With a dismal health inspection score of 56 now required to be posted prominently on the wall, an iconic Midtown Atlanta restaurant is facing the music and eating humble pie. Gladys Knight’s Signature Chicken and Waffles on Peachtree Street failed its latest health inspection on Feb. 8 and, according to WSB reports, restaurant officials are not commenting on what is being done to address the violations.
The failed inspection included citations for a reach-in cooler missing a door, food inside the cooler being outside the required temperature range, heavy debris on a can opener, heavy debris on ceilings and vents, and an expired Serve Safe certificate.
Its famous namesake and reputation for quality comfort food have made the Gladys Knight’s Chicken and Waffles Concepts ™ restaurant brand an attraction for many tourists since opening in 1997, with some regular customers coming from near and far just to partake in the dining experience.
According to the company’s website, the concept of chicken and waffles was born in the 1930s in Harlem, New York, to satisfy renaissance-era celebrity diners who could not decide whether they wanted breakfast or dinner for their late-night meal. Shanga Hankerson, together with his world-famous mother, developed that concept into the prolific brand it has become today; and his early experience in the Detroit restaurant industry gave him valuable experience with the pitfalls of the business.
Many wary consumers will likely stay away as they keep an eye out for the new score when the Fulton County Health Inspector returns, but some loyal customers will give them the benefit of the doubt based on past experiences.
The previous inspection at Gladys Knight’s Signature Chicken and Waffles was in April of last year, and the score was a much more palatable 94, which is an “A.”
