Charlotte, NC, July 26, 2025
News Summary
Two Bojangles restaurants in Charlotte recently received ‘B’ grades from the Mecklenburg County Health Department due to multiple health violations. Issues included pests, unsanitary conditions, and employee hygiene violations. The inspections, part of a broader review of 166 restaurants, raise ongoing concerns about food safety in the area. The inspections took place between July 21 and July 24, highlighting the need for improved standards at these establishments.
Charlotte, NC – In a recent inspection by the Mecklenburg County Health Department, two Bojangles restaurants in Charlotte received “B” grades due to multiple health violations, including the presence of insects and unsanitary conditions. The inspections occurred between July 21 and July 24, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding food safety at these establishments.
The first Bojangles restaurant located at 8521 N. Tryon St. was inspected on July 21 and received a score of 87%. Among the violations noted were a “crawling pest” discovered in a dry storage area and employees washing their hands for less than the required 20 seconds. Additional issues included:
- No soap available at the hand sink in the men’s bathroom.
- Food debris found on dishes labeled as clean.
- A box of chicken improperly stored on the floor in the walk-in cooler.
- Employees preparing food without head coverings.
- Dark buildup observed on drink machines.
- Significant debris accumulation on multiple surfaces, including walls, floors, and ceilings.
This marked the second time the restaurant has received a “B” grade, with its first occurrence in March of this year.
The second Bojangles site, located at 6915 Albemarle Rd., was inspected on July 24 and received a score of 89%. This facility was cited for several violations, including:
- Three flies found in the kitchen area.
- Only one employee present during the inspection, raising concerns about inadequate staffing.
- Lids and cleaning rags found in a handwashing sink.
- Dirty can opener discovered during the inspection.
- Boxes of oil improperly stored on the floor.
- Food preparation being conducted without employees wearing head coverings.
- Buildup and residues on shelving and other surfaces.
- A heavily soiled restroom noted by the inspector.
This was the fourth time this location received a “B” grade, having previously been rated on the same level in February 2021.
These inspections were part of a larger assessment conducted by Mecklenburg County, during which at least 166 restaurants were evaluated from July 18 to July 24. The majority of inspected establishments received an “A” grade, meaning they scored at least 90%. Only three restaurants, including Bojangles, received a “B” grade, indicating scores between 80% and 90%. Notably, Pho Real located at 440 E. McCullough Dr. also received an 88% score on July 23 for 13 violations, including failing to wash hands after coughing and improper food storage practices. Most violations at Pho Real were corrected during the inspection, building on its previous score of 93% in March.
In North Carolina, restaurants are evaluated based on their sanitation scores and letter grades, which aim to ensure compliance with food safety regulations designed to prevent foodborne illnesses. If a restaurant scores below 70%, its operating permit is immediately revoked as per state law. Public inspection data for Mecklenburg County is accessible online for those interested in reviewing restaurant compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the grades mean?
Grades are assigned based on a score from health inspections, where an “A” indicates excellent compliance (90-100%), a “B” indicates satisfactory compliance (80-89%), and a “C” indicates unsatisfactory compliance (below 80%).
What happens if a restaurant receives a low score?
If a restaurant scores below 70%, it faces immediate revocation of its operating permit, requiring it to address violations before reopening.
How can the public access inspection data?
Inspection data for Mecklenburg County can be accessed through the official public health website, where reports on restaurant compliance are published regularly.
Key Features of the Health Inspection Report
| Restaurant Name | Inspection Date | Score | Key Violations | Previous Grades |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bojangles (8521 N. Tryon St.) | July 21 | 87% | Crawling pests, dirty dishes, lack of staff hygiene | March – B Grade |
| Bojangles (6915 Albemarle Rd.) | July 24 | 89% | Flies in kitchen, improper food storage, dirty can opener | February 2021 – B Grade |
| Pho Real (440 E. McCullough Dr.) | July 23 | 88% | Handwashing violations, improper food storage | March – A Grade |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer: Recent Health Inspections
- News Observer: Local Health Violations Report
- Charlotte Observer: Health Violations Summary
- Patch: Health Violations in Charlotte Restaurants
- Savannah Now: Restaurant Inspections Report
- Wikipedia: Food Safety
- Google Search: Restaurant Health Inspection Standards
- Google Scholar: Food Safety Regulations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Safety
- Google News: Restaurant Inspections
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
