Restaurant Report Card for March 21

This week's restaurant inspections come to us from the Hardin County Health Department.

Inspector Kellum found roaches, slime, and other problems during surprise inspections of restaurants and stores.

#1. KFC/TACO BELL HWY 96 SOUTH SILSBEE

We begin with KFC AND TACO BELL ON HIGHWAY 96 IN SILSBEE. GRADE=70

Inspector Kellum found the whole kitchen needed cleaning. She discovered dirty equipment and also said the drink machine needed cleaning. The hand washing sink was also dirty. KFC and Taco Bell in Silsbee just barely passed with a score of 70.

#2. FAST TRIP 1310 HWY 69 KOUNTZE/GRADE=60 FOLLOW-UP 75

Next is Fast Trip on Highway 69 in Kountze... formerly the Bye and Bye Drive In. The ice machine had black and pink slime on it. The inspector described the store as nasty. She spotted roaches in the store and suggested an exterminator be called as soon as possible. Fast Trip received a failing grade of 60. On a follow-up inspection the score improved only slightly to a 75.

#3. KOTOYAMA 215 SOUTH MAIN LUMBERTON GRADE=76

Inspector Kellum also checked out Kotoyama in Lumberton. The ice machine had black build-up on it. They were improperly thawing meat by allowing it to sit in water. The inspector says the water must be running so the meat will thaw evenly and quickly.

And an employee failed to wash her hands after touching her face and hair. Kotoyama in Lumberton gets a 76.

PIZZA HUT 720 HWY 96 SILSBEE GRADE=80

Inspector Kellum found the ice machine dirty.. The food preparation table needed to be sanitized and the rest room was dirty and needed to be cleaned. Pizza Hut in Silsbee gets an 80.

M and K Pantry at 210 Highway 96 South in Silsbee received a failing score of 60 in the first inspection. The inspector said the entire store was dirty. But on a follow-up visit the store received a 75.

Munchies Ole' on Fifth Street in Silsbee got an 89. Oates Snack Shack in Silsbee received a 96. Dairy Queen on North Main in Lumberton got a 91. Hot Wok in Lumberton received a 94.

Our Blue Ribbon Award for perfect scores goes to Sonshine Cafe and Gift Shop in Votaw and the Potato Shack in Kountze.