The Fish Dock

1308 Sapelo Ave Ne, Townsend, GA 31331

Seafood

License: Food Service

Last inspected: Mar 3, 2026

Score

Medium Risk

The health department has logged three inspections at The Fish Dock, the earliest from 2024. The Fish Dock was last inspected on Mar 3, 2026. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.

Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around five violations each.

The pattern that stands out is “food-contact surfaces”, which has been cited two times.

That's lower than the typical Townsend restaurant, which scores around 89. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Mar 3, 2026

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.

View 4 violations

6-1C - proper cooling time and temperature (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed cooling crab stew @ 144 deg F at 5:37PM, cooled to 123 deg F at 6:44PM. PIC states crab stew was already cooling for at least one hour. Cooling to 70 deg F within two hours not met. COS: Food was discarded. Staff was instructed on cooling time and temperature along with helpful cooling methods. CA: Cooling TCS foods must be cooled to 70 deg F in two hours, then to 41 deg F or less. The entire process taking no longer than 6 hours.

511-6-1.04(6)(d)

4-2B - food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Inspector notes: Observed food contact surface of can opener with debris build up. CA: Clean food contact surfaces often enough to prevent build up.

511-6-1.05(7)(b)

14A - in-use utensils: properly stored

Inspector notes: Observed cups and bowls being used as scoops in flour and breading. Utensils lack handles. CA: Ensure scoops possess handles and handles are kept out of product.

511-6-1.04(4)(k)

17D - adequate ventilation and lighting; designated areas used

Inspector notes: Observed hood vent in main kitchen area above fryer missing hood vent filters. CA: Replace hood vent filters to adequately remove grease vapors.

511-6-1.05(3)(d)

Jan 9, 2025

Routine

2 major violations. 3 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.

View 5 violations

4-2B - food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed food contact surface of microwave with food debris build up. COS: Food contact surface of microwave was cleaned. CA: Ensure food contact surfaces are cleaned often enough to prevent build-up.

511-6-1.05(7)(b)

2-2D - adequate handwashing facilities supplied & accessible (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed hand sink in main kitchen not supplied with a hand drying provision. COS: Manager supplied paper towels. CA: Ensure all hand sinks are properly supplied at all times.

511-6-1.07(3)(b)

17C - physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean

Inspector notes: Observed back door in need of repairs. CA: Seek repairs to prevent preclude possible pest entry.

17D - adequate ventilation and lighting; designated areas used

Inspector notes: Observed missing hood vent filters above fry station. CA: Replace missing hood vent filters.

4-2A - food stored covered (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed foods stored uncovered in walk-in cooler. COS: Food was properly covered. CA: Ensure food remains covered while stored.

511-6-1.04(4)(c)

Feb 6, 2024

Routine

6 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.

View 6 violations

17D - adequate ventilation and lighting; designated areas used

Inspector notes: Observed grease build up and missing hood vent filters at the time of this inspection. CA: Clean frequently enough to prevent build up. Replace missing hood vent filters.

511-6-1.05(3)(d)

4-2A - food stored covered

Inspector notes: Observed foods stored uncovered in walk-in cooler and reach-in cooler at the time of this inspection. CA: Ensure food remains covered while storing.

511-6-1.04(4)(c)

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

Inspector notes: Observed ice build up on box containing food product in walk-in freezer at the time of this inspection. CA: Store food in an alternative location until condensation issue is fixed to prevent potential contamination.

511-6-1.04(4)(q)

14B - utensils, equipment and linens: properly stored, dried, handled

Inspector notes: Observed improper scoops in food product and handles of scoops in product at the time of this inspection. CA: Use proper scoops, ensure handles are kept out of product.

15B - warewashing facilities: installed, maintained, used; test strips (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Observed three-compartment warewashing sink being used incorrectly (Wash/rinse only). COS: Facility was instructed on proper usage. CA: Use all three compartments properly. Wash/rinse/sanitize/air-dry.

511-6-1.05(7)(j)

17C - physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean

Inspector notes: Observed back door and floor at ice machine drain outlet in disrepair at the time of this inspection. CA: Seek repairs.

511-6-1.07(5)(a)

Frequently Asked Questions

When was The Fish Dock last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at The Fish Dock on file is from Mar 3, 2026. The public record contains three inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at The Fish Dock?

Across the inspection record, “food-contact surfaces” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at The Fish Dock.

How does The Fish Dock compare to other restaurants in Townsend?

The Fish Dock most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Townsend average of 89.

Has The Fish Dock's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at The Fish Dock have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at The Fish Dock 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 The Fish Dock inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, The Fish Dock is inspected roughly once per year on average.

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