Popular metro Atlanta steakhouse fails inspection for second time this year

Sophia Choi
·2 min read
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A popular Fayette County restaurant says staffing shortages led to its recent health inspection failure for the second time this year.

Kobe Steakhouse got a 57 on its June 23 inspection for a number of issues, including mold in the ice machine and utensils kept in stagnant, cold water.

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Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Sophia Choi went to the restaurant just off Highway 54 and McDuff Parkway in Peachtree City to speak with the owner, who refused to give her name.

The owner told Choi she’s in dire need of qualified employees.

At least one customer said the food and service was good.

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“We’ve always thought it was super good because you know the fried rice, you can always smell it in the parking lot,” Jason Fields said. “It gets you excited.”

The restaurant serves typical Asian fare including Hibachi dishes and sushi. On its website, Kobe Steakhouse boasts a fun atmosphere where chefs put on a show.

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Choi noticed a chef behind the sushi counter, but the owner said most of the staff are students.

She told Choi that they are the only ones applying.

Choi noted the most recent failing inspection was not posted in a prominent location as the law requires. Instead, she found it behind a pole, near the bar, upside down.

The restaurant failed earlier this year in February with a 53, but bounced back with a 91 or an “A,” before failing again in June.

“I think everybody makes mistakes,” Fields said. “As long as they correct it and make it right, I think that’s what counts.”

Choi asked the owner why her restaurant failed while other restaurants, also experiencing staff shortages, did not fail their inspections.

She told Choi there was no excuse. The owner says she needs a qualified manager and she is currently taking applications.