Madison, AL, August 16, 2025
News Summary
Madison County restaurants face significant health inspection challenges, with several establishments receiving alarming scores and sanitation violations. Phat Sammy’s was temporarily closed due to a serious roach infestation, while others like The Furniture Factory and Wayback Burger also scored poorly. This worrying trend raises essential questions about food safety and compliance among local eateries.
Madison, AL – Multiple restaurants in Madison County have recently faced health inspection challenges, registering low scores and significant sanitation violations in the latest kitchen compliance report. Among the concerns, a notable closure due to pest infiltration was reported at Phat Sammy’s on Jefferson Street.
On August 4th, health inspectors found a serious roach infestation in Phat Sammy’s kitchen, prompting an immediate closure. Roaches were discovered on the walls and food preparation surfaces where food was being handled. Although the closure was temporary and lifted once inspectors verified that the infestation had been resolved, Phat Sammy’s ultimately received a final health score of 80. This score was further impacted by violations including a dirty ice chute, a contaminated soda gun, and the presence of gnats. Unsurprisingly, the absence of managers or supervisors during the inspection raised additional concerns.
The Furniture Factory’s Providence location did not fare much better, scoring a 79. Violations there included black residue found in the ice machine, improperly stored beef, and deep scratches in cooking pots and pans. Similarly, Wayback Burger on University Drive also scored a 79 due to critical violations such as the lack of a functioning food thermometer, onion rings in contact with ice build-up, and absence of sanitizer.
Another Broken Egg in Jones Valley faced a score of 83 resulting from food temperature violations and employees lacking proper food safety documentation. The Homewood Suites hotel in Providence was cited for a blocked handwashing sink and a dirty ice machine, earning them the same score of 83. Meanwhile, Sprint Mart at Highway 72 and Wall Triana in Madison scored slightly better at 84, although issues such as unlabeled chemicals, a dirty ice machine, and inadequate restroom supplies were still present.
Notably, Swifty Mart in Henegar, which belongs to DeKalb County, received a score of 83 owing to improper sink set-up and a lack of certified personnel during the inspection. John’s Shop Ezy on Huntsville Road in Florence also faced concerns, registering a score of 81 due to unspecified pests as well as food date marking failures. Homeside Restaurant in Florence recorded 82 due to cooler failures and sewage discharge issues.
Fins Beach Bar & Grill in Athens encountered serious health violations and reported the lowest score among the reviewed establishments with a 64 due to flies, leaking chemicals, rotten food, and obstructed sinks. Johnny Gryll’s in Madison also fell short, scoring 76 as a result of leaking sewage and unlabeled kitchen chemicals.
Outback Steakhouse in Huntsville managed to receive a score of 80 despite earlier plumbing issues that temporarily closed the restaurant. Rocket City Showgirls and Sonic both landed identical scores of 80 as they faced various violations, including improper chemical labeling and food temperature concerns.
Despite the alarming scores from several establishments, Las Trojas in Madison achieved a relatively decent score of 84, citing a dirty ice machine and food temperature discrepancies as their only reported issues.
The concerning trend of low health inspection scores raises questions about food safety and the regulations that restaurants must adhere to in Madison County. Ensuring kitchen compliance is critical in safeguarding public health and maintaining standards within the food service industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the shutdown of Phat Sammy’s?
Phat Sammy’s was shut down due to a significant roach infestation discovered during a health inspection.
How is the health score determined for restaurants?
The health score is based on inspections that assess various food safety, sanitation, and operational compliance regulations.
What are some common violations reported in restaurants?
Common violations include pest infestations, dirty equipment, improper food storage, temperature violations, and unaddressed sanitation concerns.
What are potential consequences for restaurants receiving low scores?
Consequences can include temporary closures, fines, re-inspections, and potential loss of business or reputation.
Summary of Restaurant Health Scores
| Restaurant | Score | Key Violations |
|---|---|---|
| Phat Sammy’s | 80 | Roach infestation, dirty ice chute |
| The Furniture Factory | 79 | Black residue in ice machine, improperly stored beef |
| Wayback Burger | 79 | No working food thermometer, ice build-up |
| Another Broken Egg | 83 | Food temperature violations, lack of safety paperwork |
| Homewood Suites | 83 | Blocked hand washing sink, dirty ice machine |
| Sprint Mart | 84 | Unlabeled chemicals, dirty ice machines |
| Fins Beach Bar & Grill | 64 | Flies, leaking chemicals, rotten food |
| Johnny Gryll’s | 76 | Leaking sewage, unlabeled chemicals |
| Las Trojas | 84 | Dirty ice machine, food temperature violations |
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Additional Resources
- WAFF: Downtown Hotspot Briefly Shut Down After Kitchen Cops Find Roach Infestation
- Wikipedia: General Information
- WAFF: Kitchen Cops Find Moldy Lemons & Mouse Droppings
- Google Search: Restaurant Health Inspections
- WAFF: Restaurant Announces Temporary Closure After Blistering Kitchen Cops Inspection
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Safety
- WAFF: Kitchen Cops Shut Down Multiple Businesses Due to Roaches
- Google News: Kitchen Sanitation Violations
- WAFF: Kitchen Cops Find Unsanitary Sandwich Making in Madison County
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison 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 Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
