Christmas Holiday Slows Inspection Activity Across Greater Lynchburg

Three of 10 Inspections Were Routine Inspections During Christmas Week

The Central Virginia Health District has released its latest food establishment inspection reports covering inspections conducted between December 23 through December 29, 2025, a shortened reporting period shaped largely by the Christmas holiday.

As expected for the week surrounding Christmas, inspection activity was lighter than normal, with fewer total inspections conducted and a schedule dominated by routine inspections and follow-up visits, rather than a broad cross-section of establishments.

Overall, the limited number of inspections reflected generally solid compliance, with most establishments posting low violation totals and follow-up visits confirming corrective actions from earlier inspections.

Routine Inspections

Only three routine inspections were conducted during the holiday-impacted period, reflecting the slowdown in operations and staffing typical of the week.

Low Violation Totals (2 Violations)

Two establishments recorded two violations each, both during routine inspections:

• Tropical Smoothie Café – 7635 Timberlake Road
  (Routine | Dec. 23)
• Biscuitville #144 – 3301 Old Forest Road
  (Routine | Dec. 29)

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

Higher Violation Count

• Iron & Ale – 106 Cornerstone Street
  (Routine | Dec. 23) — 7 violations

Iron & Ale recorded the highest violation total during the Christmas-week inspection period, with seven violations cited during a routine food safety inspection.

Inspectors observed improper use of a handwashing sink, including items being cleaned in the sink and an employee rinsing a knife there. The sink was cleared during the inspection, and management stated staff would be reminded that hand sinks must be used exclusively for handwashing.

Other violations involved missing oyster shellstock identification tags, which are required for illness tracking, and missing consumer advisory markings on menu items that may be served undercooked, including several egg dishes. Management indicated corrected menus would be ordered within 10 days.

Food-handling issues included scallops being thawed at room temperature and unlabeled containers holding granular substances. Both issues were corrected during the inspection.

Inspectors also noted maintenance concerns, including knives used to prop a dishwasher door to allow operation and buildup on walk-in refrigeration components. Management stated repairs and deep cleaning would be completed within 90 days.

Despite the violations, inspectors recorded acceptable food temperatures, confirmed a certified food protection manager was present, and noted that many issues were corrected on site, with follow-up required for remaining items.

Follow-Up Inspections Conducted

The majority of inspections conducted during the Christmas week were follow-up visits, used to verify that previously cited violations had been properly corrected.

The following establishments underwent follow-up inspections:

• Texas Roadhouse – 3816 Wards Road (Dec. 24)
• Millie’s Living Café – 1701 Enterprise Drive (Dec. 29)
• Papa John’s – 2812 Old Forest Road (Dec. 29)
• Dunkin’ Donuts – 3309 Old Forest Road (Dec. 29)
• Original Italian Pizza – 3412 Waterlick Road (Dec. 29)
• Taco Bell #39776 – 3270 Old Forest Road (Dec. 29)

Follow-up inspections do not assign new violation totals unless issues remain unresolved and are designed to confirm compliance after earlier findings.

Other Inspection Types

• Dairy Queen – Appomattox
  (Other | Dec. 23)

“Other” inspection categories can include special visits, administrative reviews, or non-routine compliance checks.

Summary

Food establishment inspections across Greater Lynchburg during the Christmas holiday week were limited in number, reflecting reduced operations and a lighter inspection schedule. Routine inspections were few, follow-up visits dominated the activity, and most establishments demonstrated acceptable compliance with state food safety standards.

As inspection schedules return to normal following the holiday season, health officials will resume broader routine oversight to ensure continued compliance across the region.