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A96.5

SUGAR HANDMADE GOURMET DONUTS

11914 ELM LN, STE 120, Charlotte, NC 28277
Restaurant · NC permit/State ID 2060019361
Latest gradeA (96.5)
Last inspectedJul 22, 2026
Inspections on record14
On record sinceDec 5, 2018

Score history

7085100 Dec 5, 2018: 98.5May 30, 2019: 97Jul 7, 2020: 97Jan 7, 2021: 98.5Jan 13, 2022: 99.5Jul 13, 2022: 97.5Feb 24, 2023: 100Aug 1, 2023: 99Jan 16, 2024: 99.5Jul 24, 2024: 99Feb 27, 2025: 98.5Jul 17, 2025: 98Apr 2, 2026: 98Jul 22, 2026: 96.5
Dec 5, 2018Higher is betterJul 22, 2026

Inspections & violations

Jul 22, 2026 A 96.5 · 4 violations
Inspector comments: Facility has TPHC procedures but does not use them for milks currently.
#3 · Management, food & conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities & reporting
Corrected during inspection
For more information on employee health policy, please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety 2-103.11(O) Ensure food employees are informed of their responsibility to report required symptoms, illnesses and exposure.-PF Observed PIC with little knowledge of the health policy but stated he has signed copies for current employees. PIC went to check for employee signatures and could not find them. CDI PIC had additional copies to have current employees to review and sign. Must ensure to review health policy with all food employees. For more information on employee health policy, please visit: www.mecknc.gov/foodsafety
#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 Black Forest sliced deli ham, munster cheese, and cooked eggs in reach in unit above 41F. PIC stated items were not prepped or used for the day. CDI items discarded. PIC must ensure items are maintained at 41F. Repeat. 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 .
#23 · Proper date marking & disposition
Corrected during inspection
3-501.18 Discard the food requiring date labels once time/temperature window has expired, if it has not been labeled, or if the label is incorrect. -P The PIC should train and assign staff to monitor date marking to prevent the use of food products that are no longer in compliance with 3-501.17 (A), (B), or (C) Observed coconut milk (6/11), oat milk (7/15), cream cheese (7/11). CDI items discarded. 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 Date Marking Food Safely https://youtu.be/BOPsSNUajYs .
#56 · Meets ventilation & lighting requirements; designated areas used −0.5
6-403.11 (A)Areas designated for employees to eat and drink, shall be located so that food, equipment, linens, single service/use items are protected from contamination. Observed personal drink stored on the prep top in kitchen. CDI moved to bottom shelf.

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Apr 2, 2026 A 98 · 5 violations
Inspector comments: Facility using creamer packets now. Not holding milks out anywhere. TPHC paperwork still in facility. Facility using apples now that they are washing. All other items are frozen.
#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 pooled eggs in 1 door reach in at 43F. Date on eggs was 4/1. Per PIC the eggs had not been in use today. CDI - PIC voluntarily discarded eggs. 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 .
#39 · Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Corrected during inspection
3-305.11 Store food in a clean, dry location, not exposed to contamination. Keep at least 6 inches above the floor. Observed one large white bucket of coconut oil stored directly on the floor. PIC stated that employee had just used the oil. CDI - PIC moved oil to proper shelf 6 inches off of the floor.
#45 · Single-use & single-service articles: properly stored & used −0.5
Corrected during inspection
4-903.11(A)(C) Store single-use and single-service articles in a clean, dry location; where they are not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination; and at least 6 inches above the floor. Observed 1 case of single use cups, 1 case of single use lids and 1 case of single use plastic containers stored directly on the floor. CDI - Employee moved all items to proper storage areas and off of the floor.
#47 · Equipment, food & non-food contact surfaces approved, cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Corrected during inspection
4-502.11(A) Maintain utensils in good repair. Observed one spatula with chips. CDI - PIC voluntarily discarded spatula.
#54 · Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Corrected during inspection
5-501.113(B) Keep dumpster, outside waste containers covered with tight-fitting lids or doors. Observed doors to dumpster open. It is a shared dumpster. CDI - PIC closed doors before returning into the facility.

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Jul 17, 2025 A 98 · 5 violations
Inspector comments: My CO alarm went off during inspection. Keep hood fan on when restaurant is operating, alarm went off after about 90 seconds. Newborn infant sleeping upon my arrival, CO exposure can be deadly especially for babies.
#16 · Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized −1.5
4-602.11 (E )Clean the equipment and utensils used with nonTCS foods as required to avoid contamination. Observed pink residue on guard inside ice machine. Needs more frequent cleaning.
#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 PIC not wearing a head covering
#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 dumpster missing sink with build-up in basin. Clean more frequently.
#54 · Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
5-501.114 Drains in dumpsters and waste containers shall have drain plugs in place. Observed dumpster missing its drain plug.
#56 · Meets ventilation & lighting requirements; designated areas used −0.5
6-305.11/6-501.110 Designate and use an area for the orderly storage of employees' clothing and possessions. Observed baby’s bottle on top of restaurant food. Store separately and below items used in restaurant.

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Feb 27, 2025 A 98.5 · 3 violations
Inspector comments: EHS provided updated Bodily Fluid Clean procedures during inspection. EHS provided TPHC template via email during inspection.
#22 · Proper cold holding temperatures −1.5
Corrected during inspectionRepeat violation
3-501.16(A)(2) Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. -P Observed all TCS items in coffee lowboy holding above 41F during inspection. Ambient in unit was 48F. CDI - PIC voluntarily discarded all items in cooler and contacted maintenance. Maintenance was able to adjust cooler settings during inspection, and ambient in unit dropped to 33F. Repeat. 1.5 pts. 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 .
#45 · Single-use & single-service articles: properly stored & used
4-502.13 Single-use and single-service articles cannot be reused. Observed single use deli meat container that had been cleaned being used to store cooked eggs during inspection. EHS educated PIC on proper usage of single use items. 0 pts.
#56 · Meets ventilation & lighting requirements; designated areas used
Corrected during inspection
6-305.11/6-501.110 Designate and use an area for the orderly storage of employees' clothing and possessions. Observed employee speaker being stored on prep table during inspection. CDI - PIC relocated to appropriate location. 0 pts.

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Jul 24, 2024 A 99 · 2 violations
#2 · Certified Food Protection Manager −1
2-102.12 (A) PIC shall demonstrate knowledge by being a certified food protection manager. No certified food protection manager on duty at time of inspection. EHS advised PIC to receive certification. For more information on becoming a certified food protection manager please visit: https://health.mecknc.gov/envhealth/food-and-facilities-sanitation
#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 muenster cheese and ham holding above 41F during inspection. PIC stated that it had been used at 11:00am for a customer’s order. CDI - PIC opened up packaging it was in to cool it down. Both items achieved cooling rates of 0.1F/minute, which will allow it to reach 41F before hitting the four hour mark. 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 .

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Jan 16, 2024 A 99.5 · 3 violations
#28 · Toxic substances properly identified stored & used
Corrected during inspection
7-201.11 Store toxic materials to avoid contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service/use items. -P - Observed butane fuel stored over food on storage rack near restroom.
#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 handling food without a hair restraint.
#44 · Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried & handled −0.5
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 equipment stored in employee restroom.

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Aug 1, 2023 A 99 · 4 violations
#23 · Proper date marking & disposition
Corrected during inspection
3-501.18 Discard the food requiring date labels once time/temperature window has expired, if it is not been labeled, or if the label is incorrect. -P - Observed open package of ham with prep date of 7/20. CDI, PIC voluntarily discarded ham. 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 Date Marking Food Safely https://youtu.be/BOPsSNUajYs .f
#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 watch worn on wrist of food employee.
#48 · Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips −0.5
4-302.14 Provide a test kit that accurately measures sanitizer concentrations. -Pf - Observed chlorine sanitizer packets used to sanitize ice cream Gelato machine but no test kit available. Vr required.
#56 · Meets ventilation & lighting requirements; designated areas used −0.5
6-305.11/6-501.110 Designate and use an area for the orderly storage of employees' clothing and possessions. Observed employee phone stored on prep table.

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Feb 24, 2023 A 100 · 0 violations

No violations were recorded for this inspection.

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Jul 13, 2022 A 97.5 · 3 violations
#2 · Certified Food Protection Manager −1
Corrected during inspection
2-102.12 PIC shall demonstrate knowledge by being a certified food protection manager. For more information on becoming a certified food protection manager please visit: http://meck.co/FoodSafety. No CFPM on site during inspection.
#23 · Proper date marking & disposition −1.5
Corrected during inspection
3-501.18 Discard the food requiring date labels once time/temperature window has expired, if it is not been labeled, or if the label is incorrect. -P For more information please visit: http://meck.co/FoodSafety or view our training videos at the following weblinks: What are TCS Foods https://youtu.be/bRvqAETDjQU and Date Marking Food Safely https://youtu.be/BOPsSNUajYs . Observed a carton of plant based whipping cream with an open date of 6/25 and a carton of liquid egg whites with an open date of 6/6. Both items are past their time window. CDI-Food employee voluntarily discarded items.
#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 food debris on microwave handle, inside microwave, and on handles of Reach in coolers throughout facility.

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Jan 13, 2022 A 99.5 · 1 violation
#54 · Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained −0.5
5-501.113(B) Keep dumpster, outside waste containers covered with tight-fitting lids or doors. Observed shared dumpster door open during inspection.

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Jan 7, 2021 A 98.5 · 5 violations
#14 · Food-contact surfaces: cleaned and sanitized
4-602.11 Clean the equipment and utensils used with nonTCS foods as required to avoid contamination. Observed organic buildup on interior surfaces of ice machine. Clean frequently to prevent buildup.
#20 · Proper cold holding temperatures
Corrected during inspection
3-501.16(A)(2) Maintain TCS foods in cold holding at 41F or less. -P. Observed deli ham holding at 43f in reach in cooler. All other TCS foods in unit 41f and ambient air temperature of unit 37f. CDI - PIC discarded.
#21 · Proper date marking and disposition −1.5
Corrected during inspection
3-501.17 Date mark/label all TCS foods that are ready-to-eat once opened or prepared and held more than 24hrs. -Pf. Observed open partially used package of deli ham with no date marking present. CDI - PIC discarded. Ensure opened TCS foods like deli meat and cheese have date marking not exceeding 7 days once opened. 3-501.18 Discard the food requiring date labels once time/temperature window has expired, if it is not been labeled, or if the label is incorrect. -P. Observed open container of almond milk expired date marked 12/31 in back area reach in cooler. CDI - PIC discarded. Ensure all open TCS items like almond milk are discarded once the date has expired.
#39 · Wiping cloths: properly used and stored
3-304.14(B) Hold in-use wiping cloths in sanitizer between uses. Observed wet wiping cloth laying on equipment near mixer not placed into sanitizer solution between uses. Once used, place wiping cloths into sanitizer between uses or remove to soiled linen receptacle.
#54 · Meets ventilation and lighting requirements; designated areas used
6-305.11/6-501.110 Designate and use an area for the orderly storage of employees' belongings. Observed personal employee beverages mixed with restaurant items in back reach in cooler and on back dry storage shelving. Designate an area away from restaurant food for the storage of employee items.

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Jul 7, 2020 A 97 · 4 violations
#14 · Food-contact surfaces: cleaned and sanitized −1.5
Corrected during inspection
4-601.11(A) Equipment food contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. -Pf Observed residue and debris present on both stand mixers and on immersion blender blade all of which were stored as clean. CDI- manager recleaned.
#26 · Toxic substances properly identified, stored, and used −1
Corrected during inspection
7-206.11 Restricted Use Pesticides, Criteria - P Observed two spray containers of household insect spray not approved for use in commercial kitchen. CDI - manager discarded.
#43 · Single-use and single-service articles; properly stored and used −0.5
4-903.11(A) Store single-use and single-service articles to prevent contamination and at least 6 inches off the floor. Observed single service cups stored directly on floor in back area. Relocate so that at least 6" above floor.
#52 · Garbage and refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
5-501.115 Discard items and litter stored in the waste areas and enclosures as they are not necessary to operation and maintenance. Remove bulk items and litter around dumpster inside enclosure.

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May 30, 2019 A 97 · 3 violations
#13 · Food separated and protected −3
Corrected during inspectionRepeat violation
3-302.11 Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation, Packaging, and Segregation - P - Observed dough containing raw shell egg stored over cake dough that did not container raw shell egg in freezer and egg containing raw shell egg stored over milk in tall prep refrigerator. CDI, foods relocated for proper storage. Repeat.
#43 · Single-use and single-service articles; properly stored and used
4-502.13 Single-use and single-service articles may not be reused. Observed egg carton container being reused for other purposes at times as communicated by PIC.
#45 · Equipment, food and non-food-contact surfaces approved; cleanable, properly designed, constructed and used
4-501.11 Good Repair and Proper Adjustment-Equipment - C - Observed split gasket on door of low prep refrigerator.

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Dec 5, 2018 A 98.5 · 5 violations
#6 · Hands clean and properly washed
Corrected during inspection
2-301.12. Follow the cleaning procedure to adequately wash your hands. Use warm water, soap, scrub 15 secs, rinse, and dry without recontaminating hands. -P - Observed 1 food employee turn faucet off with their bare hands. CDI by instruction.
#13 · Food separated and protected −1.5
Corrected during inspection
3-302.11 Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation, Packaging, and Segregation - P - Observed raw donut dough with raw shell eggs stored over ready to eat food. CDI, foods relocated for proper storage.
#21 · Proper date marking and disposition
Corrected during inspection
3-501.18 Discard the food requiring date labels once time/temperature window has expired, if it is not been labeled, or if the label is incorrect. -P - Observed pastry cream with date of preparation of 11/27 and fritter with butter with date of preparation of 11/16. CDI, operator voluntarily discarded foods.
#38 · 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 wrist band around wrist of food employee.
#47 · Non-food-contact surfaces clean
4-601.11(C )/4-602.13 Keep the equipment clean to avoid build up of dust, food residue or debris. Observed outside of clean baking pans with food residues.

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Source: Mecklenburg County Public Health – Environmental Health public inspection portal (search for “SUGAR HANDMADE GOURMET DONUTS” or State ID 2060019361). Inspection type (routine vs. follow-up) is not published in the county's data.