New Year’s Holiday Keeps Food Inspection Activity Light Across Greater Lynchburg

Only One Restaurant Earns Zero Violations as Bojangles Logs 11 in Routine Inspection

The Central Virginia Health District has released its latest food establishment inspection reports covering inspections conducted between December 30, 2025, and January 5, 2026, a period again affected by the New Year’s holiday.

As expected during the transition into the new year, inspection activity remained below normal levels. Holiday schedules, reduced staffing, and temporary business closures contributed to a lighter inspection calendar, with routine inspections making up the bulk of activity and several follow-up visits conducted to verify prior corrections.

Routine Inspections

A total of 11 routine inspections were completed during the reporting period, with violation totals ranging from zero to double digits.

Zero Violations

• The Babcock House – Appomattox
  (Routine | Jan. 2) — 0 violations

Low Violation Totals (1–2 violations)

• Bedford Adult Detention Center – Bedford
  (Routine | Jan. 5) — 1 violation
• Burger King – Bedford
  (Routine | Jan. 5) — 1 violation
• Tacos Los Amigos – Madison Heights
  (Routine | Jan. 5) — 2 violations
• Burger King #1216 – 3810 Campbell Avenue
  (Routine | Dec. 30) — 2 violations

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

Mid to High Violation Totals

Several establishments recorded higher violation counts during routine inspections:

• Hardee’s – Amherst
  (Routine | Dec. 30) — 5 violations
• Yamazato – 21039 Timberlake Road
  (Routine | Dec. 31) — 6 violations
• Liberty Station – Bedford
  (Routine | Jan. 2) — 7 violations
• Happy Lemon – 110 Morning Glory Court
  (Routine | Dec. 31) — 8 violations
• Brauburgers – 1332 Venture Drive
  (Routine | Jan. 5) — 9 violations
• Bojangles #1160 – 3280 Old Forest Road
  (Routine | Dec. 31) — 11 violations

Higher totals often reflect multiple documentation, food handling, or facility maintenance issues identified during a comprehensive inspection. Follow-up visits may be scheduled where required to confirm compliance.

Three Highest Violation Establishments

Happy Lemon Cited for Date Marking, Sanitization, and Facility Issues During Routine Inspection

Happy Lemon restaurant underwent a routine food safety inspection on December 31, 2025, resulting in eight violations, several of which were corrected during the inspection.

Inspectors noted that most food temperatures were within acceptable ranges and that management was cooperative throughout the visit. However, deficiencies were identified in sanitation procedures, date marking, equipment setup, and facility maintenance.

Violations Noted

Bodily Fluid Clean-Up Procedures
The establishment did not have a required bodily fluid clean-up kit or supplies on site. Management was instructed to obtain a kit and email confirmation of purchase to the Environmental Health Specialist.

Handwashing Access
A handwashing sink adjacent to the prep sink was blocked by a box, making it inaccessible. The obstruction was removed during the inspection.

Sanitizer Concentration
The sanitizer concentration at the three-compartment sink was initially recorded at 0 ppm, indicating no effective sanitizer. Additional sanitizer was added during the inspection to reach 150 ppm, bringing it into compliance.

Date Marking Violations
Multiple items were found held beyond the seven-day limit, including egg pudding, waffle mix, and mango mix. All affected items were discarded during the inspection. Inspectors reminded staff that the preparation date counts as Day 1 for date marking.

Time as a Public Health Control
The establishment did not have a written time-as-a-public-health-control (TPHC) policy for boba held without temperature control. Inspectors provided a blank policy template, and procedures were written during the visit. Management was instructed to ensure time is consistently marked on applicable items.

Wiping Cloth Storage
Wiping cloths were observed stored on a prep surface rather than in sanitizer solution. A sanitizer bucket was prepared at 200 ppm, and management stated cloths would be stored properly between uses.

Ice Machine Drainage
The drain hose for the ice machine was hanging below the flood level of the floor drain, creating a potential backflow risk. The hose was repositioned during the inspection to prevent contamination.

Restroom Facilities
The restroom door was missing a self-closing device. Management was instructed to install an appropriate apparatus to ensure the door remains self-closing.

Food Temperature Observations

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

• Cold-held dairy and boba items within acceptable ranges
• Proper freezer temperatures
• No hot-holding violations noted

Cold holding was ultimately marked as compliant.

Additional Notes from Inspectors

During the inspection, inspectors also discussed:

• Obtaining more appropriate sanitizer test strips
• Labeling requirements for items held longer than 24 hours
• Ensuring items are stored at least six inches off the floor
• Allowing proper air-drying after sanitizing
• Maintaining proper storage of food and single-service items

The establishment’s Certified Food Protection Manager credential was noted as current, and a QR code and permit-posting guidance were provided.

Brauburgers Cited for Nine Violations During Routine Inspection

Brauburgers underwent a routine food safety inspection on January 5, 2026, resulting in nine violations, several of which were corrected during the inspection or placed on a compliance timeline.

Inspectors noted that while most food temperature controls were within acceptable ranges, deficiencies were found in staff certification, sanitation practices, equipment condition, and required documentation.

Violations Noted

Certified Food Protection Manager
The establishment did not have an employee with an active Certified Food Protection Manager credential. Management stated plans to attend a local certification class. The issue must be corrected within 90 days.

Employee Health Policy
Management was unable to locate its employee health policy or documentation showing staff review. Inspectors provided a copy of the Virginia Department of Health policy, and management committed to reviewing it with staff and obtaining signatures within 10 days.

Ice Machine and Beverage Equipment
Inspectors observed dark mold-like residue on the ice machine deflector and within multiple soda machine nozzles. Both the ice machine and soda nozzles were cleaned during the inspection.

Consumer Advisory
The menu included a disclosure statement but did not properly identify which menu items were subject to the consumer advisory. Management indicated menu corrections would be made.

Temperature Monitoring
Several refrigeration units lacked functioning thermometers, including multiple prep units. Management stated thermometers would be installed within 90 days.

Food Labeling
Multiple containers holding white granular ingredients and several sauce bottles lacked proper labeling. Management stated labeling would be corrected.

Sanitizer Concentration
Two sanitizer buckets were found to contain excessively high concentrations of quat sanitizer, above recommended levels. Management stated sanitizer would be diluted appropriately moving forward.

Cutting Boards
Several cutting boards were deeply cut and no longer cleanable. Management stated boards would be refinished or replaced within 10 days.

Test Strips
Chlorine test strips for the dish machine were not available at the time of inspection. Management stated replacement strips would be ordered within 10 days.

Food Temperature Observations

Inspectors recorded generally acceptable food temperatures, including:

• Hot-held items at or above required thresholds
• Cold-held items largely within compliance ranges
• Proper cooking temperatures for meats

One walk-in cooler item (cut tomatoes) was observed at 43°F, near the upper limit for cold holding, but inspectors ultimately marked cold holding as compliant overall.

Positive Findings

Inspectors noted several areas of compliance:

• Person in charge was present and cooperative
• Proper handwashing facilities were available
• Cooking, hot holding, and most cold holding practices met requirements
• No evidence of pest activity
• Proper glove use and utensil storage

Bojangles #1160 Cited for 11 Violations During Routine Inspection

Bojangles #1160
3280 Old Forest Road, Lynchburg
Fast Food | Routine Inspection
December 31, 2025

A routine food safety inspection conducted on December 31 resulted in 11 violations at the Bojangles location on Old Forest Road. Inspectors noted that several issues were corrected during the inspection, while others will require follow-up actions or documentation.

Key Violations and Observations

Bodily Fluid Clean-Up Procedures
The person in charge was unable to locate a required vomit and diarrheal clean-up kit or written procedures. Management was instructed to provide photographic proof of the kit to the Environmental Health Specialist by January 10, 2026 and will receive state guidance on proper clean-up protocols.

Handwashing Signage
The men’s restroom lacked a required sign reminding employees to wash their hands. Management was instructed to obtain and post appropriate signage.

Sanitizer Concentration
The sanitizer dispenser at the three-compartment sink was dispensing below required levels at 100 ppm. Staff manually mixed sanitizer to 200 ppm during the inspection, and management stated the service provider would be contacted to repair the dispenser.

Clean Equipment Storage
Multiple metal pans stored on a clean rack were found with food debris and grease residue. The pans were removed and rewashed during the inspection.

Cold Holding Temperatures
House-made ranch dressing was observed holding at 47°F in a walk-in cooler that had risen to 53°F. All time/temperature control for safety foods were immediately relocated to a properly functioning cooler holding 36°F, and maintenance was contacted to repair the affected unit.

Employee Hygiene
Inspectors observed an employee wearing a watch while working with food and multiple employees with beards not wearing beard restraints. Improper items were removed during the inspection, and management stated beard restraints would be obtained.

Warewashing Practices
Wet metal pans were observed stacked together in the warewashing area, preventing proper air drying.

Food-Contact Surfaces and Containers

• Cutting boards were heavily scratched and discolored
• Bulk containers and tea lids were cracked or chipped

Management stated replacement items had been ordered and voluntarily discarded tea stored in damaged containers.

Facility Cleanliness
Inspectors observed a build-up of grime and food residue on shelving, prep units, and walk-in coolers. Staff were instructed to increase cleaning frequency.

Mop Storage
Multiple wet mop heads were stored in the mop sink basin and were soiled. Management stated mop heads would be discarded and properly hung after use.

Food Temperature Findings

Inspectors recorded generally acceptable temperatures, including:

• Cold-held foods at or below required thresholds after corrective action
• Proper hot-holding temperatures
• Correct cooking temperatures for chicken items

Positive Notes

Inspectors noted several compliant areas:

• A certified food protection manager was present
• Proper cooking and hot-holding temperatures were observed
• Employee health policies were in place
• Most food safety practices were followed once corrective actions were taken

Follow-Up Inspections Conducted

In addition to routine inspections, several follow-up visits were conducted to confirm that previously cited violations had been properly corrected. Follow-up inspections do not generate new violation totals unless issues remain unresolved.

The following establishments underwent follow-up inspections:

• Millie’s Living Café – 1701 Enterprise Drive (Jan. 5)
• Robert S. Payne School – 1201 Floyd Street (Jan. 5)
• Harbor Inn Seafood – 3220 Old Forest Road (Dec. 31)
• Hangry Joe’s – 20276 Timberlake Road (Dec. 31)
• La Carreta #6 – 14575 Forest Road (Dec. 31)

Summary

Food establishment inspections across Greater Lynchburg remained limited during the New Year holiday week, continuing the seasonal slowdown seen over the Christmas period. Routine inspections accounted for most activity, while follow-up visits focused on verifying compliance from earlier findings.

As normal business operations resume in January, inspection volume is expected to increase, providing a more complete snapshot of food safety compliance across the region.