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

Restaurant · Wake County, NC

Spring Cafe

2900 Spring Forest Rd

Last inspected Jul 30, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

Read Reviews on Google

Score 95

Get the next inspection, free.

We'll email you when Spring Cafe has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.

No account needed. Unsubscribe at any time.

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

The full inspection history

6 inspections

1 - Inspection

Jul 30, 2026

Score 95

Official score: 95 · Understand this area’s scale

8 recorded violations

notedCode 3-302.11(A)(4)-(B)(5)Other

Official wording

Food separated & protected

Inspector’s notes

3-302.11(A)(4)-(B)(5); Core - Several foods (not cooling down) in refrigerators were not covered. Unless actively cooling or preparing; foods in storage shall be kept covered. Cover foods in storage.

In plain English

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

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

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16 (A) (2) and (B); Priority - (REPEAT) Some cold TCS* were above 41F (see temperature chart). Unless actively preparing or properly cooling; cold TCS* foods shall be kept at 41F or less or use time as a public health control (TPHC). CDI by properly refrigerating foods. NOTE: Do not overfill containers of foods in refrigerated make line top to maintain foods at 41F or less.

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 - Many baked potatoes were cooling at room temperature in large pots with up to 18 inch food depth (potatoes cooled very slowly). Rice was cooling in covered pot at room temperature. No active cooling was taking place with these foods. TCS* foods shall be cooled rapidly using shallow containers (2-4 inch food depth); ice-water bath with frequent stirring; adding ice as an ingredient; rapid cooling equipment (freezer; ice paddle); and/or loosely covering or completely uncovering if there's no overhead contamination. CDI by changing cooling methods for faster cooling. REMEMBER: TCS* foods must be cooled rapidly from 135F to 70F within 2 hours and from 70F to 41F or less within 4 additional hours. Use calibrated thermometer to check temperatures of cooling foods.

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 4-204.112Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Thermometers provided & accurate

Inspector’s notes

4-204.112; Core - A few refrigerators had no visible thermometers inside or on exterior. Mechanical refrigeration shall have thermometers located in warmest part of unit. Provide visible and accurate thermometers for these units. Ensure they are accurate to plus or minus 3 degrees F. Air temperature must be 41F or less.

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 3-305.11Contamination

Official wording

Contamination prevented during food preparation; storage & display

Inspector’s notes

3-305.11; Core - Uncovered pots of cooked potatoes were stored directly on floor by back door to establishment. Foods shall be protected from contamination by stored them at least 6 inches above floor and so they cannot become contaminated. CDI by properly storing potatoes by preparing them.

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 3-304.14Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

Inspector’s notes

3-304.14; Core - Several soiled/moist wiping cloths were on counter tops. Moist/soiled in-use wiping cloths shall be kept in approved clean sanitizer between uses. Store in-use wiping cloths as stated above or in soiled laundry area.

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 some solid and wire shelving (kitchen and front wait area); fryer exteriors; equipment door handles. Equipment nonfood contact surfaces shall be kept clean. Increase cleaning frequency of equipment above.

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 5-501.113Facility maintenance

Official wording

Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

Inspector’s notes

5-501.113; Core - Trash dumpsters used by facility had some open top lids and side doors. Outdoor trash/recycling receptacles shall have tight-fitting lids and doors. Keep trash dumpster doors and lids closed when not in use.

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, Jul 30, 2026 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Nov 4, 2025

Score 96

Official score: 96 · Understand this area’s scale

9 recorded violations

notedCode 3-501.16 (A) (1)Food temperature

Official wording

Proper hot holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16 (A) (1); Priority - A few pieces of BBQ chicken in sauce on steam table were below 135F (see temperature chart)...After properly reheating or cooking; hot TCS* foods shall be kept at 135F or above throughout entire product...CDI by reheating chicken.

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) and (B)Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16 (A) (2) and (B); Priority - (REPEAT) Several cold TCS* were above 41F (see temperature chart)...Unless actively preparing or properly cooling; cold TCS* foods shall be kept at 41F or less or use time as a public health control (TPHC)...CDI by properly refrigerating foods. NOTE: Do not overfill containers of foods in refrigerated make line top to maintain foods at 41F or less.

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 3-501.19Other

Official wording

Time as a Public Health Control; procedures & records

Inspector’s notes

3-501.19; Priority Foundation - Some TCS* foods such apples; oatmeal; sausage; etc. were on top of steam table lids had time stamps (held off temperature) and mashed potatoes and meat loaf in oven had no times written on their labels. A few items were written on a time as a public health control template form but most were not written on the form....Written procedures for time as a public health control (TPHC) shall be prepared in advance; maintained in the establishment; and made available for the health department upon request. These procedures shall include ALL TCS* foods that could be placed on time control. TCS* foods using TPHC must be properly labeled with the time they were placed on time control or the time that is 4 hours past the time they are taken out of temperature control...CDI by having PIC complete approved TPHC procedure and voluntarily discarding foods using TPHC after the 4 hour time period was up.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 4-901.11Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

4-901.11; Core - An employee used cloth towel to wipe clean food containers that were wet... After cleaning and sanitizing; equipment and utensils shall be air dried...CDI by having employee air dry food containers only.

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 4-101.19Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

4-101.19; Core - (REPEAT) Aluminum foil (not easy to clean and damaged/peeling) was areas around grill/stove top...Equipment nonfood contact surfaces subject to spills and splash shall be made of nonabsorbent and smooth materials...Remove foil from surfaces since this material is not easy to clean and could flake off into food. 4-501.11; Core - At least one refrigerator door gasket was torn/cracked...Food service equipment shall be kept in good repair and door seals shall be intact and tight...Replace damaged door gasket.

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 4-501.14Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewashing facilities: installed; maintained & used; test strips

Inspector’s notes

4-501.14; Core - Observed lime/calcium build-up inside upper interiors of dish machine...Warewashing equipment shall be cleaned frequently enough to prevent recontamination of clean equipment and utensils...Increase dish machine cleaning frequency.

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 5-501.114Facility maintenance

Official wording

Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

Inspector’s notes

5-501.114; Core - A few outside dumpsters used by restaurant had missing drain plugs...Trash/recycling receptacles with drains shall have plugs in place...Contact property owner to have solid waste company provide drain plugs.

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
notedCode 6-501.11Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Physical facilities installed; maintained & clean

Inspector’s notes

6-501.11; Core - No cold water was available at spray arm at dish machine area (possible cross-flow of hot water into cold water?). Some wall stripping was damaged/cracks...Physical facilities shall be kept in good repair...Provide cold running water under pressure at spray rinse arm; and replace damaged wall stripping. 6-101.11; Core - A few kitchen ceiling tiles had holes/fissures in them...Ceiling surfaces shall be constructed so they are smooth and easily cleanable...Replace kitchen ceiling tiles with ones that have no holes or fissures.

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 6-305.11/6-501.110Facility maintenance

Official wording

Meets ventilation & lighting requirements; designated areas used

Inspector’s notes

6-305.11/6-501.110; Core - Observed employees' personal items such as coats; purses; etc. stored directly on enclosed cans of food or above/near food items in dry storage...A storage area shall be provided for the orderly storage of employees' personal items and clothing to prevent contamination of food and clean equipment and utensils...Store employees' items below and away from foods items.

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, Nov 4, 2025 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Jun 4, 2025

Score 95.5

Official score: 95.5 · Understand this area’s scale

9 recorded violations

notedCode 6-202.15Pests

Official wording

Insects & rodents not present; no unauthorized animals

Inspector’s notes

6-202.15; Core - Restaurant rear entrance door did not have self-closing device...Outer openings shall be protected from insect or rodent entry by having tight-fitting and self-closing doors...Provide self-closing device for rear door.

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 3-501.15Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

Inspector’s notes

3-501.15; Priority Foundation - Meat sauce in covered container in refrigerator was 87-122F after 2-3 hours(?)...TCS* foods shall be cooled rapidly using shallow containers (2-4 inch food depth); ice-water bath with frequent stirring; rapid cooling equipment (freezer; ice paddle); and/or loosely covering or completely uncovering if there's no overhead contamination...CDI by reheating sauce and cooling the sauce rapidly in ice-water bath.

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) and (B)Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16 (A) (2) and (B); Priority - (REPEAT) Several cold TCS* were above 41F (see temperature chart)...Unless actively preparing or properly cooling; cold TCS* foods shall be kept at 41F or less or use time as a public health control (TPHC)...CDI by properly refrigerating foods. NOTE: Do not overfill containers of foods in refrigerated make line top to maintain foods at 41F or less.

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 3-501.19Other

Official wording

Time as a Public Health Control; procedures & records

Inspector’s notes

3-501.19; Priority Foundation - TCS* foods such as sausage; fried chicken; mashed potatoes; etc. were time stamped (held off temperature) in oven and on top of steam table lids; but no written procedures were provided showing time as a public health control (TPHC) was being used for these foods...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...CDI by having PIC complete approved TPHC procedure and voluntarily discarding foods using TPHC after the 4 hour time period was up. NOTE: These foods were time marked for 6 hours. Only a 4 hour time period can be used for hot foods. If foods are taken out of refrigerator at 41F (such as sausage) to place on time control; a 6 hour time mark can be used if food does not exceed 70F in any part of product and temperature is checked (and documented) to ensure this. Sausage was around 85F in some parts.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 7-102.11Chemicals

Official wording

Toxic substances properly identified stored & used

Inspector’s notes

7-102.11; Core - Three buckets of sanitizer were not labeled as "sanitizer"...Working containers of sanitizer; cleaners; etc. shall be labeled with common name of materials inside...CDI by labeling buckets.

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 3-302.12Food source and labeling

Official wording

Food properly labeled: original container

Inspector’s notes

3-302.12; Core - Some bottles of cooling oil were not labeled with name of foods inside...Unlabeled containers of foods not easily recognizable must be labeled with the common name of food...Properly label food containers to denote contents.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling 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); In wait station area; many clean beverage cups were stacked while wet; and several small plates were stored with food contact sides up...Clean equipment and utensils shall be stored to air dry properly and food contact surfaces protected from contamination...Separate stacked cups and completely air dry before stacking; and cover or invert clean plates.

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 4-101.19Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

4-101.19; Core - Aluminum foil (not easy to clean) was lining many shelves and surfaces...Equipment nonfood contact surfaces subject to spills and splash shall be made of nonabsorbent and smooth materials...Remove foil from shelves/surfaces since this material is not easy to clean. 4-205.10; Core - Found domestic Hamilton Beach blender in facility. At soda dispensing station; when ice bin lid is open; soda can be dispensed from above...Except for microwave ovens; mixers; toasters; vent hoods and water heaters; food service equipment shall meet ANSI/NSF certification and used according to manufacturer's specifications...Remove Hamilton Beach blender from facility. Reactivate device on ice bin lid so that when lid is open; soda cannot be dispensed from above. 4-502.11 (A) and (C); Core - Some container lids were cracked...Food service utensils shall be kept in good repair...Discard damaged items.

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 5-501.111Facility maintenance

Official wording

Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

Inspector’s notes

5-501.111; Core - Right outside trash dumpster was rusted through on the bottom...Trash/recycling receptacles shall be kept in good repair...Contact property manager to have them replace dumpster. 5-501.113(B); Core - Cardboard dumpster lids were open (because it was full of cardboard) and a few dumpster side doors were open...Trash/recycling receptacles shall be covered with tight-fitting lids and doors...Keep dumpster lids and doors closed when not in use.

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, Jun 4, 2025 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Oct 17, 2024

Score 97.5

Official score: 97.5 · Understand this area’s scale

3 recorded violations

notedCode 5-205.11 (A)Handwashing

Official wording

Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible

Inspector’s notes

5-205.11 (A);Priority foundation; Observed sanitizer bucket stored inside front handwashing sink. A handwashing sink shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee use. CDI-Sanitizer bucket was relocated.

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 3-501.16(A)(2)Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16(A)(2);Priority; Observed jug of milk with temperature of 43F in expo beverage cooler. Ambient air temperature was 44F. Manager stated the cooler door is constantly open when busy. TCS(Time/Temperature Control for Safety) foods shall be maintained at 41F or below. CDI-Milk was place on ice.

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 3-501.18Food source and labeling

Official wording

Proper date marking & disposition

Inspector’s notes

3-501.18; Priority; Observed container of tuna salad with date of 10/6 in 3-door reach-in fridge. Foods that are maintained at 41F or below may be held no more than 7 days. CDI-Food was discarded during inspection. 3-501.17;Priority foundation; Observed a ziplock bag of sliced corned beef/roast beef in 3-door reach-in fridge not correctly date marked. Manager stated deli meat was sliced 10/16 yesterday and placed in ziplock bag without changing the date. Potentially hazardous foods opened or prepared; in the establishment and kept for more than 24 hours shall be date marked. Date marking should be either a preparation date; or a consume-by/discard date. CDI by adding known date.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Oct 17, 2024 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

May 22, 2024

Score 100

Official score: 100 · Understand this area’s scale

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, May 22, 2024 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Jan 9, 2024

Score 98.5

Official score: 98.5 · Understand this area’s scale

2 recorded violations

criticalCode 3-302.11Other

Official wording

Food separated & protected

Inspector’s notes

3-302.11; Priority; Observed raw eggs stored above pan of zucchini in reach-in fridge. Foods shall be stored in order of final cook temperatures to prevent cross contamination. CDI-Foods were rearranged during inspection.

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; Observed several food in reach-in fridge next to cook line with temperatures above 41F (see temperature charts). Ambient air temperature of 45F. Manager stated reach-in fridge temperature is high due to large pots boiling directly beside fridge and constant open and closing of doors. TCS(Time/Temperature Control for Safety) foods shall be maintained at 41F or below. Verification Required: EHA will return by Friday January 12; 2024 to verify reach-in fridge is maintaining 41F or 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

Official record from Wake County Environmental Services, Jan 9, 2024 · Original Source

More restaurants nearby