Sonic Drive-In in Athens receives a 69% on their recent health inspection

Sonic Drive-In, located at 4275 Atlanta Hwy in Athens, received a score of 69 points out of a possible 100 points during their 04/13/2026 inspection by the Georgia Department of Public Health.

The violations noted by the inspector were:

Violation #1:
2-2A – management knowledge, responsibilities, reporting
511-6-1.03(2)(o) – person-in-charge duties (pf)
Points: 4
Corrected during inspection?: No
Repeat: Yes
Inspector Notes: Person in charge (PIC) unable to provide signed reporting agreement for themself indicating that they are aware of their responsibility to report symptoms and illnesses. Corrective action (CA): Workers shall read and sign the agreement, with form retained on site for verification.

Violation #2:
3-1C – food in good condition, safe, and unadulterated
511-6-1.04(1) – safe, unadulterated and honestly presented (p)
Points: 9
Corrected during inspection?: Yes
Repeat: No
Inspector Notes: Mold like growth present on cheese in make table. CA: Food must be unadulterated and safe for consumption. Food worker discarded adulterated cheese.

Violation #3:
4-2B – food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
511-6-1.05(7)(b) – food contact surfaces and utensils – cleaning frequency (p, c)
Points: 4
Corrected during inspection?: No
Repeat: No
Inspector Notes: Mold like growth present in bulk ice machine. CA: Clean ice machine frequently enough to preclude mold growth.

Violation #4:
6-2 – proper date marking and disposition
511-6-1.04(6)(h) – ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food, disposition (p)
Points: 4
Corrected during inspection?: Yes
Repeat: No
Inspector Notes: Multiple time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods held beyond 7-day discard date (reach-in cooler (RIC) – hot dogs (4/2), corn dogs (4/1), liquid eggs (3/27); make table – shredded lettuce (4/5), shredded cheese (4/5)). CA: All TCS foods must be marked with 7-day discard date and discarded accordingly. Food worker discarded all out of date foods.

Violation #5:
13A – posted: permit/inspection/choking poster/handwashing
511-6-1.02(1)(d) – displaying of the inspection report (c)
Points: 1
Corrected during inspection?: No
Repeat: Yes
Inspector Notes: Inspection report not posted at drive-thru window.

Violation #6:
17C – physical facilities installed, maintained, and clean
511-6-1.07(5)(a),(b) – good repair, physical facilities maintained; cleaning, frequency & restrictions, cleaned often enough to keep them clean (c)
Points: 1
Corrected during inspection?: No
Repeat: Yes
Inspector Notes: Broken floor tiles throughout establishment.

Violation #7:
18 – insects, rodents, and animals not present
511-6-1.07(2)(m) – outer openings protected (c)
Points: 3
Corrected during inspection?: Yes
Repeat: Yes
Inspector Notes: Observed front side door, front door, & drive-thru window propped open. PIC closed doors.

Violation #8:
18 – insects, rodents, and animals not present
511-6-1.07(5)(k) – controlling pests (pf, c)
Points: 3
Corrected during inspection?: No
Repeat: No
Inspector Notes: Flies present throughout kitchen.

CLICK HERE to read the full report