Clean Scores Dominate, but Three Restaurants Flagged for Multiple Violations

Central Virginia Food Establishment Inspections: October 20–24, 2025

The Central Virginia Health District released its latest food safety inspection reports for restaurants, schools, and mobile food units across the region. Most establishments passed with strong marks for cleanliness and proper food handling, while a few recorded higher violations count that required immediate correction.

Perfect Scores

Several local facilities earned perfect inspections with zero violations, including:

• Sheetz #265 (14480 Wards Road)
• Hot-Diggity-Dogs (Evington)
• Hat Creek Golf Course (Brookneal)
• New Doc’s Kitchen (414 Woodway Dr)
• Blaze Pizza (4026 Wards Rd).

Each was found in full compliance with sanitation, temperature, and storage standards.

Minor to Moderate Violations

Inspections showing one to five violations included:

• Liberty Middle (Bedford) – 1 violation
• Joe Bean’s (2820 Linkhorne Dr) – 2 violations
• Little Caesar’s #12 (2827 Candler’s Mountain Rd) – 4 violations
• Mikado Express (3028 Memorial Ave) – 5 violations

These minor issues generally involved labeling, temperature monitoring, or handwashing supplies and were corrected during inspection.

Higher Violation Totals

The week’s most significant findings came from:

• China Wall (Madison Heights) – 7 violations
• The Sedalia Center (Big Island) – 7 violations
• Benjamin’s Restaurant (Forest) – 10 violations
• Taco Wagon (Appomattox) – 10 violations
• Crisp Salad & Juice Bar (Forest) – 11 violations

All three of the higher-violation establishments cooperated with inspectors and began corrective actions immediately.

Benjamin’s Restaurant (14900 Forest Road, Forest)

Benjamin’s Restaurant received 10 violations during its October 22 routine inspection, primarily related to temperature control and sanitation documentation.

Inspectors found the restaurant lacked a verifiable employee health policy—a core food safety requirement. Management was given official Virginia Department of Health forms to document employee awareness within 10 days. Additional corrections included missing handwashing signs in restrooms and raw meats stored above cooked items in prep coolers, which were rearranged on-site.

Temperature concerns were widespread. Items like cheese sauce, bacon jam, chili, and mushrooms were being reheated improperly in steam wells, reaching only 118–128°F instead of the required 165°F. Staff reheated them on the stovetop and were instructed to always reheat foods to full temperature before hot holding.

Other issues included cold foods held above 41°F, missing consumer advisory labeling for undercooked salmon, lack of sanitizer test strips, and debris buildup on coolers and prep units. The restaurant was also advised to replace damaged container lids and ensure storage items remain off the floor. Management agreed to implement all corrective measures promptly.

Taco Wagon Mexican Restaurant (177 Old Courthouse Road, Appomattox)

Taco Wagon recorded 10 violations during its October 23 inspection, including improper handwashing, cooling, and storage practices.

Inspectors observed employees drinking near food prep areas and washing hands in the three-compartment sink rather than the designated handwashing station. These actions were corrected immediately, and proper handwashing procedures were reviewed.

In walk-in coolers, raw chicken and eggs were stored above vegetables and beef, which was corrected on-site. Several dented cans of tomatillos and jalapeños were also discarded.

Other issues included improper cooling of beans and queso, lack of date marking, and wet-stacked containers. Lighting was also found insufficient in the walk-in cooler and dry storage areas, requiring repair. Staff were reminded to keep foods off the floor and improve cleaning of cooler gaskets. Despite these issues, most food temperatures were within safe ranges, and management demonstrated strong cooperation throughout the inspection.

Crisp Salad & Juice Bar (18013 Forest Road, Forest)

Crisp Salad & Juice Bar received 11 violations during its October 21 inspection, marking the highest count of the week.

Key concerns included the absence of a written employee health policy, improper sanitizer concentration, and raw beef stored above pre-cooked chicken in a freezer. Each issue was corrected on-site — sanitizer strength was adjusted to the required 200 ppm, and raw meat was moved below ready-to-eat foods.

Other citations involved hot-holding rice below 135°F, missing soap at a hand sink, unlabeled containers, lack of a functioning meat thermometer, and wet-stacked dishes. Inspectors also noted that the menu offered beef cooked to medium without a consumer advisory, which will be added promptly.

Management responded positively, correcting most issues immediately and committing to address remaining concerns within 10 days.

Follow-Up Inspections

Follow-up inspections were completed at A Heavenly Sandwich (Evington), JT’s Grill (Madison Heights), Colca’s Chicken LLC (1213 Greenview Dr), Guggenheimer Health (1902 Grace St), and Inka Grill (912 Main St).
Each facility was re-evaluated for prior violations, with inspectors noting significant improvements in sanitation and temperature compliance.