Recent restaurant inspections across Cobb County turned up a mixed bag of results. While some kitchens were spotless, others had serious violations ranging from improper food handling to temperature control issues. Health inspectors flagged multiple concerns, and a few locations will require follow-ups to ensure compliance.
Leading the list of low scores is Oaks at West Cobb, which failed with a 61, while Steak N Shake in Kennesaw barely passed with a 76. On the other hand, several restaurants scored a perfect 100, demonstrating strong food safety practices.
The Worst Scores: Restaurants with Major Violations
Oaks at West Cobb – Marietta (61)
This restaurant had multiple serious food safety concerns that led to its failing score. Health inspectors found no paper towels at three hand sinks, which is a repeat violation. Cross-contamination was an issue, with raw beef patties stored over hot dogs and shelled eggs placed over romaine lettuce. A can opener with heavy grime was being used in food prep, and inspectors found no consumer advisory for undercooked eggs, despite them being served.
Temperature violations were also a problem, with mixed vegetables held below 135°F. Inspectors noted unapproved thawing methods for raw pork and found personal items, including cell phones on a food prep table. While some of the violations were corrected on-site, the restaurant will require a follow-up to ensure all safety concerns are addressed.
Steak N Shake – Kennesaw (76)
Health inspectors found a range of issues at this fast-food spot. The person in charge could not provide documentation showing that employees had been informed about foodborne illness symptoms and when to report them. Equipment cleanliness was a major concern, with black buildup found inside the ice machine and heavy residue inside tea nozzles.
Cold holding temperatures were also an issue, with TCS (time/temperature control for safety) foods being kept above 41°F. The restaurant was also cited for lacking hot water at a hand sink in the food prep area, which inspectors will check on again during a scheduled follow-up.
Additionally, an odor was noted in the milkshake prep area, raising concerns about overall sanitation.
American Deli – Marietta (82)
While American Deli managed to pass, it did so with significant violations. Inspectors found shelled eggs stored above fresh produce, a cross-contamination risk. Hot food safety was also a problem, as wings were found sitting at 101°F for an hour, far below the required 135°F. The food prep team reheated the wings to 174°F after being informed of the issue, and corrective action was taken during the inspection.
Restaurants That Could Improve but Scored Well
- Waffle House #1132 – Marietta (86)
- M & J Home Cooking – Marietta (88)
- Tea Leaf and Creamery – Austell (88)
- First Watch – Kennesaw (89)
- Burger 21 – Kennesaw (89)
- Kiosco – Marietta (91)
Perfect Scores: Restaurants That Got It Right
Levant Oven – Marietta (100)
Jumping World USA – Kennesaw (100)
Burger King #6280 – Marietta (100)
Subway #32316 – Atlanta (100)
Little Caesars Pizza – Mableton (100)
Sugar Shane’s – Kennesaw (100)
Olive Bistro Galleria – Atlanta (100)
While several Cobb County restaurants met or exceeded food safety standards, others struggled with basic cleanliness and food handling. Restaurants scoring below 80 will require additional monitoring to ensure that violations are corrected.
For more details or to check additional inspection scores, contact the Cobb & Douglas Public Health Department.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
