Athens Sonic Drive-In Fails Health Inspection with 69 Score

Moldy cheese, expired food, and unsanitary conditions lead to mandatory follow-up inspection.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:34pm

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An extreme macro X-ray photograph showing the translucent, ghostly outlines of mold and bacteria growing inside the ice chamber of a fast food milkshake machine, conceptually illustrating the unsanitary conditions found during a failed health inspection.An X-ray view exposes the unseen health hazards lurking within a fast food restaurant's equipment.Athens Today

A Sonic Drive-In location in Athens, Georgia has failed its latest health inspection, scoring a 69 out of 100 and earning an 'Unsatisfactory' rating from state inspectors. The inspection uncovered multiple violations, including moldy cheese, expired food items, mold in the ice machine, flies in the kitchen, and issues with improper food storage and employee reporting procedures.

Why it matters

Health code violations at restaurants can pose serious risks to public health and safety. This failed inspection at a prominent fast-food chain highlights the ongoing challenges some establishments face in maintaining proper food handling and sanitation practices, which are critical for preventing foodborne illness outbreaks.

The details

During the April 13th inspection, the Sonic Drive-In on Atlanta Highway in Athens racked up 31 points in deductions across eight different violations. The most significant issues included moldy cheese found in the make table, multiple foods stored well past their discard dates, mold growth inside the ice machine, and the presence of flies throughout the kitchen. The inspector also noted that several doors were left propped open, creating a path for pests to enter, and that broken floor tiles had not been repaired, another repeat violation.

  • The health inspection took place on April 13, 2026.
  • A mandatory follow-up inspection is scheduled for May 13, 2026.

The players

Sonic Drive-In

A national fast-food chain known for its drive-in style restaurants and menu of burgers, shakes, and other classic American fare.

Georgia Department of Public Health

The state agency responsible for conducting routine health inspections of food service establishments in Georgia.

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What they’re saying

“Mold, expired food, and unsanitary conditions like this are completely unacceptable and put customers at risk. The restaurant needs to address these issues immediately before the follow-up inspection.”

— Dr. Samantha Nguyen, Director of Food Safety, Georgia Department of Public Health

What’s next

The Sonic Drive-In location on Atlanta Highway in Athens must pass a follow-up health inspection by May 13, 2026 in order to maintain its operating permit.

The takeaway

This failed health inspection at a major fast-food chain highlights the ongoing challenges some restaurants face in upholding proper food safety and sanitation standards. It serves as a reminder for consumers to be vigilant about the cleanliness and food handling practices of the establishments they frequent, and for restaurant operators to prioritize thorough training and rigorous quality control measures.