspectors observed a lack of date marking throughout the back prep area. Management stated some meats had been prepped two days earlier. All items held longer than 24 hours were dated during the inspection.

Sanitation of Equipment and Surfaces
A black residue was observed inside the ice machine, and both microwaves showed heavy food residue buildup. Inspectors also documented food debris and grease buildup in reach-in coolers, on prep units, hood vents, shelving, and the wall behind the cook line. Management was instructed to clean all affected areas and maintain regular sanitation.

Pest Entry Concerns
Main prep area doors were observed open with only screened doors in place. Inspectors noted gaps along the sides and bottom of the screens that could allow pest entry. Management was instructed to keep doors closed and ensure tight-fitting barriers.

Plumbing and Facility Maintenance
The hand sink at the front counter was leaking when used. Additionally, coving behind a stainless storage rack and reach-in cooler had become detached from the wall. Repairs were required to address both issues.

Food Temperature Findings

Inspectors recorded multiple temperature concerns during the inspection, including:

• Improper cooling of broth and rice noodles
• Cold-held items exceeding acceptable thresholds prior to corrective action

Hot holding temperatures for rice were within acceptable ranges. Items that failed to meet temperature requirements were discarded during the inspection.

Additional Notes from Inspectors

During the inspection, Environmental Health Specialists also discussed:

• Obtaining a bodily fluid clean-up kit
• Preventing allergen cross-contact
• Proper storage of employee personal items
• Chemical storage practices
• Removing unused or unnecessary equipment from the premises

Hood systems were last professionally cleaned in January 2024. The establishment’s Virginia Department of Health employee health policy was reviewed and signed during the inspection.

Positive Findings

Inspectors also noted several compliant areas:

• A person in charge was present and demonstrated knowledge of food safety requirements
• A Certified Food Protection Manager was on site
• Employee illness reporting procedures were in place
• Approved food sources were used
• Consumer advisory requirements were met

King House Restaurant Cited for 10 Violations During Routine Inspection

King House Restaurant
13955 Wards Road, Suite E, Lynchburg
Full Service Restaurant | Routine Inspection
January 9, 2026

A routine food safety inspection conducted on January 9 resulted in 10 violations at King House Restaurant on Wards Road. Inspectors noted that while food temperatures were generally within acceptable ranges and management demonstrated knowledge of food safety requirements, multiple sanitation, storage, and facility cleanliness issues were observed throughout the kitchen.

Several corrective actions were taken during the inspection, while others will require continued attention and follow-up.

Key Violations and Observations

Handwashing Supplies
Inspectors observed that required paper towels were missing at the hand sink near the three-compartment sink and in the restroom. Paper towels were provided during the inspection, restoring compliance.

Improper Food Storage
Containers of food were found stored in cardboard boxes that previously held raw chicken. Because cardboard cannot be properly cleaned or sanitized, its reuse presents a contamination risk. Inspectors instructed staff to immediately discontinue this practice, noting it has been discussed during prior inspections. Environmental Health Services will follow up next week to ensure compliance.

Date Marking System
The establishment did not have an established system for verifying preparation dates on foods made in house. Management was instructed to implement a clear date-marking system—such as labels or color coding—to ensure items are used or discarded within the required seven-day timeframe.

Wiping Cloth Storage
Wet wiping cloths were observed scattered throughout the kitchen rather than stored in sanitizer solution between uses. Proper storage procedures were reviewed with staff during the inspection.

Cleanliness of Equipment and Non-Food Contact Surfaces
Inspectors documented multiple areas with accumulated food debris and grease, including:

• Food debris inside the front Coca-Cola cooler
• Sticky buildup on prep unit handles
• Residue on racks in the walk-in cooler
• Heavy sauce buildup on the exterior of a crock pot

Staff were instructed to clean and maintain these surfaces moving forward.

Facility Cleanliness and Floors
The wall adjacent to the fryers was lined with foil and heavily splattered with grease. Inspectors also observed discoloration under equipment and sticky floors throughout the kitchen. Management was advised to implement a routine cleaning schedule to address recurring buildup.

Mop Storage
Wet mop heads were stored in the mop sink basin rather than hung to air dry. Inspectors reviewed proper mop storage procedures with staff.

Ventilation and Lighting
Grease buildup was observed on hood system filters. Additionally, a light in the walk-in cooler was not functioning but was replaced during the inspection.

Food Temperature Findings

Inspectors recorded food temperatures that largely met safety requirements, including:

• Cold-held items such as sprouts, shrimp, chicken, and cabbage at compliant temperatures
• Hot-held items including peanut sauce and yellow rice meeting required thresholds

Cold holding and hot holding were ultimately marked compliant.

Positive Findings

Inspectors also noted several areas of compliance:

• A person in charge was present and demonstrated knowledge of food safety practices
• A Certified Food Protection Manager was on site
• Employee health policies and illness response procedures were in place
• Proper handwashing practices and glove use were observed
• No bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat foods

Follow-Up

Environmental Health Services indicated they will conduct a follow-up visit next week to verify that cardboard boxes previously used for raw chicken are no longer being used for food storage.

Follow-Up Inspections Conducted

Follow-up inspections are conducted to verify that previously cited violations have been corrected. These visits do not generate new violation totals unless issues remain unresolved.

The following establishments underwent follow-up inspections this week:

• Linkhorne Middle School – 2525 Linkhorne Drive (Jan. 6)
• Yamazato – 21039 Timberlake Road (Jan. 7)
• Iron & Ale – 106 Cornerstone Street (Jan. 7)
• Taco Bell #39776 – 3270 Old Forest Road (Jan. 8)
• Runk & Pratt of Forest – 208 Gristmill Drive (Jan. 9)

Pre-Opening Inspection

• Horizon Behavioral Health – 1204 Fenwick Drive
  (Pre-Opening | Jan. 9)

Summary

Food establishment inspections across Greater Lynchburg showed a wide range of compliance levels this week, from single-violation inspections to totals exceeding ten. Routine inspections accounted for most activity, while follow-up visits focused on confirming corrections from earlier findings.

As January continues, inspection volume is expected to increase, providing a broader snapshot of food safety compliance across the region.