Beaufort, South Carolina, September 3, 2025
News Summary
In August, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture conducted health inspections on food businesses in Beaufort and Jasper Counties, issuing grades ranging from A to C. Twelve establishments received grades of B and C, while several improved their scores upon reinspection. Notable recoveries included Panda China and Savanah Pizza Company, both of which turned C grades into A grades. Consumers can access inspection results online and are encouraged to report any health safety concerns.
Beaufort, South Carolina – A total of 12 food businesses in Beaufort and Jasper Counties were issued health inspection grades of “B” and “C” during August health inspections conducted by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA). The inspections took place as part of a rigorous program ensuring food safety standards are maintained across the region.
Out of 277 health inspections carried out in Beaufort County and 44 in Jasper County throughout the month, several establishments improved their grades significantly upon reinspection. The grades are determined based on a scale where “A” reflects scores from 88% to 100%, “B” represents scores from 78% to 87%, and “C” indicates scores of 77% or lower.
Among the notable recoveries, Panda China received a C grade with a score of 68% on August 19 but turned it around to achieve an A grade with a score of 97% during a reinspection the following day. Similarly, Savanah Pizza Company scored 70% (C) on August 11 but improved to 97% (A) after a reinspection on August 18. These notable turnarounds demonstrate that many businesses are committed to addressing health and safety violations promptly.
Other establishments that improved their ratings include:
- Maria’s Mexican Kitchen, which improved from a 95% (C) on August 8 to a 98% (A) after reinspecting on August 18.
- Jim N’ Nick’s Bar-B-Q went from scoring 81% (B) on August 12 to a perfect 100% (A) on August 22 during a follow-up inspection.
- Kenny B’s French Quarter Cafe achieved improvement from a 94% (B) to 100% (A) upon reinspecting after previous infractions.
- Longhorn Steakhouse went from 85% (B) on August 6 to 98% (A) on August 12.
- Papaya Thai & Sushi improved from 80% (B) to 99% (A) following reinspecting.
- Etang Asian Bistro showed improvement from 79% (B) to 96% (A).
- El Potrero Restaurant improved from a score of 78% (B) to a perfect 100% (A) after reinspecting.
- Agave Azul Tacos and Tequila raised their score from 81% (B) to 98% (A).
- Taco Go LLC achieved a perfect score of 100% (A) after being reinspected, up from 99% (B).
Currently, El Comal Chiapaneco LLC is under observation after scoring 94% (B) on August 28 for repeated infractions. As of September 2, this establishment has not yet been reinspected to determine if improvements have been made.
The SCDA regularly updates the results of these health inspections on their website, making the information accessible to the public. Consumers can now scan the QR codes included on food-grade decals at restaurants to access detailed inspection reports quickly.
In addition, patrons concerned about restaurant safety can submit requests for inspections using the SCDA’s Food Safety Complaint Form, ensuring that food establishments uphold the highest standards of hygiene and safety.
Key Data from August Health Inspections
| Establishment | Grade (First Inspection) | Score (First Inspection) | Grade (Reinspection) | Score (Reinspection) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panda China | C | 68% | A | 97% |
| Savanah Pizza Company | C | 70% | A | 97% |
| Maria’s Mexican Kitchen | C | 95% | A | 98% |
| Jim N’ Nick’s Bar-B-Q | B | 81% | A | 100% |
| Kenny B’s French Quarter Cafe | B | 94% | A | 100% |
| Longhorn Steakhouse | B | 85% | A | 98% |
| Papaya Thai & Sushi | B | 80% | A | 99% |
| Etang Asian Bistro | B | 79% | A | 96% |
| El Potrero Restaurant | B | 78% | A | 100% |
| Agave Azul Tacos and Tequila | B | 81% | A | 98% |
| Taco Go LLC | B | 99% | A | 100% |
FAQ
What do the health inspection grades mean?
The grades are based on a percentage system. An ‘A’ indicates a score between 88% to 100%, ‘B’ denotes scores between 78% to 87%, and ‘C’ signifies scores of 77% or lower.
How can I check the health inspection results of a restaurant?
Health inspection results can be accessed on the South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s website. Additionally, restaurants are now displaying QR codes on food-grade decals that allow customers to view inspection reports easily.
What should I do if I have concerns about a restaurant’s health safety?
Customers can submit concerns or request inspections by utilizing the SCDA’s Food Safety Complaint Form available on their website.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Health Inspections in Beaufort
- Wikipedia: Food Safety
- Island Packet: More on Health Standards
- Google Search: Health Inspection Restaurants
- AOL: Health Violations Report
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Health Inspection
- The Assembly NC: NC Health Inspections
- Google News: Restaurant Health Inspections
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
