🍽️ Community-Focused“What’s Cooking in Kinston? Health Department Releases September Scores”“Dining Safely: A Look at Lenoir County’s Restaurant Inspections”

🏠 Thee Coffeehouse

Address: 231 Hwy 58 S, Building 2 Date: 9/16 Score: 99 Observations:

• Sticker residue or leftover stickers on clean pans/dishes

• Deep, dark gash in cutting board at prep lift top unit

• One-door reach-in cooler on front line not holding temperature

• 
  

🏠 Lovick’s

Address: 320 N Heritage Street, Kinston Date: 9/10 Score: 97.5 Observations:

• Employees prepping food without hat or hairnet

• Wet stacking of dishes

• Missing cup dispenser lid at fountain drink machine

• Refrigerator grates not in place

• Mops stored with head above handle (should be below)

• 
  

🏠 Subway

Address: 5899 Hwy 11 S, Pink Hill Date: 9/10 Score: 98.5 Observations:

• No Certified Food Protection Manager present

• Inadequate lighting in walk-in cooler and freezer (2–5.5 foot candles)

• 
  

🏠 Bojangles

Address: 7858 Hwy 70 W, La Grange Date: 9/09 Score: 94 Observations:

• No written procedures for vomiting/diarrheal events

• Coffee stored above chicken prep area

• Orange juice containers stored on single-service shelving

• Cold holding food not at 41°F

• Sanitizer bucket stored above prep area

• Wet wiping cloths not stored in sanitizer buckets

• Dirty shelving and equipment

• Broken cooler lids and drawers

• Frayed wires in basket strainer (physical hazard)

• Dirty freezer and cooler shelving

• Water damage and grease buildup on floors and walls

• Missing floor drain covers and broken tiles

  
  

🏠 King’s Restaurant

Address: 405 E New Bern Road, Kinston Date: 9/09 Score: 92.5 Observations:

• No paper towels at hand sinks

• Dirty dishes with food residue and old stickers

• Soiled kitchen items and equipment

• Ice machine and deli slicer buildup

• Missing date marks on food

• Live roaches and flies observed

• Employee wearing watch

• Styrofoam cup used as scoop (not approved)

• Rusted shelves and missing equipment covers

• Dirty can opener and cutting boards

• Extensive cleaning needed throughout kitchen

• Leak at dish room sink

• No covered waste bin in female restroom

• Damaged ceiling tiles and holes in storage room

• Bacterial growth on ceiling

  
  

🏠 El Azteca

Address: 2928 A W. Vernon Avenue, Kinston Date: 9/08 Score: 100 Observations:

• Sanitizer test kit not measuring properly

• Dumpster missing drain plug

• Heavy dust buildup on A/C covers in kitchen

• 
  

  ⚠️ Public Warning: Bojangles and King’s Restaurant Under Fire

  Despite scoring above 90 in recent health inspections, Bojangles (94) and King’s Restaurant (92.5) in Lenoir County were cited for serious violations that should alarm any diner:

  • Live roaches and flies observed in King’s kitchen

  • Improper food storage, dirty equipment, and broken coolers at Bojangles

  • Grease buildup, bacterial growth, and missing drain covers in both facilities

  • Lack of proper sanitation procedures and unsafe food temperatures

  • 
    

  These conditions do not reflect the high scores they received, and many in the community are questioning the standards used by inspectors. If health and safety matter to you, consider dining elsewhere until these issues are fully resolved.