SONIC DRIVE-IN
1005 Henry Parkway, McDonough, GA 30253
Do you manage or own SONIC DRIVE-IN?
Claim this listing for free ($0) to post a dated, verified public response detailing repairs, vendor receipts, or corrective actions taken.
Official Inspection History
2 recorded inspectionsThermometers provided and accurate — Inspector Note: Observed the location does not have an internal food thermometer to take cooking, hot holding, and cold holding temperatures for TCS foods. There was not a suitable thermometer provided and/or readily accessible to measure the internal temperatures of food product. PIC will obtain an internal food thermometer by 03/27/26. 511-6-1.05(3)(g) - Food TMD, Provided and Accessible; Appropriate TMD for Measuring Thin Foods (Pf) (g) Food Temperature Measuring Devices. 1. Food temperature measuring devices shall be provided and readily accessible for use in ensuring attainment and maintenance of food temperatures as specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1-.04. Pf 2. A temperature measuring device with a suitable small-diameter probe that is designed to measure the temperature of thin masses shall be provided and readily accessible to accurately measure the temperature in thin foods such as meat patties and fish filets. Pf There was not a suitable thermometer provided and/or readily accessible to measure the internal temperatures of food product.
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage, display — Inspector Note: Observed several products in the reach in freezer including peppers and mozzarella sticks not covered in the reach in freezer. Also observe hot dogs not covered in the reach in cooler. PIC corrected on site by covering all food products to prevent potential contamination.
In-use utensils: properly stored — Inspector Note: Observed utensils used in the slushie preparation area stored in stagnant water. PIC advised that utensils must be stored in a clean/dry container, under cold running water while draining, or a container of hot water maintaining a temperature of 135 degrees or higher. PIC corrected on site by washing the utensils and replacing the container with a clean/dry container and a separate container of water. 511-6-1.04(4)(k) - In-Use Utensils, Between-Use Storage (C) (k)Storage of In-Use Utensils. During pauses in food preparation or dispensing, food preparation and dispensing utensils shall be stored: 1.Except as specified under paragraph 2 of this subsection, in the food with their handles above the top of the food and the container; 2.In food that is not time/temperature control for safety food with their handles above the top of the food within containers or equipment that can be closed, such as bins of sugar, flour, or cinnamon; 3.On a clean portion of the food preparation table or cooking equipment only if the in-use utensil and the food-contact surface of the food preparation table or cooking equipment are cleaned and sanitized at a frequency specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1-.05(7)(b) and (8)(a); 4.In running water of sufficient velocity to flush particulates to the drain, if used with moist food such as ice cream or mashed potatoes; 5. In a clean, protected location if the utensils, such as ice scoops, are used only with a food that is not time/temperature control for safety food; or 6. In a container of water if the water is maintained at a temperature of at least 135°F (57°C) and the container is cleaned at a frequency specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1-.05(7)(b)3(vi)
Garbage/refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained — Inspector Note: Observed excessive trash in the dumpster area on the dumpster pad. The trash must be cleaned and area must be maintained. 511-6-1.06(5)(o),(p) - Using Drain Plugs; Maintaining Refuse Areas (C) (o) Using Drain Plugs. Drains in receptacles and waste handling units for refuse, recyclables, and returnables shall have drain plugs in place. (p) Maintaining Refuse Areas and Enclosures. A storage area and enclosure for refuse, recyclables, or returnables shall be maintained free of unnecessary items and
Physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean — Inspector Note: Observed dust build up on the ceiling and ceiling tile in bad repair throughout the kitchen. Also, some of the ceiling tile with a black mold-like build up. The ceiling tile must be cleaned properly or replaced to make it smooth, easily cleanable, and nonabsorbent. 511-6-1.07(5)(a),(b) - Good Repair, physical facilities maintained; Cleaning, Frequency & Restrictions, cleaned often enough to keep them clean (C) (5) Maintenance and Operation. (a) Good Repair. All physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair. (b) Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions. 1. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean and by methods that prevent contamination of food products. 2. Except for cleaning that is necessary due to a spill or other accident, cleaning shall be done during periods when the least amount of food is exposed, such as after closing. 3. If present, playground equipment and associated areas shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. In addition, a cleaning and sanitizing plan along with cleaning and sanitizing records for playground equipment and associated areas shall be maintained within the food service establishment for review upon request by the Health Authority. Further, such cleaning and sanitizing plan for employees to follow in the event of encountering vomitus or fecal matter shall be included and submitted at the time of permit application as specified in DPH Rule 511-6-1-.02(1)(c). Pf
Adequate ventilation and lighting; designated areas used — Inspector Note: Observed HVAC vents in the main kitchen with excessive mold-like accumulation. The vents must be cleaned and properly sanitized by 04/06/2026 to prevent further mold build up. Observed several light fixtures that were not properly shielded in the kitchen area. PIC will have the light shields installed by 3/28/2026. 511-6-1.07(2)(i) - Light Bulbs, Protective Shielding (C) (i) Light Bulbs, Protective Shielding. 1. Except as specified in paragraph 2 of this subsection, light bulbs shall be shielded, coated, or otherwise shatter-resistant in areas where there is exposed food; clean equipment, utensils, and linens; or unwrapped single-service and single-use articles. 2. Shielded, coated, or otherwise shatter-resistant bulbs need not be used in areas used only for storing food in unopened packages, if: (i) The integrity of the packages cannot be affected by broken glass falling onto them; and (ii) The packages are capable of being cleaned of debris from broken bulbs before the packages are opened. 3. An infrared or other heat lamp shall be protected against breakage by a shield surrounding and extending beyond the bulb so that only the face of the bulb is exposed.
Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use — Inspector Note: Observed an employee drink cup with a straw stored in the food preparation area near the slushie machine area. PIC relocated the cup to a non food preparation/storage area. Also observed a very strong odor in the men's restroom. PIC advised that employees are not allowed to smoke any tobacco products or non tobacco products in the food service establishment. 511-6-1.03(5)(k)1&2 - Eating, Drinking, or Using Tobacco (C) (k) Hygienic Practices. 1. Employees shall not use any form of tobacco products, or electronic devices that simulate tobacco smoking, while engaged in food preparation or service, nor while in areas used for equipment or utensil washing and storage, food preparation or food storage. Employees shall only use tobacco products or electronic devices that simulate tobacco smoking in approved designated areas. 2. Employees shall consume food only in approved designated areas separate from food preparation and serving areas, equipment or utensil areas and food storage areas. However, drinking from a single service beverage cup with a secure lid and straw that is handled to prevent contamination of the employee’s hands, the container, exposed food, clean equipment, utensils and linens, unwrapped single-service and single-use articles will be allowed.
Toxic substances properly identified, stored, used — Inspector Note: Observed a bottle of grill cleaner stored on top of the grill area. PIC relocated the bottle of grill cleaner to prevent potential contamination of food and food contact surfaces. 511-6-1.07(6)(c) - Storage, Separation (P) (c) Storage, Separation. Poisonous or toxic materials shall be stored so they cannot contaminate food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service and single-use articles by: 1. Separating the poisonous or toxic materials by spacing or partitioning; P and 2. Locating the poisonous or toxic materials in an area that is not above food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service or single-use articles. This requirement does not apply to equipment and utensil cleaners and sanitizers that are stored in warewashing areas for availability and convenience if the materials are stored to prevent contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service and single-use articles. P
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage, display — Inspector Note: Observed a bag of opened ketchup in the walk in cooler. The ketchup is excessive over the cardboard box.
Personal cleanliness — Inspector Note: Observed employees in the kitchen preparing and handling food items without hair restraints. PIC placed a hair restraints on the cook's head (COS). 511-6-1.03(5)(i) - Hair Restraints (C) (i) Hair Restraints. 1. Employees preparing or handling food shall use effective and clean, disposable or easily cleanable nets or other hair restraints approved by the Health Authority, worn properly to restrain loose hair including beards and mustaches longer than one half inch. 2. This does not apply to employees such as counter staff who only serve beverages and wrapped or packaged foods, hostesses, and wait staff if they present a minimal risk of contaminating exposed food, clean utensils and linens and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles.
Utensils, equipment and linens: properly stored, dried, handled — Inspector Note: Observed pans stored above the 3-compartment sink stacked and wet nesting. When the dishes are sanitized they must be properly air dried before stacking. 511-6-1.05(10)(a) - Equipment & Utensils, Air-Drying Required (C) (10) Protection of Clean Items. (a) Equipment and Utensils, Air-Drying Required. After cleaning and sanitizing, equipment and utensils: 1. Shall be air-dried or used after adequate draining before contact with food; and 2. May not be cloth dried except that utensils that have been air-dried may be polished with cloths that are maintained clean and dry.
Food and nonfood-contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, and used — Inspector Note: Observed a hole in the drink line connected to the drink syrups and a continuous leak on the slushie machine. All equipment should be maintained and in good repair. 511-6-1.05(6)(a) - Good Repair & Proper Adjustment (C) (6) Maintenance and Operation. (a) Good Repair and Proper Adjustment. 1. Equipment shall be maintained in a state of repair and condition that meets the requirements specified under subsections (1) and (2)of this Rule. 2. Equipment components such as doors, seals, hinges, fasteners, and kick plates shall be kept intact, tight, and adjusted in accordance with manufacturer's specifications. 3. Cutting or piercing parts of can openers shall be kept sharp to minimize the creation of metal fragments that can contaminate food when the container is opened.
Food and nonfood-contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, and used — Inspector Note: Observed the food preparation sink in need of sealing to the wall. Observed the insulated cold holding pan by the drink machine in bad repair. The equipment must be replaced to ensure adequate cold holding of products being held. Observed top of ice machine missing front panel exposing wiring and rust build up on interior roof. Observed the vents (blowers) in the walk in cooler in need of cleaning due to a thick dust accumulation. 511-6-1.05(1)(i) - Nonfood-contact Surfaces (C) (i) Nonfood-contact Surfaces. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment that are exposed to splash, spillage, or other food soiling or that require frequent cleaning shall be constructed of a corrosion-resistant, nonabsorbent, and smooth material.
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained, used; test strips — Inspector Note: Observed the quaternary ammonium test strips expired on March 2025. Please order new test strips. 511-6-1.05(3)(h),(i),(j) - Temperature Measuring Device, Manual Warewashing; Sanitizing Solutions, Testing Device (Pf) (h) Temperature Measuring Devices, Manual and Mechanical Warewashing. 1. In manual warewashing operations, a temperature measuring device shall be provided and readily accessible for frequently measuring the washing and sanitizing temperatures. Pf 2. In hot water mechanical warewashing operations, an irreversible registering temperature indicator shall be provided and readily accessible for measuring the utensil surface temperature. Pf (i) Sanitizing Solutions, Testing Devices. A test kit or other device that accurately measures the concentration in mg/L of sanitizing solutions shall be provided. Pf j) Cleaning Agents and Sanitizers. 1. Cleaning agents that are used to clean equipment and utensils as specified under section (7) of this Rule, shall be provided and available for use during all hours of operation. Pf 2. Except for those that are generated on-site at the time of use, chemical sanitizers that are used to sanitize equipment and utensils, as specified under Section (8) of this Rule, shall be provided and available for use during all hours of operation. Pf
Nonfood-contact surfaces clean — Inspector Note: Observed black build up on the interior surface of the hand sink on the hot line. 511-6-1.05(7)(d) - Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C) (d) Nonfood-Contact Surfaces. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues.
Garbage/refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained — Inspector Note: Observed excessive trash on the grounds on the exterior of the gate for the dumpster area and on the dumpster pad. The trash must be cleaned and area must be maintained.
Physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean — Inspector Note: Observed dust build up on the ceiling and ceiling tile in bad repair throughout the kitchen and above the ice machine. Also, some of the ceiling tile with a black mold-like build up. The ceiling tile must be replaced to make it smooth, easily cleanable, and nonabsorbent. Observed severe mold on the ceilings of the women's restroom. Mold remediation company must be notified to treat the areas that were observed in addition to any potential areas that may have resulted from a water leak. The remediation must be done by a professional mold remediation company within 2 days by Friday (9/19/25). A copy of the service report must be email to [REDACTED EMAIL]. The mold must be properly tested, treated, and remediated. Observed damaged floor tile and baseboards throughout the kitchen that must be repaired. Also, observed missing grout in the food preparation area. Observed excessive grease build up underneath and behind the fryers, build up underneath the shelves and corners of the walk in cooler, and mold-like substance on the baseboards in front of the ice machine.
Adequate ventilation and lighting; designated areas used — Inspector Note: Observed a red jacket and hat stored on top of the reach in deep freezer. Employee items should be stored in a designated area. 511-6-1.07(4)(b) - Designated Areas for Employee Activity, located to prevent contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, & single service articles (C) (b) Designated Areas for Employee Activity. 1. Areas designated for employees to eat, drink, use tobacco products and electronic devices shall be located so that food, equipment, linens, and single-service and single-use articles are protected from contamination. 2. Lockers or other suitable facilities shall be located in a designated room or area where contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens and single-service and single-use articles cannot occur.
Adequate ventilation and lighting; designated areas used — Inspector Note: Observed HVAC vents in the main kitchen with excessive rust and mold-like accumulation. The vents must be cleaned and properly sealed.
Insects, rodents, and animals not present — Inspector Note: Observed that the back door is need of a door sweep. When standing in front of the door, visible light from the outside is seen. The door must be tight and fitted to prevent bugs, insects, and rodents from entering. 511-6-1.07(2)(m) - Outer Openings Protected (C) (m) Outer Openings, Protected. 1. Except as specified in paragraphs 2 through 5 of this subsection, outer openings of a food service establishment shall be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by: (i) Filling or closing holes and other gaps along floors, walls, and ceilings; (ii) Closed, tight-fitting windows; and (iii) Solid, self-closing, tight-fitting doors. 2. The requirements in paragraph 1 of this subsection does not apply if a food service establishment opens into a larger structure, such as a mall, airport, or office building, or into an attached structure, such as a porch, and the outer openings from the larger or attached structure are protected against the entry of insects and rodents. 3. Exterior doors used as exits need not be self-closing if they are: (i) Solid and tight-fitting; (ii) Designated for use only when an emergency exists, by the fire protection authority that has jurisdiction over the food establishment; and (iii) Limited-use so they are not used for entrance or exit from the building for purposes other than the designated emergency exit use. 4. Except as specified in paragraphs 2 and 5 of this subsection, if the windows or doors of a food service establishment, or of a larger structure within which a food service establishment is located, are kept open for ventilation or other purposes or a temporary food service establishment is not provided with windows and doors as specified under paragraph 1 of this subsection, the openings shall be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by: (i) 16 mesh to 1 inch (16 mesh to 25.4 mm) screens; (ii) Properly designed and installed air curtains to control flying insects; or (iii) Other effective means. 5. The requirement in paragraph 4 of this subsection does not apply if flying insects and other pests are absent due to the location of the establishment, the weather, or other limiting condition.
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized — Inspector Note: Observed the bulk ice machine with a thick accumulation of black mold-like build up. Also, observed the bottom of the slushie machine with a thick build up of black mold-like build up. Observed the grill area in need of a cleaning due to a thick accumulation of build up. Observed the ice bins stored on red trays that had black build up. 511-6-1.05(7)(b) - Food Contact Surfaces and Utensils - Cleaning Frequency (P, C) (b) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils. 1. Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be cleaned: (i) Before each use with a different type of raw animal food such as beef, fish, lamb, pork, or poultry. It does not apply if the food-contact surface or utensil is in contact with a succession of different types of raw meat and raw poultry each requiring a higher cooking temperature as specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1.04(5)(a) than the previous type such as preparing raw pork followed by cutting raw poultry on the same cutting board; P (ii) Each time there is a change from working with raw foods to working with ready-to-eat foods; P (iii) Between uses with raw fruits and vegetables and with Time/Temperature Control for safety food; P (iv) Before using or storing a food temperature measuring device; P and (v) At any time during the operation when contamination may have occurred. P 2. Except as specified in paragraph 3 of this subsection, if used with time/temperature control for safety food, equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be cleaned at least every 4 hours throughout the day. P 3. Surfaces of utensils and equipment contacting time/temperature control for safety food may be cleaned less frequently than every 4 hours if: (i) In storage, containers of time/temperature control for safety food and their contents are maintained at temperatures specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1-.04 and the containers are cleaned when they are empty; (ii) Utensils and equipment are used to prepare food in a refrigerated room or area that is maintained at one of the temperatures in the following chart and: (I) The utensils and equipment are cleaned at the frequency in the following chart that corresponds to the temperature: Temperature Cleaning Frequency 41ºF (5.0ºC) or less 24 hours >41ºF - 45ºF (>5.0ºC - 7.2ºC) 20 hours >45ºF - 50ºF (>7.2ºC - 10.0ºC) 16 hours >50ºF - 55ºF (>10.0ºC - 12.8ºC) 10 hours and (II) The cleaning frequency based on the ambient temperature of the refrigerated room or area is documented in the food service establishment. (iii) Temperature measuring devices are maintained in contact with food, such as when left in a container of deli food or in a roast, held at temperatures specified under DPH Rule 511-6-1- .04; (iv) Equipment is used for storage of packaged or unpackaged food, such as a reach-in refrigerator, and the equipment is cleaned at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues; (v) The cleaning schedule is approved based on consideration of: (I) Characteristics of the equipment and its use, (II) The type of food involved, (III) The amount of food residue accumulation, and (IV) The temperature at which the food is maintained during the operation and the potential for the rapid and progressive multiplication of pathogenic or toxigenic microorganisms that are capable of causing foodborne disease; or (vi) In-use utensils are intermittently stored in a container of water in which the water is maintained at 135ºF (57ºC) or more and the utensils and container are cleaned at least every 24 hours or at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil residues. 4. Dining counters and table-tops shall be cleaned and sanitized routinely after removing all soiled tableware and food trays shall be cleaned and sanitized after each use by one of the following methods: (i) A two step method in which one cloth, rinsed in sanitizing solution is used to clean food debris from the surface and a second cloth in separate sanitizing solution is used to rinse; (ii) Sanitizing solution is sprayed onto the surface and the surface is then wiped clean with a disposable towel; (iii) If used for cleaning and sanitizing, single-use disposable sanitizer wipes shall be used in accordance with EPA-registered label use instructions; or (iv) Other methods approved by the Health Authority. (v) Food trays may be cleaned and sanitized the same as table ware. 5. Except when dry cleaning methods are used as specified under subsection (7)(e) of this Rule, surfaces of utensils and equipment contacting food that is not time/temperature control for safety food shall be cleaned: (i) At any time when contamination may have occurred; (ii) At least every 24 hours for iced tea dispensers including nozzles and consumer self-service utensils such as tongs, scoops, or ladles; (iii) Before restocking consumer self-service equipment and utensils such as condiment dispensers and display containers; and (iv) In equipment such as ice bins and beverage dispensing nozzles and enclosed components of equipment such as ice makers, cooking oil storage tanks and distribution lines, beverage and syrup dispensing lines or tubes, coffee bean grinders, and water vending equipment: (I) At a frequency specified by the manufacturer; or (II) Absent manufacturer specifications, at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil or mold.