A restaurant owned by a man who once rapped, “I'm ballin' like Mr. Clean, I gotta keep my kitchen clean,” has failed its first health inspection since opening, with officials advising that employees increase their frequency of cleaning.
Escobar Restaurant and Tapas, located in Castleberry Hill, scored a 59/U following the Friday evaluation; 69 and below is considered failing.
The eatery, co-owned by Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz — also known as Tauheed Epps — and entrepreneur Mychel "Snoop" Dillard, opened in December.
Officials observed the person in charge was “not demonstrating knowledge in several food-borne illness risk factors.”
According to the report, there was an ice machine with red and black mold-like substances inside.
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Officials also reported expired milk and raw hamburgers stored over collard greens.
Justin Andrews, Escobar spokesman, said the restaurant heralds customer service and safe food handling.
Andrews acknowledged the new restaurant encountered some challenges and shortcomings, but said they have addressed them and look forward to the re-inspection.
"We hang our hats on being champions of service," he said.
Follow-up inspections are generally completed within 10 days of the original evaluation.