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CHICO CANTINA receives A in DeKalb County health inspection

Inspected

705 TOWN BLVD STE Q310 ATLANTA, GA 30319

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CHICO CANTINA received an A, scoring 92 out of 100, in a DeKalb County food-service inspection on Sep 2, 2026. The official report lists three findings. [1]

Inspection score

92/100Grade AOfficial inspection

Inspection summary

The inspector observed several TCS food items in ROP done in-house (NY strip, Salmon, and Ground Beef) dated with a prep date of 8/29, 8/31, and 9/1. [2]

The inspector also observed ROP fish (tuna) thawing in the walk-in cooler still in the ROP packaging. [3]

A separate finding described several metal pans, bowls and pots stored right-side up to dry or stacked tightly on top of one another. [4]

One finding is marked as a repeat violation. [5]

18 points higher than the previous inspection in our records: 74/100 on Aug 4, 2026. Intervening inspections may be missing.

What inspectors found

Read the official report

Showing 3 of 3 findings

  1. Variance obtained for specialized processing methods

    Item 10C
    Observed several TCS food items in ROP done in-house (NY strip, Salmon, and Ground Beef) dated with a prep date of 8/29, 8/31, and 9/1. Previous conversations with the chef indicated understanding that TCS foods processed with ROP in-house cannot be kept longer than 48 hours, and that he was willingly going to discontinue the process.
    Inspector’s full note

    Code 511-6-1.05(b)

    Observed several TCS food items in ROP done in-house (NY strip, Salmon, and Ground Beef) dated with a prep date of 8/29, 8/31, and 9/1. Previous conversations with the chef indicated understanding that TCS foods processed with ROP in-house cannot be kept longer than 48 hours, and that he was willingly going to discontinue the process. CA: Documentation of Proposed Variance and Justification. Before a variance from a requirement of this Chapter is granted by the Department, the information that shall be provided by the person requesting the variance and retained in the Department’s file on the food service establishment includes: 1. A statement of the proposed variance of the Chapter requirement citing relevant rule and subsection numbers; 2. An analysis of the rationale for how the potential public health hazards and nuisances addressed by the relevant rules and subsections will be alternatively addressed by the proposal; 3. A HACCP plan if required that includes the information specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1-.02 (6) as it is relevant to the variance requested. CORRECT BY: Acquiring the proper documentation and approval from the department, not keeping in-house ROP items longer than 48 hours, or discontinuing the process. Chef indicated that the purpose of the ROP was to buy items in bulk, and cut/process them in house. These items can be processed/cut in house and stored wrapped in plastic wrap for longer than 48 hours. New Violation.
    Official report · Item 10C
    New violation
  2. Approved thawing methods used

    Item 11C
    Observed ROP fish (tuna) thawing in the walk-in cooler still in the ROP packaging. The ROP packaging specified that it must be removed from packaging prior to thawing.
    Inspector’s full note

    Code 511-6-1.04(6)(c)

    Observed ROP fish (tuna) thawing in the walk-in cooler still in the ROP packaging. The ROP packaging specified that it must be removed from packaging prior to thawing. CA: Reduced oxygen packaged fish that bears a label indicating that it is to be kept frozen until time of use shall be removed from the reduced oxygen environment: (i) Prior to its thawing under refrigeration that maintains the food temperature at 41°F (5°C) or less; or (ii) Prior to, or immediately upon completion of its thawing, using procedures to completely submerge in running water as specified in paragraph 2 of this subsection. CORRECT BY: Removing ROP fish from its packaging prior to thawing it. Repeat Violation.
    Official report · Item 11C
    Repeat violation
  3. Utensils, equipment and linens: properly stored, dried, handled

    Item 14B
    Observed several metal pans, bowls and pots stored right-side up to dry or stacked tightly on top of one another. Metal pans and bowls are stored on the second shelf under other items drying so that the water from other items drips into the pans/bowls.
    Inspector’s full note

    Code 511-6-1.05(10)(e)1,2,4

    Observed several metal pans, bowls and pots stored right-side up to dry or stacked tightly on top of one another. Metal pans and bowls are stored on the second shelf under other items drying so that the water from other items drips into the pans/bowls. CA: Clean equipment and utensils shall be stored as specified under paragraph 1 of this subsection and shall be stored: (i) In a self-draining position that allows air drying; and (ii) Covered or inverted. CORRECT BY: Installing other drying racks to allow for adequate space to allow pans to dry without stacking them on top of one another. Pots/pans must be stored inverted to air dry and to avoid water dripping into them. New Violation.
    Official report · Item 14B
    New violation

Correction and repeat labels quote the report. An absent label leaves correction status unknown; a deadline does not confirm a correction.

Inspection history 2

Official history ↗
  1. This report
    92/100A
    Reading
  2. Earlier record
    74/100C
    Report

Sources

Record details & methodology
Authority
DeKalb County
Inspection ID
57550153
Facility ID
13004386
Record captured
Venue address source
Official listing ·

Scores and findings describe the dated inspection, not current operating conditions. A correction deadline does not establish whether an issue remained unresolved afterward.

Findings quote the official report captured . “Corrected on site” and “repeat” reflect explicit report markers. “COS” and “CA” in the inspector’s notes refer to corrections and corrective actions; an instruction to act is not proof that it was completed.

History links the same official facility ID within the issuing authority and may omit intervening inspections. Same-day results have no inferred sequence. Report excerpts follow source order, not a severity ranking.

This report comes from DeKalb County. History includes only this authority’s exact facility ID.

Georgia’s grading scale
A
90–100
B
80–89
C
70–79
U
0–69
Georgia food-service rules ↗

Checked