By DON DARE
Food for Thought Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - A popular sandwich shop received the worst score when Knox County health inspectors made their most recent round of visits.
A grade below 70 is considered unsanitary by the health department.
Food for Thought doesn't normally see the Firehouse Subs franchise among the lowest scoring restaurants. In fact, many subs shops make our list of highest scoring restaurants.
Failing by eight points: Firehouse Subs at 8853 Town and Country Circle: Grade: 62
Someone left paint stored with food in the kitchen. That critical violation cost the sub shop five points. Chemicals are supposed to be kept in a separate area of the kitchen.
Also, a kitchen employee handled a broom, but didn't wash her hands as she started using a thermometer to check food temperatures.
Plus, she didn't sanitize the thermometer before using it.
Fuddruckers at 8851 Town and Country Circle - Grade: 70
A can of paint was found on a shelf next to the food preparation sink.
The inspector also writes that a utensil holder was dirty, but it had clean knives and forks in it.
The report also says the food slicer was dirty.
Scruggs Bar-B-Q at 1920 E. Magnolia Avenue - Grade: 72
Although this is a passing score, Scruggs had critical violations diners need to know about.
The inspector found moldy onions being served to customers. The onions were thrown out.
Comet cleaner was stored on a shelf with sugar. Remember, chemicals are supposed to be kept in their own storage area.
Tie for top score:
- Clarion Motel kitchen at 5634 Merchant Center Boulevard - 94
- Hampton Inn kitchen at 9128 Executive Park Drive - 94
Other high marks:
- Powell Auction House snack bar at 6729 Pleasant Ridge Road - 92
- Dine-a-Mite Diner at 611 Winona Street - 91
- Wendy's at 7407 Strawberry Plains Pike - 90
- Our Place at 4710 Broadway - 90
Remember, if you have a complaint about a health violation ask to speak to the manager. If it's not addressed, call your local health department to report the violation.
