Overview of Low Inspection Scores in Robertson and Sumner Counties
Six restaurants in Robertson and Sumner Counties received inspection scores of 79 or lower between March 16 and April 30, 2026. The Tennessee Department of Health conducts regular inspections to ensure food safety standards are met. When a restaurant receives a low score, the department provides an opportunity for the establishment to correct the issues. In some cases, a follow-up inspection is conducted on the same day.
The following list details the restaurants that scored 79 or lower during their initial inspections, along with the violations found and the results of subsequent inspections.
Restaurant Details and Violations
Fuji Japanese Steak & Sushi
- Score: 71
- Date of inspection: April 23
- Examples of violations:
- Multiple critical violations were noted, including an employee drinking at the prep table, open employee drinks stored above food in make-line coolers, and a phone and headphones stored on a cutting board and prep surfaces.
- Cardboard was used as a liner in the make-line cooler, and multiple towels were found stored on cutting boards and the prep table.
- Plastic bowls were used as scoops, and food stored in the make-line cooler was not at the correct temperature.
- Sealed, raw tuna was found thawed despite packaging instructions, and the dishwasher was not dispensing sanitizer.
- Date of follow-up inspection: April 29
- Follow-up score: 96
- Address: 520 TN-76, Suite 5, White House
El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant
- Score: 79
- Date of inspection: April 20
- Examples of violations:
- Employees were seen changing tasks without washing hands, not wearing gloves while preparing food, and storing phones on the make line.
- Uncovered food was found in the walk-in cooler, and chicken was stored above fish.
- Shrimp in the grill cooler measured out of temperature and was embargoed.
- Black residue buildup was observed inside the ice machine.
- Date of follow-up inspection: April 27
- Follow-up score: 98
- Address: 230 New Shackle Island Road, Hendersonville
El Grullense Taqueria
- Score: 72
- Date of inspection: April 17
- Examples of violations:
- An employee wiped their gloves on their apron and did not discard them or wash their hands.
- Unlabeled spray bottles and wet nesting dishes were found at the three-compartment sink.
- The drive-thru window was left open, and damaged floor tiles were present in the back kitchen.
- To-go containers were stored right side up instead of upside down.
- Food was not properly date marked in the walk-in cooler.
- Date of follow-up inspection: April 24
- Follow-up score: 93
- Address: 778 W Main Street, Hendersonville
El Sazon De Dona Cuca
- Score: 67
- Date of inspection: April 1
- Examples of violations:
- The restaurant had been shut down for two months due to a staff change, leading to the loss of guidance documents.
- Employees were not maintaining active managerial control of food safety.
- A language barrier affected communication about proper handwashing procedures.
- Raw shell eggs were stored over produce, and cooked chicken and sauce were left at unsafe temperatures.
- Products prepared more than seven days prior were embargoed.
- Date of follow-up inspection: April 10
- Follow-up score: 96
- Address: 101 18th Ave W, Springfield
Vietastic Food Truck
- Score: 76
- Date of inspection: March 27
- Examples of violations:
- A hand sink had its water turned off and was blocked by single-use items.
- Raw eggs were placed over produce in a one-door cooler.
- No bleach or sanitizer was available on the truck.
- Several food products were found below the safe temperature range.
- A rice cooker was placed directly on the floor near a sink.
- Date of follow-up inspection: March 27
- Follow-up score: 97
- Address: 345 Remington Ave, Gallatin
Vallarta Mexican Restaurant
- Score: 71
- Date of inspection: March 26
- Examples of violations:
- The restaurant was immediately closed due to backed-up drains.
- Raw eggs and chicken were improperly stored in the reach-in cooler.
- Sauces past their seven-day hold were embargoed.
- Employee food was stored over establishment products, and water pooled in a prep unit.
- Single-use bowls were used as scoops, and grocery bags were used to store food.
- Date of follow-up inspection: April 2
- Follow-up score: 95
- Address: 1602 Memorial Blvd, Springfield
Additional Resources
For more information about restaurant health inspections in Tennessee, you can visit the Tennessee Department of Health website. There is also a searchable database of health inspection scores dating back to August 2022. Full inspection reports are available for review.
