Beaufort, October 3, 2025
News Summary
In September, health inspections conducted by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture revealed that several food establishments in Beaufort and Jasper County received B and C grades. A total of 223 inspections were conducted in Beaufort County and 34 in Jasper County. Notable establishments like Okan and Plantation Cafe Buckwalter improved their scores through follow-up inspections, demonstrating a commitment to food safety and public health.
Beaufort and Jasper County Food Establishments Receive B and C Grades in Health Inspections
Nine food businesses in Beaufort and Jasper County were assigned B and C grades during health inspections conducted by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) in September. These ratings reflect the sanitary conditions observed in various establishments, allowing them opportunities for improvement through follow-up inspections.
The SCDA conducted a total of 223 inspections in Beaufort County and 34 inspections in Jasper County throughout September. At the core of these evaluations, health inspectors assign grades of A, B, or C based on the establishments’ adherence to food safety regulations.
Inspection Results
Among the establishments that received B and C grades:
- Okan: Scored 82% (B) on September 2, improved to 93% (C) on September 11, and achieved 98% (A) after a third inspection on September 19.
- Plantation Cafe Buckwalter: Received a routine grade of 73% (C) on September 10, then improved to 100% (A) on September 12 following a reinspection.
- Wasabi Sushi: Scored 80% (B) on September 10, dropped to a C with a score of 91% on September 18 due to recurrent issues, and achieved 100% (A) on September 26.
- Chophouse 119: Initially scored 80% (B) on September 16, then improved to 100% (A) on September 24.
- Long Cove Club: Scored 85% (B) on September 10 and later received 100% (A) after reinspection on September 16.
- Wayback Burgers: Scored 81% (B) during a routine inspection on September 4 and achieved 100% (A) following a reinspection on September 12.
- La Nopalera Mexican Restaurant: Scored 82% (B) on September 17 and then reached 100% (A) upon reinspecting on September 26.
- 7 Brew: Achieved a score of 97% (B) for repeated infractions on September 15 and received 100% (A) on a reinspection the following day.
- Dukes Bar-B-Que: Scored a B during routine inspection on September 4 and permanently closed on September 9; it is currently for sale.
Improvement and Transparency Measures
Health inspectors allow establishments to improve their scores through follow-up inspections. Additionally, new food-grade decals featuring a QR code enable customers to scan for the latest inspection reports, enhancing transparency and public safety. Customers are also encouraged to report any concerns or request further inspections through the SCDA’s Food Safety Complaint Form.
Conclusion
The September inspections highlight a critical commitment to food safety and hygiene in Beaufort and Jasper County. Both counties benefit from systematic health checks that encourage establishments to maintain high culinary standards and ensure public safety.
FAQ
What were the health inspection grades for food businesses in Beaufort and Jasper County?
Nine food businesses in Beaufort and Jasper County were assigned B and C grades in health inspections conducted by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) in September.
How many inspections were conducted in each county?
The SCDA conducted 223 inspections in Beaufort County and 34 in Jasper County during September.
What can customers do if they have concerns about food safety?
Customers can report concerns and request inspections through the SCDA’s Food Safety Complaint Form.
| Establishment Name | Initial Grade | Reinspected Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Okan | 82% (B) | 100% (A) |
| Plantation Cafe Buckwalter | 73% (C) | 100% (A) |
| Wasabi Sushi | 80% (B) | 100% (A) |
| Chophouse 119 | 80% (B) | 100% (A) |
| Long Cove Club | 85% (B) | 100% (A) |
| Wayback Burgers | 81% (B) | 100% (A) |
| La Nopalera Mexican Restaurant | 82% (B) | 100% (A) |
| 7 Brew | 97% (B) | 100% (A) |
| Dukes Bar-B-Que | B | Closed |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort County Welcomes an Array of September Events
Significant Improvements in SC READY Scores for Beaufort Area
Health Inspection Grades Issued to Beaufort and Jasper County Restaurants
Beaufort Kicks Off 69th Annual Water Festival Despite Weather Challenges
Beaufort County Welcomes Fourth of July Celebrations
Beaufort Welcomes Annual Water Festival Amid Safety Adjustments
Beaufort Water Festival Adjusts Plans Amid Weather Concerns
Discover South Carolina’s Charming Small Towns
Upcoming Community Events in Beaufort County
Beaufort County Food Businesses Receive Low Health Inspection Grades
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Beaufort and Jasper County Food Establishments Health Inspections
- Wikipedia: Food Safety
- Island Packet: Recent Food Inspections in Beaufort County
- Google Search: Health Inspections and Food Safety
- AOL: September Health Inspections Results
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Health
- AOL: July Health Inspections Results
- Google News: Food Establishment Health Grades
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.
