Local News

Fruit flies and 'slime' reported at popular barbecue spot

By Becca J G Godwin
Sept 15, 2016

SWEET AUBURN BARBECUE

656 North Highland Avenue

Atlanta, GA 30306

Score: 61

Read the full report here.

Score: 86

A popular Atlanta barbecue restaurant failed its recent health inspection, with officials reporting fruit flies and a "buildup of slime" in the ice machine.

Sweet Auburn Barbecue, located at 656 North Highland Ave., scored a 61/U following the Tuesday evaluation. It received a follow-up inspection the next day, and scored an 86/B.

A manager told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution the restaurant had a couple small issues that ended up scoring heavily. The manager added that Sweet Auburn is dedicated to food safety.

According to the failed report, garbage was piled high. Officials also reported finding pork belly and chicken wings at higher-than-acceptable temperatures; the items were discarded.

There was no soap or paper towels at handwashing sinks in kitchen, and food — such as meat, coleslaw and gravy — was not marked with preparation or disposal dates, the report said. Both violations were corrected on site, as were others. 
During the follow-up inspection, an employee failed to turn the faucets off with a paper towel; sanitizer spray bottles were stored on the kitchen floor; and there was a minor leak in the kitchen hand sink. 

Sweet Auburn Barbecue began as a counter at the Sweet Auburn Curb Market and then established a food truck before opening a full restaurant.

It hasn't been a great week for Virginia Highland-area restaurants. Yeah! Burger failed an inspection Tuesday and the manager responsible was fired.

»RELATED: Popular Atlantic Station Mexican spot fails health inspection

About the Author

Becca J G Godwin

More Stories