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Mecklenburg County Health Dept
Public Health Inspections
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Premises Information

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NameSMOKE PIT ARBORETUM, THE
Address8136 PROVIDENCE RD
 
City/State/ZIP
CHARLOTTE NC 28277
Premise Type1 - Restaurant
CountyMecklenburg
Inspection Date 10/8/2025
Final Score @ Grade
96 A
General Comments

Violations

 
CDI=Corrected During Inspection  R=Repeat Violation  VR=Verification Required 
Violation Item Demerits Violation Description CDIRVRComments
10 0 Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible Yes No No 5-205.11 (A) A handwashing sink shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee use Pf. Observed mop bucket stored in front of hand sink in meat smoking room. CDI - Mop Bucket removed. - 0 -
16 1.50 Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized Yes No No 4-501.114 Maintain sanitizer at correct concentrations when being used to sanitize. -P Observed chemical dish machine reading 0ppm chlorine sanitizer while being used to sanitize dishes. CDI - It was found that machine was not properly primed. Machine primed and reading 200ppm of chlorine after a few cycles. - 1.5 - For more information please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: Sanitizing Solutions - https://youtu.be/ykP2mr9CtRg and How to Test Sanitizer https://youtu.be/y0SjmnabFaY
20 1.50 Proper cooling time & temperatures Yes No No 3-501.14(A) Quickly cool cooked foods within 2 hours from 135F to 70F; and within a total of 6 hours from 135F to 41F. -P. Observed several food items cooling improperly (see temp chart). CDI - Items were uncovered and moved in to walk in freezer. Some items had ice wands placed inside of them. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR QUICK COOLING: Thinner portions (2-3inches), leaving food items uncovered while cooling, purchasing more ice wands to keep up with food quantities that facility is cooling, designating a space in the walk in freezer for cooling. - 1.5 - For more information please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0iLZb7v0UM and Cooling Food Safely https://youtu.be/P6x8b1ZVOxU .
21 0 Proper hot holding temperatures Yes No No 3-501.16(A)(1) Maintain TCS foods in hot holding at 135F or above. -P Observed chicken quarters, burnt end trimmings, pulled chicken, and ribs hot holding under 135F. CDI - Items were reheated before being placed back into hot holding. - 0 - For more information, please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0iLZb7v0UM and Safe Food Temperatures https://youtu.be/tXP09IK-1TQ .
23 0 Proper date marking & disposition Yes No No 3-501.18 Discard the food requiring date labels once time/temperature window has expired, if it has not been labeled, or if the label is incorrect. -P The PIC should train and assign staff to monitor date marking to prevent the use of food products that are no longer in compliance with 3-501.17 (A), (B), or (C). Observed various incorrect dates on the bottom of pans and sides of pans used to hold portioned food items. Items are being refilled without being taken to be washed, rinsed, and sanitized. Be sure to change out the dates when pans are refilled. CDI - Dates were corrected. - 0 - For more information, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://youtu.be/bRvqAETDjQU and Date Marking Food Safely https://youtu.be/BOPsSNUajYs .
33 0.50 Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control Yes No No 3-501.15 Quickly cool foods. Use methods such as open/vented shallow pans, large ice baths and active stirring. Cold air must flow around product to remove the heat. -Pf Observed several food items cooling improperly (see temp chart). Items were in deep containers, covered containers, and stacked close together. CDI - Items were uncovered and moved in to walk in freezer. Some items had ice wands placed inside of them. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR QUICK COOLING: Thinner portions (2-3inches), leaving food items uncovered while cooling, purchasing more ice wands to keep up with food quantities that facility is cooling, designating a space in the walk in freezer for cooling. - 0.5 - For more information, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://youtu.be/bRvqAETDjQU and Cooling Food Safely https://youtu.be/P6x8b1ZVOxU .
37 0 Food properly labeled: original container No No No 3-302.12 Label all working containers of food (oils, spices, salts, flour, sugar) except food that is easy to identify such as dry pasta. Observed a few squeeze bottles of sauces next to grill without labels. Label as needed with the common name of the food item. - 0 -
38 0 Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals No No No 6-202.15 Protect outer openings of establishment from insect or rodent entry. Observed door propped open in meat smoking room. Maintain door closed. - 0 -
45 0.50 Single-use & single-service articles: properly stored & used No No No 4-903.11(A)(C) Store single-use and single-service articles in a clean, dry location; where they are not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination; and at least 6 inches above the floor. Observed plastic bottles and foil pans stored on the floor of the meat room. Maintain items at least 6” off of the floor at all time. - 0.5 -
56 0 Meets ventilation & lighting requirements; designated areas used No No No 6-305.11/6-501.110 Designate and use an area for the orderly storage of employees' clothing and possessions. Observed employee jackets stored on dry storage rack in meat room. Set designate area for employee belongings. - 0 -