Las Brasas Grill fails inspection

A Suwanee Mexican restaurant failed its weekend health inspection, with officials noting raw meats stored next to ready-to-eat foods and a manager “unable to demonstrate knowledge of food safety.”

Las Brasas Mexican Grill received a 62/U after the Sunday afternoon inspection.

In the inspection report, officials noted raw beef, fish and pork on cooler shelves near several ready-to-eat foods. Cooked beef was also being stored above the recommended temperature. In addition, the restaurant’s to-go menus did not have the required disclosure statements about raw and undercooked foods.

“Person in charge unable to demonstrate knowledge of food safety,” the inspector wrote in the report. “...Unable to answer questions about separation and protection, cooling requirements, cooking, cold holding, hot holding, employee health.”

Las Brasas owner Jesse Mata said Monday the inspection’s timing was “kind of a perfect storm.”

“We’re having an influx of catering business and at the same time a change in kitchen staff,” he said. “It was just an issue where we had catering coming in and coming out ... and it kind of caught us off guard.”

Mata said most of the violations reported Sunday were fixed during the inspection. A follow-up inspection will be completed within 10 days of the original evaluation.

Las Brasas Mexican Grill restaurant is not affiliated with the popular Decatur restaurant with a similar name.

City approves zoning for two churches

Following a public hearing at this month’s council meeting, the Peachtree Corners City Council approved zoning for two church organizations to use office space within the city.

La Cosecha Church will receive a special use permit to perform services in an office building on 2.03 acres at 6947 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. A community food pantry is operated by the church and conducted during church service hours. It cannot become a separate entity or the primary use.

City Gate Church will receive a similar special use permit to locate on 3.05 acres at 3100 Medlock Bridge Road, Suite 270.

Both permits prohibit any associated day care centers, private schools, recreational facilities or parking lot expansions. This restriction

Expect delays Thursday night on Ga. 20

Gwinnett County commuters, get ready for traffic delays on Ga. 20 near Sugar Hill.

On Thursday night beginning at 8 p.m. the county transportation department will shift lanes on the highway between Suwanee Dam Road and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. Flaggers will help guide traffic on the three-mile stretch of highway.

The lane shift will allow crews to finish work on two new lanes. Gwinnett is widening the last two-lane stretch of Ga. 20 in the county. Work is expected to be finished early next year.

The Georgia Department of