News Summary
Metro Diner in Pooler, Georgia, has received a failing health inspection score of 58 from the Georgia Department of Public Health, marking serious food safety violations. Following an inspection, critical concerns included unsafe food storage and unsanitary kitchen conditions. The establishment must address these violations swiftly to regain compliance and restore its reputation. A hearing is scheduled for further discussions on the findings.
Pooler, Georgia – Metro Diner Receives Failing Health Inspection Score of 58 Amid Serious Violations
Metro Diner in Pooler, located at 200 Tanger Outlet Blvd Ste 200, has received a failing health inspection score of 58 out of 100 from the Georgia Department of Public Health following a routine inspection conducted on August 5, 2025. This score falls below the state’s passing threshold of 70, indicating significant concerns regarding food safety within the establishment.
The inspection revealed multiple critical violations, including issues with unsafe food storage temperatures and unsanitary kitchen equipment. These violations prompted inspectors to comment on a troubling pattern of non-compliance, noting a concerning lack of active managerial control to ensure adherence to food safety regulations. Although some of the violations were addressed on-site during the inspection, several issues remained unresolved at the time of the inspector’s visit.
Critical Violations Identified
Specific violations contributing to Metro Diner’s failing score included:
- Improper cold holding temperatures for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods, which were stored at temperatures between 44 to 62 degrees Fahrenheit, exceeding the safe limit of 41 degrees or below.
- Hot foods such as fried okra and sausage were maintained at temperatures lower than the required 135 degrees.
- Presence of mildew-like substances found in soda nozzles and slime detected in the ice maker machine.
- Food debris discovered on cleaned dishware, and employees observed drinking at prep stations located near the hot line.
- Non-compliance with proper thawing procedures for reduced oxygen packaged salmon.
- Plumbing issues, including leaking sinks and clogged drains, revealing inadequate maintenance of the facility.
- Obvious gaps found in the back door, posing a potential risk for insect and rodent entry.
Next Steps for Compliance
The certified food service manager, Jimmy Powell, has been tasked with addressing all identified violations by specific deadlines set between August 8 and August 15. To improve its health grade and regain compliance, Metro Diner must rectify the issues identified by the health inspectors and successfully pass a reinspection.
On August 13, 2025, an informal hearing regarding the inspection results is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. at the health department’s office in Savannah. This hearing will provide an opportunity for Metro Diner management to discuss the inspection findings and outline their plans for compliance.
Background on Health Regulations
In Georgia, the Department of Public Health conducts routine inspections of food establishments to ensure food safety standards are met. A score below 70 is considered failing, warranting immediate attention to rectify any health code violations. Regular inspections are crucial to safeguard public health and provide patrons with safe dining experiences.
As of now, Metro Diner has not publicly commented on the findings of the inspection. The diner must act swiftly to address the serious violations and work towards restoring its reputation for food safety and quality.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WTOC: Pooler Restaurants Inspection Grade Plummets
- Wikipedia: Food Safety
- Georgia Gazette: Metro Diner Receives a 58
- Google Search: Health inspections in Georgia
- News Break: Metro Diner Scores 58
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sanitation
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
