Joe and Sam's

1021 Jamestown Blvd Ste 237, Watkinsville, GA 30677

Italian

License: Food Service

Last inspected: Oct 24, 2025

Score

Low Risk

The health department has logged five inspections at Joe and Sam's, the earliest from 2024. The most recent report on file is from Oct 24, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.

Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around one violation compared to roughly six violations earlier on.

The pattern that stands out is “physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean”, which has been cited two times.

Among Watkinsville restaurants, the typical score is 90; Joe and Sam's is comfortably above that bar. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Oct 24, 2025

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

17C - physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean

Inspector notes: Observed accumulations of dust & debris on WIC fan grills, some on WIF fan grills and ceiling vents. Also observed accumulations of food & debris on floor of WIF. Clean surfaces at a frequency to prevent accumulations by 11/3/25.

511-6-1.07(5)(a)

Mar 10, 2025

Routine

1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

14B - utensils, equipment and linens: properly stored, dried, handled (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE CUP LIDS AND CONTAINERS STORED ON GROUND/NOT 6" ABOVE FLOOR. CUPS AT COFFEE STATION OVERSTACKED. COS - ITEMS RELOCATED TO 6" ABOVE FLOOR.

511-6-1.05(10)(e)

Nov 19, 2024

Routine

2 major violations. 8 minor violations. 5 corrected on site.

View 10 violations

15B - warewashing facilities: installed, maintained, used; test strips

Inspector notes: No proper test kit available for current sanitizer. New strips ordered.

511-6-1.05(6)(p)

12B - personal cleanliness

Inspector notes: Food handling staff may not utilize colored nail polish. Correct by 11/29/24

511-6-1.03(5)(f)

12B - personal cleanliness (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Food handling staff observed with excessive jewelry (watch, rings). Food handlers may only wear a single smooth metallic band type ring on hands or wrists. Corrected on site.

511-6-1.03(5)(g)

12B - personal cleanliness

Inspector notes: Observed food handling staff utilizing unapproved/ineffective hair restraints (bandana, long single tie ponytails). Food handlers must utilize effective and physical restraints on hair longer then 1/2". Staff correcting: Hats, multiple ties, etc.

511-6-1.03(5)(j)

14A - in-use utensils: properly stored (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed ice scoop with handle in contact with ice on front line. Store scoop in holster or in ice with handle exposed.

511-6-1.04(4)(k)

14B - utensils, equipment and linens: properly stored, dried, handled (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed plates, bowls and platters stored upright and uncovered. Observed coffee filters stored upright and uncovered. Keep filters covered. Keep tableware covered or inverted.

511-6-1.05(10)(e)

14C - single-use/single-service articles: properly stored, used (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed exposed to go cups on front counter and front line. Keep to-go cups in protective plastic sleeves or covered dispensers with only the bottom of the top cup exposed. Staff assigned.

511-6-1.05(10)(g)(1)

15A - food and nonfood-contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, and used

Inspector notes: Observed folded cardboard being used to level Veg Sink. Do not use cardboard as it is not easily cleanable. Level leg with adjustable leg extensions or painted/sealed wood.

511-6-1.05(1)(a)

17C - physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean

Inspector notes: Observed accumulations of dust, grease, oils, and debris on floor of WIF/WIC, along baseboards of front lines, and under equipment in main kitchen. Observed accumulations of dust/debris on WIC fan grills, and around vents of ceiling in main kitchen.

511-6-1.07(5)(a)

12A - contamination prevented during food preparation, storage, display (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed lower shelf in WIC not holding food containers 6" off floor. Raise shelf to at least 6" off floor by 11/29/24. Staff working on.

511-6-1.04(4)(r)

Jul 16, 2024

Routine

1 minor violation. 1 corrected on site.

View 1 violation

11A - proper cooling methods used: adequate equipment for temperature control (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed cooked chicken within 1st cooling stage attempting to actively cool inside WIC (Walk in Cooler) stored within tightly wrapped container. When actively cooling, cool using approved cooling methods such as ice baths, shallow pans, and loosely covered containers. Also observed freshly prepped food items cooling inside prep top. Ensure prepped items are cooled to 41°F first before placing inside prep top to cold hold.

511-6-1.04(6)(e)

Feb 12, 2024

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.

View 2 violations

6-1A - proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector notes: Observed TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) foods (diced cucumber, diced tomatoes, orzo rice) stored inside salad cooler above 41°F. Also observed buttermilk stored on bread prep counter at room temperature. CA: TCS foods being cold held must be 41°F or below unless actively cooling. COS: Items mentioned discarded. Ensure cooler remains covered and all gaps filled. Monitor unit closely.

511-6-1.04(6)(f)

12A - contamination prevented during food preparation, storage, display

Inspector notes: Observed boxes of food product stored on floor of walk-in-freezer. ALso observed various boxes of dry foods and single-service items stored on floor at dry storage. Maintain at least 6" clearance from floor.

511-6-1.04(4)(q)

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Joe and Sam's last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Joe and Sam's on file is from Oct 24, 2025. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Joe and Sam's?

Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Joe and Sam's.

How does Joe and Sam's compare to other restaurants in Watkinsville?

Joe and Sam's most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is higher than the Watkinsville average of 90.

Has Joe and Sam's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Joe and Sam's have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Joe and Sam's means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.

How often is Joe and Sam's inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Joe and Sam's is inspected around three times per year on average.

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