Mid-December Inspections Show Mostly Low Violations, With Four Outliers

Routine inspections dominate Dec. 16–22 schedule across Greater Lynchburg

The Central Virginia Health District has released its latest food establishment inspection reports covering inspections conducted between December 16 and December 22, 2025. The reporting period was dominated by routine inspections, along with several follow-up visits and two pre-opening inspections.

Overall, most establishments performed well, with the majority recording low violation totals or none at all. A significant number of schools, restaurants, and food-service operations posted zero or minimal violations, indicating generally strong compliance with state food safety standards. However, a small number of routine inspections resulted in higher violation counts and will require continued oversight.

Perfect Scores (0 Violations)

Seven establishments recorded zero violations during routine inspections:

• The Gorilla Grill – Rustburg (Routine | Dec. 16)
• McDonald’s – Rustburg (Routine | Dec. 17)
• Mission BBQ – 3911 Wards Road (Routine | Dec. 17)
• Dairy Queen – Appomattox (Routine | Dec. 18)
• Blue Ridge Bagels – 19327 Leesville Road (Routine | Dec. 18)
• Dearington Elementary – 120 York (Routine | Dec. 18)
• Antojitos Vicky – 15 New Park Circle (Routine | Dec. 22)

Low Violation Totals (1–2 Violations)

Several establishments recorded one or two violations, most of which are commonly corrected on site and do not typically require additional enforcement action.

1 Violation

• Paul Munro Elementary – 4641 Locksview Road (Routine | Dec. 17)
• Linkhorne Elementary – 2501 Linkhorne Drive (Routine | Dec. 17)
• Linkhorne Middle – 2525 Linkhorne Drive (Routine | Dec. 18)
• Riverside Roasters – 1901 Tate Springs Road (Routine | Dec. 18)
• Taco Bell #39778 – 3351 Candlers Mountain Road (Routine | Dec. 19)
• McDonald’s #26398 – 4030 Wards Road (Routine | Dec. 19)

2 Violations

• Bootleggers – 50 13th Street (Routine | Dec. 17)
• McDonald’s – 21047 Timberlake Road (Routine | Dec. 18)
• Robert S. Payne School – 1201 Floyd Street (Routine | Dec. 18)
• A Little Bit of Everything – Bedford (Routine | Dec. 22)

Moderate Violation Totals

A number of routine inspections resulted in moderate violation counts, often involving documentation, temperature control, or facility maintenance issues.

3 Violations

• Millie’s Living Café – 1701 Enterprise Drive (Routine | Dec. 16)
• Amherst Adult Detention Center – Madison Heights (Routine | Dec. 16)
• Subway – Appomattox (Routine | Dec. 18)

4 Violations

• Super 8 – 3736 Candlers Mountain Road (Routine | Dec. 16)
• Mayberry Diner – Moneta (Routine | Dec. 17)

6 Violations

• Bedford Moose Lodge – Bedford (Routine | Dec. 18)

High Violation Routine Inspections

Two establishments recorded notably higher violation totals during routine inspections:

• Original Italian Pizza – 3412 Waterlick Road (Routine | Dec. 17) — 8 violations
• Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken – 20276 Timberlake Road (Routine | Dec. 18) — 8 violations

Highest Violation Count

Routine Inspection Flags Multiple Issues at King’s Island Restaurant

King’s Island Restaurant, located at 2804 Old Forest Road in Lynchburg, underwent a routine food safety inspection on December 16, 2025, which resulted in 12 violations, the highest total among routine inspections during the reporting period.

Inspectors cited issues primarily related to employee health documentation, food storage practices, sanitation procedures, equipment condition, and facility maintenance.

One of the violations involved the absence of a verifiable employee health policy. Inspectors directed management to adopt the Virginia Department of Health’s employee health guidelines, review them with staff, and submit signed documentation by December 26.

Food storage violations were also noted. Raw chicken was stored above raw beef in a walk-in cooler, and raw salmon and steaks were stored above ready-to-eat foods on the cook line. These issues were corrected during the inspection.

Additional items included improper storage of wiping cloths, produce being cut before washing, utensils stored in unsanitary locations, and scarred cutting boards that could not be effectively sanitized. Inspectors also observed duct tape holding together an ice machine lid, missing sanitizer test strips, and a lack of adequate lighting in a walk-in cooler, requiring employees to use a flashlight to identify food items.

Despite the number of violations, inspectors recorded generally acceptable food and equipment temperatures and noted that a certified food protection manager was present and required food safety records were available.

Many issues were corrected on site, while others require follow-up documentation and continued oversight to ensure compliance.

Routine Inspection Cites Multiple Sanitation and Handling Issues at Trust Chinese Restaurant

Trust Chinese Restaurant, located at 2221 Florida Avenue in Lynchburg, underwent a routine food safety inspection on December 17, 2025, resulting in 10 violations, which involved hand hygiene, food handling practices, sanitation, and facility cleanliness.

Inspectors observed an employee handling raw chicken and attempting to continue food preparation without washing hands, a violation that was corrected immediately when the employee washed hands at a designated sink.

One of the findings involved buckets of rice suspended in a liquid with a fermented odor, which an employee described as a “white rice sauce.” Inspectors advised that any sauce must be kept under refrigeration, and that this type of preparation would require a specialized process variance, which was not in place.

Additional food protection items included a bucket placed directly on heads of cabbage in a walk-in cooler, wet wiping cloths scattered throughout prep areas, and a large butcher knife stored in an unsanitary location between equipment. Inspectors also noted clear bins stacked while still wet, increasing contamination risk.

Violations addressed cleanliness and maintenance. Inspectors observed a visibly soiled apron worn by a food employee, food splatter and sticky residue on kitchen floors, dust buildup on dining-area fan blades, wet mops stored improperly, and damaged or rusted utensils stored near food prep areas. The owner removed several items during the inspection and was instructed to discard damaged utensils and improve cleaning routines.

Despite the violations, inspectors recorded acceptable food and equipment temperatures, with hot foods meeting required holding temperatures and cold foods generally within safe ranges. A certified food protection manager was present, and required employee health policies and illness response procedures were in place.

Many issues were addressed during the inspection, while others require continued attention to ensure compliance with food safety standards moving forward.

Follow-Up Inspections Conducted

Several establishments underwent follow-up inspections to verify correction of previously cited violations:

• Blackwater Coffee Trailer – 2913 Carter Street (Follow-Up | Dec. 16)
• Waffle House #2322 – 17678 Forest Road (Follow-Up | Dec. 16)
• Forest Health and Rehab – 2406 Atherholt Road (Follow-Up | Dec. 16)
• Charley’s Restaurant – 707 Graves Mill Road (Follow-Up | Dec. 18)

Follow-up inspections are conducted to confirm compliance after earlier violations have been addressed.

Other Inspection Types

Other (Non-Routine)

• Trading Post – 1222 Main Street (Other | Dec. 16)

Pre-Opening Inspections

• TR Boiler Room – 106 9th Street (Pre-Opening | Dec. 16)
• TBR Bistro, LLC – 109 11th Street (Pre-Opening | Dec. 17)

Pre-opening inspections are required prior to food service operations beginning.

Summary

Mid-December food establishment inspections across Greater Lynchburg reflected generally strong compliance, with most routine inspections resulting in low or zero violations. While a small number of establishments posted higher counts, ongoing follow-up inspections and corrective actions remain part of the regular oversight process to ensure food safety standards are met across the region.