I’m in Atlanta (the ATL or HotLanta to some) for the USDA/NSF hosted food safety education conference. I’m writing this post from the bar of the Hyatt, where the background noise is peppered with food safety talk (not surprising) and construction talk (because there’s a restoration conference being held here as well).

After a 6 hour+ drive from Raleigh (via Ikea in Charlotte and outlets in Gaffney, SC) the fam and I rolled in to the Hyatt in time for dinner. We sought out a close and toddler-friendly dining locale and came across a brewpub about 300 yards from the hotel. After enjoying the food and service, we packed up and strapped Jack into his stroller for the quick walk back to the room when I noticed the restaurant’s inspection report.  

The report was framed, close to the door and had the score (an 83) highlighted at the top, as well as the previous score (a 94). Without context or criteria it’s tough to figure out what the score means—but what I like about Atlanta is that the entire report is posted there to view. I could see the infractions (the most striking was 5 points lost for improper temperature controls of potentially hazardous foods) and could have made the patronage decision for myself (had I seen this before we ate).  We probably would have still eaten there.

Scores on doors, posting grades and the 300 other names for restaurant inspection disclosure systems might have an impact on public health – that hasn’t been measured in isolation yet – but this one place, the closest and only open restaurant within view, was packed, despite the what might be considered by some to be low score.