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Restaurant · Wake County, NC

Sola Coffee Cafe

7705 Lead Mine Rd

Last inspected Jun 18, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Score 95.5

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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

7 inspections

1 - Inspection

Jun 18, 2026

Score 95.5

Official score: 95.5 · Understand this area’s scale

4 recorded violations

notedCode 3-304.15 (A)Other

Official wording

Food separated & protected

Inspector’s notes

3-304.15 (A); Priority; Observed a food employee wiping their single-use gloves on a damp towel when they became dirty. If used; single-use gloves shall be used for only one task such as working with ready-to-eat food or with raw animal food; used for no other purpose; and discarded when damaged or soiled; or when interruptions occur in the operation. CDI - Spoke to food employee and PIC to provide guidance; food employee discarded gloves and washed hands.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 3-501.14(A)Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling time & temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.14(A); Priority; Cooked chicken and cooked sweet potatoes that had been cooling for over 2 hours were tested to be over 70F. Quickly cool cooked TCS(time/temp control for safety) foods within 2 hours from 135F to 70F; and within a total of 6 hours from 135F to 41F. CDI - PIC voluntarily discarded cooked chicken and sweet potatoes. Repeat.

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 3-501.16 (A)(2)Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16 (A)(2); Priority; A significant number of TCS foods across several coolers were holding above 41F; see temperature table. TCS (time/temperature control for safety) food in cold holding shall be maintained at 41F or less. CDI - PIC voluntarily discarded foods above 45F; other foods moved into other coolers and freezers; air temperature thermometers showed that coolers were returning to safe temperatures.

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 3-501.15Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

Inspector’s notes

3-501.15; Priority foundation; Several foods that had been recently prepared or actively cooling were placed in deep containers; wrapped in plastic; or immediately placed in the prep cooler and not allowed to reach 41F or less before use. These things could have lead to the greatly reduced cooling rate. Cooling shall be accomplished by using one or more of the following methods based on the type of food being cooled: Placing the food in shallow pans; Separating the food into smaller or thinner portions; Using rapid cooling equipment; Stirring the food in a container placed in an ice water bath; Using containers that facilitate heat transfer; Adding ice as an ingredient; or other effective methods. CDI - Discussed better methods of cooling with PIC.

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

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Jun 18, 2026 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Nov 18, 2025

Score 97

Official score: 97 · Understand this area’s scale

5 recorded violations

notedCode 3-501.14(A)Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling time & temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.14(A); Priority; Upon calculation; the cooling rate of the roasted garlic and onions would not reach 70F within the two hour time limit. Quickly cool cooked TCS(time/temp control for safety) foods within 2 hours from 135F to 70F; and within a total of 6 hours from 135F to 41F. CDI - Tray of roasted onions and garlic was moved into the walk-in cooler for rapid cooling.

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 3-501.16(A)(2)Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16(A)(2); Priority; The sliced cheddar and pepper jack cheeses that were stored above the fill line in the front prep cooler were holding above 41F; the cheese below the fill line was holding at 41F. TCS (time/temp control for safety) food in cold holding shall be maintained at 41F or less. CDI - Out-of-temperature cheeses were voluntarily discarded.

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 7-201.11Chemicals

Official wording

Toxic substances properly identified stored & used

Inspector’s notes

7-201.11; Priority; Observed a chemical spray bottle stored touching a cutting board and a sanitizer bucket stored next to packages of paper cups and plastic lids. Poisonous/toxic materials shall be stored so they can not contaminate food; equipment; utensils; linens; and single-service and single-use articles by: Separating the poisonous/toxic materials by spacing or partitioning; and locating the poisonous/toxic materials in an area that is not above the listed items. CDI - Chemical spray bottle and sanitizer bucket relocated to prevent contamination.

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 4-903.11(B)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Utensils; equipment & linens: properly stored; dried & handled

Inspector’s notes

4-903.11(B); Core; Observed several plastic food containers stacked together while wet and unable to air dry. Clean equipment and utensils shall be stored: In a self draining position that allows air drying; and covered or inverted. Separate containers to allow for adequate air drying.

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 4-602.13Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Non-food contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

4-602.13; Core; Observed buildup of grease and sugar inside the donut station cabinets. Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be cleaned frequently to preclude accumulation of soil residues. Clean this area more frequently to prevent buildup.

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, Nov 18, 2025 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Jul 11, 2025

Score 96

Official score: 96 · Understand this area’s scale

7 recorded violations

notedCode 2-501.11Other

Official wording

Procedures for responding to vomiting & diarrheal events

Inspector’s notes

2-501.11; Priority foundation; Unable to locate bodily fluid cleanup procedures during the inspection. A food establishment shall have written procedures for employees to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events that involve the discharge of vomitus or fecal matter onto surfaces in the food establishment. CDI - REHS provided informational poster with procedures outlined.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 5-205.11(A)Handwashing

Official wording

Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible

Inspector’s notes

5-205.11(A); Priority foundation; Observed a coupled broken-down cardboard boxes placed on the basin of a handwashing sink. A handwashing sink shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee use. CDI - Cardboard boxes removed and discarded.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 3-304.15(A)Other

Official wording

Food separated & protected

Inspector’s notes

3-304.15(A); Priority; Observed food employees wiping dirty plastic gloves on cloth towels instead of discarding. If used; single-use gloves shall be used for only one task such as working with ready-to-eat food or with raw animal food; used for no other purpose; and discarded when damaged or soiled; or when interruptions occur in the operation. CDI - Spoke to PIC and corrected employee behavior. REHS recommends more training.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 4-501.114Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Inspector’s notes

4-501.114; Priority; One of the dishwashers was unable to provide an adequate concentration of chlorine sanitizer solution; tested to be less than 10ppm. A chemical sanitizer used in a sanitizing solution for a manual/mechanical operation shall be used in accordance with the EPA-registered label use instructions; and shall be used as follows: A chlorine solution shall have a minimum concentration of 50ppm not to exceed 200ppm. CDI - Dishwasher shut down; out-of-order sign placed on door to prevent use; and dishwashing company called to address issue. Establishment shall use other dishwasher and 3-compartment sink for sanitizing.

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 3-501.19 (A)(1)Other

Official wording

Time as a Public Health Control; procedures & records

Inspector’s notes

3-501.19 (A)(1); Priority foundation; Establishment is using time holding for pitchers of milk and cream on the drinks station in the dining room but no written procedures are available. Written procedures for Time as a Public Health Control shall be prepared in advance; maintained in the establishment; and made available for the Health Department upon request. Written TPHC procedures must specify methods of compliance with the NC Food Code. CDI - REHS emailed outline for time holding to PIC to fill out and have available for review.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 6-404.11Contamination

Official wording

Contamination prevented during food preparation; storage & display

Inspector’s notes

6-404.11; Priority foundation; Observed a couple damaged cans in the dry storage area. Products that are held by the permit holder for credit; redemption; or return to the distributor; such as damaged; spoiled; or recalled products; shall be segregated and held in designated areas that are separated from food; equipment; utensils; linens; and single-service and single-use articles. CDI - Cans were voluntarily discarded by PIC.

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 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; Observed heavily scratched cutting boards at the prep coolers. 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 boards before the next inspection. 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, Jul 11, 2025 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Mar 14, 2025

Score 98.5

Official score: 98.5 · Understand this area’s scale

6 recorded violations

notedCode 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 pepper jack and cheddar overfilled on cold top station holding above 41F. TCS food shall be held at 41F or below. Items discarded.

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 3-304.14Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

Inspector’s notes

3-304.14; Core; Observed sink and sanitizer chemical 0PPM in spray bottle solution residual shall be between 272-700PPM.

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 4-903.11(A)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Utensils; equipment & linens: properly stored; dried & handled

Inspector’s notes

4-903.11(A); (B) and (D); Core; Observed food utensils stored in metal lexan with tools behind large mixing bowl. Cleaned and sanitized equipment; utensils; linens; and single service articles or single use articles shall be stored: (1) In a clean; dry location; (2) Where they are not exposed to splash; dust; or other contamination; and (3) At least 15 cm (6 inches) above the floor 3-304.12; Core; Observed utensils stored in water 79F at oatmeal/ soup station. During pauses in food preparation or dispensing; food preparation and dispensing utensils shall be stored: a container of water if the water is maintained at a temperature of at least 135F or greater.

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 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; Observed several heavily scored/ stained cutting boards.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.

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; Observed a buildup of debris inside fans stored on clean side of 3 comp sink drain board. Nonfood contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust; dirt; food residue; and other debris. Clean 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
notedCode 6-501.12 CoreCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Physical facilities installed; maintained & clean

Inspector’s notes

6-501.12 Core; Observed soiled floors under equipment in back corner of kitchen and under the ice machine at the register area. Physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.

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, Mar 14, 2025 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Aug 27, 2024

Score 97

Official score: 97 · Understand this area’s scale

5 recorded violations

criticalCode 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 large ice machine. Syrup splash on walls inside ice machine on espresso bar. 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.; 4-501.114; Priority; Observed chlorine sanitizer residual 0PPM at dish machine after running the unit 3 times. Observed chlorine sanitizer residual less than 50PPM in dishwasher. Chlorine sanitizer shall register 50-200PPM. Call service provider. EHS will return to verify dish machine repair.

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
majorCode 3-501.15Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

Inspector’s notes

3-501.15; Priority Foundation; Observed roast beef and turkey cooling in tightly covered saran wrap in the walk in. Cooling shall be accomplished by: 1) Placing the food in shallow pans (2) Separating the food into smaller or thinner portions (3) Using rapid cooling equipment 1) Arranged in the equipment to provide maximum heat transfer through the container walls; or loosely covered; or uncovered if protected from overhead contamination. Covers lifted.

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 4-302.14Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewashing facilities: installed; maintained & used; test strips

Inspector’s notes

4-302.14; Priority Foundation; Observed chlorine sanitizer test papers damaged by water or heat. . A test kit or other device that accurately measures the concentration in MG/L of sanitizing solutions shall be provided. Obtain test kit.

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; Observed debris/ food splash inside reach in under nitro taps. NonFood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust; dirt; food residue; and other debris.

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 5-202.13Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

Inspector’s notes

5-202.13; Priority; Observed hoses at 3 comp sink that dispense soapy water and sanitizer submerged in the solution. An air gap between the water supply inlet and the flood level rim of the plumbing fixture equipment; or non food equipment shall be at least twice the diameter of the water supply inlet and may not be less than 25 mm (1 inch). Zip tie hoses to equipment Cut hose one inch above the rim of the sink basin.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Aug 27, 2024 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Feb 23, 2024

Score 98

Official score: 98 · Understand this area’s scale

3 recorded violations

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; Sandwich prep cooler holding TCS foods between 42F-50F. TCS foods shall be maintained at 41F or less. CDI- Cooler was adjusted to a lower setting but after 45 minutes; foods were not achieving 41F or below with an ambient air temperature displaying 50F-51F in prep cooler. It was determined that food was recently restocked from alternate refrigeration that was holding 41F or below and once transferred to this cooler; were slowly rising in temperature. TCS foods recently restocked were allowed to be returned to walk-in cooler to rapidly cool. Foods that were kept in this unit overnight or kept for longer than 4 hours in this unit were voluntarily discarded during the inspection. VR- Refrigeration technician was called during the inspection and will be making an emergency visit to repair cooler. EHS will return to verify compliance of this violation. See additional notes below.

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 3-304.14Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

Inspector’s notes

3-304.14; Core; One sanitizer bucket was stored directly on the floor in the back prep area. Containers of chemical sanitizing solutions in which wet wiping cloths are held between uses shall be stored off of the floor and used in a manner that prevents contamination of food; equipment; utensils; linens; single-service; or single-use articles. Store this sanitizer bucket off of the floor.

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 4-903.11(A)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Utensils; equipment & linens: properly stored; dried & handled

Inspector’s notes

4-903.11(A); (B) and (D); Core; Ice scoop above large ice machine was stored in standing water. Cleaned equipment and utensils shall be stored in a clean; dry location. EHS recommended placing a perforated insert in this container so that the scoops do not come in contact with water throughout the workday. PIC explained that ice scoops and holder are washed at the end of each workday.; 4-901.11; Core; At least two employees at the warewashing area were observed towel-drying clean dishes. After cleaning and sanitizing; equipment and utensils may not be cloth dried. Ensure clean dishes are allowed to air dry.

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

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Feb 23, 2024 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Oct 19, 2023

Score 97.5

Official score: 97.5 · Understand this area’s scale

4 recorded violations

minorCode 3-302.15Other

Official wording

Washing fruits & vegetables

Inspector’s notes

3-302.15; Core; Observed a half cut cucumber with protective package still remaining on cucumber stored on smoothie prep cooler. Raw fruits and vegetables shall be thoroughly washed in water to remove soil and other contaminants before being cut; combined with other ingredients; cooked; served; or offered for human consumption in ready-to-eat form. Ensure vegetables and fruit are washed before cutting into them.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 4-903.11(A)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Utensils; equipment & linens: properly stored; dried & handled

Inspector’s notes

4-903.11(A); (B) and (D); Core; Food containers (metal and plastic) were found wet-stacked while being stored as clean. Clean equipment and utensils shall be stored in a self-draining position that allows air drying. Ensure food containers are allowed to completely dry before stacking together.

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
minorCode 4-903.11(A) and (C)Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Single-use & single-service articles: properly stored & used

Inspector’s notes

4-903.11(A) and (C); Core; Single service items above the sandwich prep unit found stored with food-contact side exposed to contamination. Single-service and single-use articles shall be kept in the original protective package or stored by using other means that afford protection from contamination until used. Ensure these items are stored inverted or kept in the original packaging.

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
minorCode 6-501.110Facility maintenance

Official wording

Meets ventilation & lighting requirements; designated areas used

Inspector’s notes

6-501.110; Core; Employee phone found charging on shelf above prep surface in back prep area while active prep was occurring. Lockers or other suitable facilities shall be used for the orderly storage of employee clothing and other possessions. CDI- Employee phone and charger were relocated.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Oct 19, 2023 · Original Source

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