Nine Restaurants Receive B or C Ratings in Lancaster County in July

Some cited for pest issues, improper food temperatures, and sanitation violations

LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Agriculture conducted 79 food safety inspections across Lancaster County in July 2025. While most establishments received an “A” rating, nine restaurants were cited with lower grades—six with a “B” and three with a “C.”

Routine inspections assess key areas such as food storage, cleanliness, employee hygiene, and pest control. Facilities receiving lower scores are typically re-inspected within ten days.

Restaurants Receiving a “C” Rating

Akina
533 Hwy 9 Bypass E, Lancaster

• Initial Inspection (July 23): Received a “C” after critical violations including multiple instances of improper food storage temperatures, lack of sanitizer in wiping cloth buckets, dirty food-contact surfaces, and insect activity in kitchen areas.
• Follow-Up (July 31): The restaurant remained at a “C” after failing to correct several violations, including continued pest presence and unresolved cooling issues.

Jay Bird’s
683 Hwy 9 Bypass E, Lancaster

• Initial Inspection (July 18): Received a “C” due to raw meat stored over ready-to-eat foods, inadequate cold holding temperatures, and excessive buildup on equipment surfaces.
• Follow-Up (July 24): Continued problems with cooling units and sanitation led to another “C.”
• Second Follow-Up (July 25): Issues were resolved, and the restaurant was upgraded to an “A.”

Swadeshi Adda
8390 Charlotte Hwy, Indian Land

• Initial Inspection (July 15): Cited for dirty kitchen floors and walls, food held out of safe temperature range, no sanitizer in use, and rodent droppings observed.
• Follow-Up (July 22): The establishment corrected deficiencies and earned an “A” rating.

Restaurants Receiving a “B” Rating

Applebee’s #1143
1268 Hwy 9 Bypass, Lancaster

• Inspection (July 28): Earned a “B” after inspectors found cold foods not held below 41°F, unclean kitchen equipment, a hand sink blocked by boxes, and food debris on prep surfaces.
• Follow-Up: No follow-up conducted by the end of July.

Firehouse Subs
10092 Charlotte Hwy, Indian Land

• Inspection (July 16): Received a “B” for improper sanitizer levels in dish machines, buildup on slicers, and food debris on prep tables.
• Follow-Up (July 24): All violations corrected; upgraded to an “A.”

Hickory Tavern
8364 Charlotte Hwy, Indian Land

• Inspection (July 16): A “B” was issued due to multiple TCS (time/temperature control for safety) foods stored above 45°F, dirty ice machine, and missing paper towels at the hand sink.
• Follow-Up (July 19): Passed inspection and received an “A.”

Shomars @ 521
9783 Charlotte Hwy, Indian Land

• Inspection (July 15): Violations included improperly labeled food containers, dirty vent hoods, and cold food temperatures above safety limits.
• Follow-Up (July 16): Issues corrected; rating upgraded to “A.”

Sal’s Pizza Factory
8348 Charlotte Hwy, Indian Land

• Inspection (July 25): Earned a “B” for dirty prep tables, improper thawing of meat, and expired food items in reach-in coolers.
• Follow-Up (July 30): Passed inspection with an “A.”

The New York Butcher Shoppe
2018 Bridgemill Dr Suite 104, Indian Land

• Inspection (July 23): Inspectors cited improper handwashing procedures, unlabeled food containers, and dirty slicers.
• Follow-Up (July 30): All concerns were addressed; received an “A.”

Summary

Of the nine restaurants that received a “B” or “C,” seven were able to correct issues and were upgraded to an “A” rating on follow-up inspections. Two—Akina and Applebee’s—remained below an “A” at the end of the month. Akina retained its “C” rating following a failed follow-up inspection, while Applebee’s had not yet received a reinspection.

The full results of food safety inspections are publicly available on the SC DOA website.

Sources:

• South Carolina DHEC Inspection Records, July 2025