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A98.5

CATALU

135 NEW BERN ST, STE A, Charlotte, NC 28209
Restaurant · NC permit/State ID 20600110928
Latest gradeA (98.5)
Last inspectedSep 30, 2026
Inspections on record7
On record sinceMay 13, 2024

Score history

7085100 May 13, 2024: 98Jul 29, 2024: 95Feb 13, 2025: 98.5May 20, 2025: 95Oct 28, 2025: 99Apr 9, 2026: 98Sep 30, 2026: 98.5
May 13, 2024Higher is betterSep 30, 2026

Inspections & violations

Sep 30, 2026 A 98.5 · 3 violations
#15 · Food separated & protected
3-302.11 (A)(4) Except when the food is being cooled, store food in packages, covered containers, or wrappings. EHS obsevred food stored in lowboy coolers uncovered, products were not actively cooling. -0-
#16 · Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized −1.5
Corrected during inspection
4-501.114 Maintain sanitizer at correct concentrations when being used to sanitize. -P EHS observed dish washer being used to actively sanitize dishes with 0ppm of chlorine. CDI- PIC replaced sanitizer and got a reading of 50ppm. -1.5- For more information please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: Sanitizing Solutions - https://youtu.be/ykP2mr9CtRg and How to Test Sanitizer https://youtu.be/y0SjmnabFaY
#43 · In-use utensils: properly stored
3-304.12 (A) In-use utensils in TCS food, must be stored with handles above the food and top of the food container. EHS observed container without a handle stored inside container of salt. CDI- PIC removed scoop from container of salt. -0-

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Apr 9, 2026 A 98 · 3 violations
#20 · Proper cooling time & temperatures −1.5
Corrected during inspection
3-501.14(A) Quickly cool cooked foods within 2 hours from 135F to 70F; and within a total of 6 hours from 135F to 41F. -P. EHS observed beef stock in the walk in cooler holding at 47F. PIC stated that the stock was prepared the day prior and cooled overnight. Beef stock missed the 6 hour cooling window. CDI- PIC voluntarily discarded the beef stock. -1.5- For more information please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0iLZb7v0UM and Cooling Food Safely https://youtu.be/P6x8b1ZVOxU .
#25 · Consumer advisory provided for raw/ undercooked foods −0.5
Follow-up verification required
3-603.11 (A) Provide consumer advisory for animal foods served raw or under-cooked. Consumer advisory must include disclosure and reminder.-Pf EHS observed that facility did not have a consumer advisory for the aiolis on the menu that contain a raw unpasteurized egg. Faiclity shall note that items contain a raw add by adding the asterisk to these menu items. -0.5- 10 DAY VR Required.
#33 · Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Corrected during inspection
3-501.15 Quickly cool foods. Use methods such as open/vented shallow pans, large ice baths and active stirring. Cold air must flow around product to remove the heat. -Pf EHS observed beef stock in the walk in cooler that had been cooling overnight in a large metal pot. EHS observed a thick layer of fat on top of the stock that might have contributed to the stock not cooling properly. EHS advised that facility split up the stock is to smaller pots or stir product more frequently to prevent fat from solidifying before it finishes cooling. CDI- PIC voluntarily discarded the beef stock -0- For more information, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://youtu.be/bRvqAETDjQU and Cooling Food Safely https://youtu.be/P6x8b1ZVOxU .

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Oct 28, 2025 A 99 · 5 violations
Inspector comments: Facility mentioned wanting to remove prep unit on cook line. The prep unit has not been functioning properly and facility has reduced the size of their menu and no longer need to additional cold holding space. EHS advised facility to reach out when they want to remove the unit so cold holding capacity could be evaluated. EHS contact information: 980-416-9181 Ariel.humphrey@mecklenburgcountync.gov
#40 · Personal cleanliness
2-402.11 Use head coverings, beard guards and clothing to restrain body hair from contacting exposed food, equipment, and utensils. Observed food employee preparing food without the use of a beard guard.
#41 · Wiping cloths: properly used & stored −0.5
Corrected during inspection
3-304.14(B) Hold in-use wiping cloths in properly concentrated sanitizer between uses. Observed sanitizer bucket with a concentration of 50ppm. CDI- PIC refreshed the sanitizer to a concentration of 200ppm.
#44 · Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried & handled
4-903.12 Do not store cleaned equipment, utensils, linen in toilet rooms; garbage rooms; mechanical rooms; under sewer lines; under open stairwells; or under other sources of contamination. Observed extra wine glasses and other equipment stored in the area above the WIC. This area was not evaluated during permitting and is not an approved storage location. Remove facility equipment from this space.
#47 · Equipment, food & non-food contact surfaces approved, cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used −0.5
4-501.12 Resurface or replace cutting surfaces that can no longer be effectively cleaned and sanitized. Observed multiple cutting boards that were no longer smooth and easily cleanable. Cutting boards had plastic peeling off and deep grooves. Replace or resurface.
#55 · Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
6-501.12 Floors, walls, ceilings including the attachments such as soap, towel dispensers; light fixtures; and heat/ac vent covers shall be clean. Caution should be used to minimize food exposure. Observed dust build up on wall near AC vent.

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May 20, 2025 A 95 · 10 violations
Inspector comments: Observed handwashing sink behind bar where milk and other non-alcoholic drinks are dispensed with ice. EHS educated PIC on ensuring that any handsinks behind that bar are only being used for handwashing. No violation marked today. Observed hot water at 3-comp sink at 113F. Ensure hot water is being maintained at 120F or higher from 3-comp sink. No violations marked today.
#15 · Food separated & protected
Corrected during inspection
3-302.11(A)(1) Separate raw animal foods from ready-to-eat foods and washed/unwashed fruits and vegetables. -P- Observed raw beef stored over large bag of unwashed carrots and unwashed onions in WIC. -CDI- PIC corrected storage order. -0- For more information on food storage order please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation
#16 · Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized −3
Corrected during inspectionRepeat violation
4-601.11(A) Equipment food contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. -Pf.- Observed food debris on dishes stored as clean. -CDI- PIC moved items to dishpit to be W/R/S. Per PIC, some items are not in use. EHS recommended facility ensure these items are stored clean or removed from facility. **REPEAT** -3- For more information, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: Sanitizing Solutions - https://youtu.be/ykP2mr9CtRg , How to Test Sanitizer https://youtu.be/y0SjmnabFaY , and Cleaning and Sanitizing Food Contact Surfaces https://youtu.be/av1Rbh-lh08 . 4-703.11 After cleaning, equipment, food contact surfaces, and utensils shall be sanitized using an approved method. -P- Observed items being sanitized that were not fully submerged in sanitizer water. -CDI- EHS educated PIC on ensuring items are fully sanitized and PIC filled sink to ensure full submersion. For more information, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: Sanitizing Solutions - https://youtu.be/ykP2mr9CtRg , How to Test Sanitizer https://youtu.be/y0SjmnabFaY , and Cleaning and Sanitizing Food Contact Surfaces https://youtu.be/av1Rbh-lh08 .
#20 · Proper cooling time & temperatures
Corrected during inspection
3-501.14(B) Quickly cool TCS foods that are prepared from room temperature ingredients. Food must be to 41F within 4 hours. -P.- Observed 2 large containers of beef empanada filling prepared more than 4 hours ago between 45-46F. -CDI- PIC voluntarily discarded items. -0- For more information, please visit: www.meckncgov/foodsafety or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0iLZb7v0UM and Cooling Food Safely https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6x8b1ZVOxU .
#21 · Proper hot holding temperatures −1.5
Corrected during inspection
3-501.16(A)(1) Maintain TCS foods in hot holding at 135F or above. -P- Observed items hot holding below 135F at steam table. Items were found to not be fully submerged in steam vats. Observed housemade caldos containing TCS ingredients being held on stove below 135F. Refer to temperature chart. Observed heat treated lemons being held on counter at 86F. -CDI- EHS educated PIC on ensuring that items are held at 135F or above and fully submerged in heating vat and PIC reheated items to above 165F and voluntarily discarded lemons. -1.5- For more information, please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0iLZb7v0UM and Safe Food Temperatures https://youtu.be/tXP09IK-1TQ .
#22 · Proper cold holding temperatures
Corrected during inspection
3-501.16(A)(2) Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. -P- Observed items in prep units above 41F. Refer to temperature chart. Per PIC, items were prepared today. Observed items being held on ice above 41F. -CDI- PIC placed items in WIC to cool back down. EHS educated PIC on ensuring that items held on ice are fully submerged and that squeeze bottles containing housemade TCS items are held on ice or kept on bottom portion of prep unit. -0- For more information, please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0iLZb7v0UM and Safe Food Temperatures https://youtu.be/tXP09IK-1TQ .
#33 · Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control −0.5
Corrected during inspection
3-501.15 Quickly cool foods. Use methods such as open/vented shallow pans, large ice baths and active stirring. Cold air must flow around product to remove the heat. -Pf- Observed beef empanada filling that did not reach cooling parameters. Observed cut salami and chorizo cooling in lowboy in filled containers with lids with containers stacked on top of each other. -CDI- EHS educated PIC on proper cooling methods and PIC removed lids and placed items in freezer to facilitate rapid cooling and voluntarily discarded items that did not meet cooling parameters. -0.5- For more information, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://youtu.be/bRvqAETDjQU and Cooling Food Safely https://youtu.be/P6x8b1ZVOxU .
#43 · In-use utensils: properly stored
Corrected during inspection
3-304.12 (C ) Store in-use utensils on a clean portion of the food preparation table or cooking equipment. The utensils and storage surface must be cleaned and sanitized every 4 hours. Observed in-use tongs stored on oven handles. -CDI- EHS educated PIC on proper storage of in-use utensils and PIC removed items. -0-
#44 · Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried & handled
Corrected during inspection
4-901.11 (B) After cleaning and sanitizing, equipment and utensils may not be cloth dried. Observed food employee towel drying clean dishes. -CDI- EHS educated food employee on proper drying techniques and food employee placed items back at dishpit to be W/R/S. -0-
#47 · Equipment, food & non-food contact surfaces approved, cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
4-205.10 Ensure equipment other than toasters, mixers, microwaves, water heaters and hoods is ANSI certified or equivalent. Observed immersion blender labeled “for household use only”. -0-
#49 · Non-food contact surfaces clean
4-601.11(C ) Keep non food contact surfaces of equipment clean to avoid build up of dust, food residue or debris.4-602.13 Non food contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned frequently to preclude accumulation of soil residues. Observed dust buildup on ice machine vents. Increased and more thorough cleaning frequency recommended. -0-

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Feb 13, 2025 A 98.5 · 3 violations
#16 · Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized −1.5
Corrected during inspectionRepeat violation
4-601.11(A) Equipment food contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. -Pf.- Observed food debris on dishes stored as clean. -CDI- PIC moved items to dishpit to be W/R/S. **REPEAT** -1.5- For more information, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: Sanitizing Solutions - https://youtu.be/ykP2mr9CtRg , How to Test Sanitizer https://youtu.be/y0SjmnabFaY , and Cleaning and Sanitizing Food Contact Surfaces https://youtu.be/av1Rbh-lh08 .
#19 · Proper reheating procedures for hot holding
Corrected during inspection
3-403.11 (A),(D) Reheat all TCS foods to 165F within 2 hours if food is to be hot held until service. -P- Observed mashed potatoes reheated to 153F. -CDI- EHS educated PIC on ensuring to check items in multiple parts and PIC reheated items to 166F. -0-
#40 · Personal cleanliness
2-303.11 Remove jewelry on hands and arms while preparing food. A plain ring, such as a wedding band, is allowed. Observed PIC engaging in food prep with wrist watch. -0-

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Jul 29, 2024 A 95 · 7 violations
#15 · Food separated & protected −1.5
Corrected during inspectionRepeat violation
3-302.11(A)(1) Separate raw animal foods from ready-to-eat foods and washed/unwashed fruits and vegetables. -P- Observed ceviche containing raw fish stored over RTE items in WIC. -CDI- PIC corrected storage order. For more information on food storage order please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation 3-302.11 (A)(2) Separate types of raw animal foods from each other such as beef, fish, lamb, pork, and poultry during storage, preparation, holding, and display. -P.- Observed raw beef stored behind raw calamari in cold drawers. -CDI- PIC corrected storage order. **REPEAT** -1.5- For more information on food storage order please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation
#16 · Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Corrected during inspection
4-501.114 Maintain sanitizer at correct concentrations when being used to sanitize. -P- Observed sanitizer dispensing at 0 ppm chlorine at dish machine. -CDI- PIC corrected concentration to 100ppm. For more information please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: Sanitizing Solutions - https://youtu.be/ykP2mr9CtRg and How to Test Sanitizer https://youtu.be/y0SjmnabFaY 4-601.11(A) Equipment food contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. -Pf.- Observed food debris on dishes stored as clean. -CDI- PIC placed items at dishpit to be W/R/S. -0- For more information, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: Sanitizing Solutions - https://youtu.be/ykP2mr9CtRg , How to Test Sanitizer https://youtu.be/y0SjmnabFaY , and Cleaning and Sanitizing Food Contact Surfaces https://youtu.be/av1Rbh-lh08 .
#20 · Proper cooling time & temperatures
Corrected during inspection
3-501.14(A) Quickly cool cooked foods within 2 hours from 135F to 70F; and within a total of 6 hours from 135F to 41F. -P.- Observed beets prepared yesterday at 43-44F. -CDI- PIC voluntarily discarded items. -0- For more information please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://youtu.be/bRvqAETDjQU and Cooling Food Safely https://youtu.be/P6x8b1ZVOxU .
#22 · Proper cold holding temperatures −3
Corrected during inspectionRepeat violation
3-501.16(A)(2) Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. -P- Observed octopus and rice with mushroooms in RIC above 41F. Observed papas bravas and chicken pintxos above 41F in prep unit. Observed housemade garlic and oil mixture sitting on counter at 66F. Refer to temperature chart. -CDI- PIC voluntarily discarded items. **REPEAT** -3- For more information, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://youtu.be/bRvqAETDjQU and Safe Food Temperatures https://youtu.be/tXP09IK-1TQ .
#28 · Toxic substances properly identified stored & used
Corrected during inspection
7-102.11 Label working containers of toxic materials such as cleaners and sanitizers. -Pf- Observed oil used for cleaning grill with no labels. -CDI- PIC properly labeled items. -0-
#33 · Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control −0.5
Corrected during inspectionRepeat violation
3-501.15 Quickly cool foods. Use methods such as open/vented shallow pans, large ice baths and active stirring. Cold air must flow around product to remove the heat. -Pf- Observed beets prepared last night between 43-44F in WIC. Observed blue cheese sauce cooling from last night at 43F in WIC. -CDI- EHS educated PIC on proper cooling methods and PIC voluntarily discarded items. **REPEAT** -0.5- For more information, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://youtu.be/bRvqAETDjQU and Cooling Food Safely https://youtu.be/P6x8b1ZVOxU .
#44 · Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried & handled
4-901.11(A) Air dry equipment and utensils after cleaning and sanitizing. Observed wet stacking with some metal containers/pans stored as clean. -0-

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May 13, 2024 A 98 · 4 violations
Inspector comments: EHS observed several items in WIC right at 41F. EHS observed ambient air of unit at 38F. EHS recommended PIC monitor these items. Facility planning to launch brunch menu soon. Discussed consumer advisory.
#15 · Food separated & protected
Corrected during inspection
3-302.11 (A)(2) Separate types of raw animal foods from each other such as beef, fish, lamb, pork, and poultry during storage, preparation, holding, and display. -P- Observed raw steak stored behind raw shrimp and calamari in cold drawer. -CDI- PIC corrected storage order. -0- For more information on food storage order please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation
#22 · Proper cold holding temperatures −1.5
Corrected during inspection
3-501.16(A)(2) Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. -P- Observed 2 containers of chorizo annd spicy aioli above 41F at sautéed station. Observed garlic aioli (contains fresh garlic and oil) on counter at 70F. Observed potato’s at 45-48F at salad station. Observed housemade chimichurri at 45F in lowboy. Observed rabo at 41-43F and rice at 41-43F in WIC. Refer to temperature chart. Per PIC, items had been prepared today or out for prep. -CDI- PIC placed items in WIC to rapidly cool back down. -1.5- For more information, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://youtu.be/bRvqAETDjQU and Safe Food Temperatures https://youtu.be/tXP09IK-1TQ .
#33 · Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Corrected during inspection
3-501.15 Quickly cool foods. Use methods such as open/vented shallow pans, large ice baths and active stirring. Cold air must flow around product to remove the heat. -Pf- Observed items cooling in WIC with lids and stacked on top of each other. -CDI- EHS educated PIC on proper cooling methods and PIC vented lids and placed items on sheet trays. -0- For more information, please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://youtu.be/bRvqAETDjQU and Cooling Food Safely https://youtu.be/P6x8b1ZVOxU .
#36 · Thermometers provided & accurate −0.5
4-302.12 Provide an accessible thermometer for use. Provide a thin probe thermometer for accurate measure of thin foods. -Pf- Observed no thin probe thermometer available. **10 DAY VERIFICATION REQUIRED** -0.5-

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Source: Mecklenburg County Public Health – Environmental Health public inspection portal (search for “CATALU” or State ID 20600110928). Inspection type (routine vs. follow-up) is not published in the county's data.