GOOD INFORMATION. BETTER PEACE OF MIND.Español · Always free. No signup required.

Restaurant · Wake County, NC

Penn Station #251

1013 Market Center Dr

Last inspected Aug 7, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

Read Reviews on Google

Score 95.5

Get the next inspection, free.

We'll email you when Penn Station #251 has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.

No account needed. Unsubscribe at any time.

Repeat problemsSerious findings or closures appear in two or more of the last three inspections. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

4 inspections

1 - Inspection

Aug 7, 2026

Score 95.5

Official score: 95.5 · Understand this area’s scale

4 recorded violations

notedCode 4-602.11Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Inspector’s notes

4-602.11; Core; Observed black and pink residue inside ice machine chute at pepsi dispenser. In equipment such as ice bins and beverage dispensing nozzles and enclosed components of equipment such as ice makers; clean equipment at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil or mold. Empty ice and detail clean machine. Manager agreed to empty ice and detail clean machine. 4-601.11 (A); Priority Foundation; Observed several white containers with grease and food debris. Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch- items washed.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
criticalCode 3-501.16 (A)(2) and (B)Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16 (A)(2) and (B); Priority; Observed two units not working during the inspection.Turkey; cut tomatoes; ham; swiss; raw chicken; cut tomato; turkey holding above 41F. Observed reach in unit ambient air 48F. Makeline unit next to cash register a new unit has been ordered to replace this unit. TCS food shall be held at 41F or below. Items discarded. EHS will return to verify unit temps.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode 6-501.111Pests

Official wording

Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals

Inspector’s notes

6-501.111; Core; Observed gnats and flies active. The premises shall be maintained free of insects; rodents; and other pests. The presence of insects; rodents; and other pests shall be controlled to eliminate their presence on the premises by: (A) Routinely inspecting incoming shipments of food and supplies; (B) Routinely inspecting the premises for evidence of pests; (C) Using methods; if pests are found; such as trapping devices and (D) Eliminating harborage conditions. If issue persists; Call pest control

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
notedCode 4-501.11Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Equipment; food & non-food contact surfaces approved; cleanable; properly designed; constructed & used

Inspector’s notes

4-501.11; Core; Observed standing water inside makeline unit next to cash register. Observed reach in ambient air 48F. Equipment shall be maintained in a state of repair and condition that meets the requirements. Repair or replace equipment.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Aug 7, 2026 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Aug 7, 2025

Score 95.5

Official score: 95.5 · Understand this area’s scale

9 recorded violations

notedCode 2-102.12 (A)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Certified Food Protection Manager

Inspector’s notes

2-102.12 (A); Core;Food protection manager was not available during the inspection. Certificate expired 2024. The PIC shall be a certified food protection manager who has shown proficiency of required information through passing a test that is part of an accredited program. At least one manager shall be available during all hours of operation. List of testing sites sent to manager. Link to the testing sites can be found at https://anabpd.ansi.org/Accreditation/credentialing/personnel-certification/food-protection-manager/ALLdirectoryListing?menuID=8&prgID=8&statusID=4

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 3-101.11 3-101.11Contamination

Official wording

Food in good condition; safe & unadulterated

Inspector’s notes

3-101.11 3-101.11; Priority; Spoilage observed on washed lemons. . Food shall be safe; unadulterated; and honestly presented- item discarded.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 3-302.11Other

Official wording

Food separated & protected

Inspector’s notes

3-302.11; Priority; Salami stored against soiled non-food contact surfaces of the cold top station. Food shall be protected from cross contamination: Separate raw animal foods during storage; preparation; holding; and display from: raw ready-to-eat food including other raw animal food such as fish for sushi or; or other raw ready-to-eat food such as fruits and vegetables. Manager rearranged storage hierarchy.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
notedCode 4-602.12Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Inspector’s notes

4-602.12; Core; Buildup of burned debris on grill. The food contact surfaces of cooking and baking equipment shall be cleaned at least every 24 hours.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
criticalCode 3-501.16 (A)(2) and (B)Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16 (A)(2) and (B); Priority; Observed steak; chicken; ham; par cooked fries; roast beef holding above 41F. Manager adjusted unit temp. TCS food shall be held at 41F or below. Items discarded. EHS will return to verify unit temps.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
majorCode 4-302.12Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Thermometers provided & accurate

Inspector’s notes

4-302.12; Priority Foundation; Food thermomter probe not available to measure food temps. A Food 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. Obtain a thin probe thermometer.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 3-304.14Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

Inspector’s notes

3-304.14; Observed chlorine residual 0PPM in bucket. Chlorine shall register 50-200PPM- solution replaced 200PPM. 3-304.14; Core; Observed wet and soiled wiping cloth on hand sink. Wet or soiled wiping cloths shall be submerged in a sanitizer solution in between uses.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 4-101.19Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Equipment; food & non-food contact surfaces approved; cleanable; properly designed; constructed & used

Inspector’s notes

4-101.19; Core; Dunnage racks in walk-in cooler and bottom shelf of prep table near mongolian grill found lined with cardboard. 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. Do not line shelving with cardboard.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 4-601.11(B) and (C)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Non-food contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11(B) and (C); Core; Soiled/ greasy equipment all throughout facility including grease on green shelving in backroom; line equipment; sides and interior of prep coolers; sides of flat top; and topside of fryer were soiled with food and grease accumulations. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust; dirt; food residue; and other debris. Clean areas listed.; Repeat

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Aug 7, 2025 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Dec 11, 2024

Score 97

Official score: 97 · Understand this area’s scale

6 recorded violations

notedCode 2-102.12 (A)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Certified Food Protection Manager

Inspector’s notes

2-102.12 (A); Core;Food protection manager was not available during the inspection. Certificate expired this year. . The PIC shall be a certified food protection manager who has shown proficiency of required information through passing a test that is part of an accredited program. At least one manager shall be available during all hours of operation. List of testing sites sent to manager. Link to the testing sites can be found at https://anabpd.ansi.org/Accreditation/credentialing/personnel-certification/food-protection-manager/ALLdirectoryListing?menuID=8&prgID=8&statusID=4

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 4-602.11Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Inspector’s notes

4-602.11; Core; Observed thick black residue inside ice machine chute at pepsi dispenser. In equipment such as ice bins and beverage dispensing nozzles and enclosed components of equipment such as ice makers; clean equipment at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil or mold. Empty ice and detail clean machine. Manager agreed to empty ice and detail clean machine. 4-601.11 (A); Priority Foundation; Observed dried food debris inside two food prep sinks. Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch- items washed.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 7-201.11Chemicals

Official wording

Toxic substances properly identified stored & used

Inspector’s notes

7-201.11; Priority; Observed bucket of sanitizer stored on food prep table next to uncovered pan of cookies. Poisonous or toxic materials shall be stored so they can not contaminate food ; equipment; utensils; linens; and single service articles by: (A) Separating the poisonous or toxic materials by spacing or partitioning; P and (B) Locating the poisonous or toxic materials in an area that is not above food ; equipment; utensils; linens; and single service articles or single use articles- all items placed in designated area.

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely
notedCode 2-402.11Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

Personal cleanliness

Inspector’s notes

2-402.11; Core; Observed two employees in kitchen preparing food and handling food utensils without wearing hair restraints. Food employees shall wear hair restraints such as hats; hair coverings or nets; beard restraints; and clothing that covers body hair; that are designed and worn to effectively keep their hair from contacting exposed food; clean food ; equipment; utensils; linens; and single service articles or single use articles. Obtain hair restraints.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
notedCode 4-501.12Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Equipment; food & non-food contact surfaces approved; cleanable; properly designed; constructed & used

Inspector’s notes

4-501.12; Core; Cutting board at left flip top was heavily scored. Surfaces such as cutting blocks and boards that are subject to scratching and scoring shall be resurfaced if they can no longer be effectively cleaned and sanitized; or discarded if they are not capable of being resurfaced. Replace or resurface cutting board.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 4-601.11(B) and (C)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Non-food contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11(B) and (C); Core; Soiled/ greasy equipment all throughout facility including shelving; line equipment; sides and interior of prep coolers; sides of flat top; and topside of fryer were soiled with food and grease accumulations. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust; dirt; food residue; and other debris. Clean areas listed.; Repeat

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Dec 11, 2024 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Feb 26, 2024

Score 97

Official score: 97 · Understand this area’s scale

4 recorded violations

majorCode 2-501.11Other

Official wording

Procedures for responding to vomiting & diarrheal events

Inspector’s notes

2-501.11; Priority Foundation; Facility did not have written procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events. Food establishments shall have written procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events. CDI: Provided educational material.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
criticalCode 3-501.16 (A)(2) and (B)Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16 (A)(2) and (B); Priority; All food items in deli prep cooler were maintained above 41F. Temperature controlled for safety foods shall be maintained at 41F or less. CDI: 2 portioned sliced corn beef and container of marinara were voluntarily discarded. All other food items will be voluntarily discarded within 3 days of food preparation. Person in charge agreed not to use prep cooler for storage of temperature controlled for safety foods until it is repaired.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode 4-501.12Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Equipment; food & non-food contact surfaces approved; cleanable; properly designed; constructed & used

Inspector’s notes

4-501.12; Core; Cutting board at left flip top was heavily scored. Surfaces such as cutting blocks and boards that are subject to scratching and scoring shall be resurfaced if they can no longer be effectively cleaned and sanitized; or discarded if they are not capable of being resurfaced. Replace or resurface cutting board.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode 4-601.11(B) and (C)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Non-food contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11(B) and (C); Core; Sides and interior of prep coolers; sides of flat top; and topside of fryer were soiled with food and grease accumulations. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust; dirt; food residue; and other debris. Clean areas listed.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Feb 26, 2024 · Original Source

More restaurants nearby