Papa John's Pizza

3620 Atlanta Highway Suite 100, Athens, GA 30606
Pizza
License: Food Service
Last inspected: Apr 27, 2026
64
Score
Medium Risk

Across the available record, Papa John's Pizza has five inspections on file, the first dated 2024. On Apr 27, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.

The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around five violations to closer to seven violations.

When inspectors have written things up, “personal cleanliness” has been the most frequent reason, cited three times.

By comparison, the average Athens facility scores 88, putting Papa John's Pizza on the weaker side. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.

5
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 27, 2026
Routine
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
8-2B - toxic substances properly identified, stored, used
Inspector notes: Chemical spray bottle not labeled with identity of contents. CA: Label spray bottle with common name of contents.
511-6-1.07(6)(b)
12B - personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: Employee wearing nail polish and having fingernails extending beyond fingertips.
511-6-1.03(5)(f)
4-2B - food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: Food debris observed in cavity of microwave oven. CA: Clean microwave oven every 24h during period of use. Repeat.
511-6-1.05(7)(c)
12B - personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: Employee not wearing effective hair restraint during food preparation.
511-6-1.03(5)(j)
12B - personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: Employee wearing bracelets during food preparation.
511-6-1.03(5)(g)
15C - nonfood-contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Food debris accumulation observed on top surface of pizza oven. Food debris observed on under surface of shelf at pizza cut table. Repeat.
511-6-1.05(7)(d)
17B - garbage/refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: Dumpster door left open after last use.
511-6-1.06(5)(n)
64
Oct 15, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 6 violations
4-2B - food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Food debris dried on can opener in kitchen. CA: clean and sanitize can opener frequently enough to maintain clean to sight and touch. COS- Employee washed and sanitized can opener.
511-6-1.05(7)(a)
2-2A - management knowledge, responsibilities, reporting
Inspector notes: Employees not informed of their responsibility to report symptoms and exposure verified on Form 1B. CA: Each current employee to sign Employee Reporting Agreement and leave signed agreement on file in establishment. Repeat.
511-6-1.03(2)(o)
17C - physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean
Inspector notes: Dust accumulation observed on ceiling vents in front and rear kitchen.
511-6-1.07(5)(a)
4-2B - food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: Food debris accumulation in cavity of microwave oven. CA: Clean microwave oven every 24h during period of use.
511-6-1.05(7)(c)
10D - food properly labeled; original container (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Bulk container of flour not labeled as to identity of contents. COS- Employee labeled container with common name of contents.
511-6-1.04(4)(d)
15C - nonfood-contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Dust accumulation observed on fan guard in WI cooler.
511-6-1.05(7)(d)
67
Apr 7, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
2-2A - management knowledge, responsibilities, reporting
Inspector notes: Food employees not informed of their responsibility to report symptoms and exposure verified on form 1B. CA: Each current employee to sign Employee Reporting Agreement and have signed agreement on file at establishment.
511-6-1.03(2)(o)
12B - personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: Employees not wearing effective hair restraint during food handling. Repeat.
511-6-1.03(5)(j)
17B - garbage/refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: Dumpster door left open after last use.
511-6-1.06(5)(n)
17D - adequate ventilation and lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: Employee keys and cell phone stored on pizza boxes. Repeat.
511-6-1.07(5)(j)
78
Oct 31, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 6 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.
View 8 violations
8-2B - toxic substances properly identified, stored, used (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Chemical spray bottles stored on shelf with single-service items in kitchen. CA: Store chemical spray bottles below and separate from food, utensils, equipment, linens, single-use/single-service (FUELS) items. PIC moved chemicals to mop sink location.
511-6-1.07(6)(c)
2-1B - hands clean and properly washed (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Hand washing procedure not correct. Corrective action (CA): Employee instructed to remove fabric gloves before washing hands then continuing food preparation. Employee removed fabric gloves.
511-6-1.03(5)(b)
12B - personal cleanliness (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Employee wearing fabric gloves during food preparation. Employee directed to remove gloves and wash hands before continuing food preparation.
511-6-1.03(5)(i)
12B - personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: Employee not wearing effective hair restraint during food preparation.
511-6-1.03(5)(j)
15A - food and nonfood-contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, and used
Inspector notes: Damaged spatulas stored on utensil hook.
511-6-1.05(6)(q)
17B - garbage/refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: Dumpster door left open after last use.
511-6-1.06(5)(n)
17D - adequate ventilation and lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: Employee cell phone stored on kitchen cutting board.
511-6-1.07(5)(j)
12B - personal cleanliness (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Employee wearing wrist watch during food preparation. Employee removed watch, washed hands before continuing.
511-6-1.03(5)(g)
55
Apr 22, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
2-2A - management knowledge, responsibilities, reporting
Inspector notes: Person in charge (PIC) cannot demonstrate in verifiable manner that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report symptoms and illnesses. Corrective action (CA): Maintain Reporting Agreement with employee signatures posted on-site.
511-6-1.03(2)(o)
15A - food and nonfood-contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, and used
Inspector notes: Damaged spatula observed at utensil storage area above 3-commpartment sink.
511-6-1.05(6)(q)
86

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Papa John's Pizza last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Papa John's Pizza on file is from Apr 27, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Papa John's Pizza?

Across the inspection record, “personal cleanliness” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Papa John's Pizza.

How does Papa John's Pizza compare to other restaurants in Athens?

Papa John's Pizza most recently scored 64 out of 100, which is lower than the Athens average of 88.

Has Papa John's Pizza's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Papa John's Pizza have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly five earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Papa John's Pizza means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.

How often is Papa John's Pizza inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Papa John's Pizza is inspected around two times per year on average.