The latest failed health inspection for Gladys Knight's Chicken and Waffles' downtown location took place because of a complaint, records released Friday evening show.
An inspector observed dead roaches at the Peachtree Street eatery, as well as raw chicken that was stored next to cooked beans that were ready to eat, a Fulton County health inspection report states.
There were no paper towels located next to a sink for hand washing, and clean utensils were being stored on the floor.
The inspection was the third flunked by the troubled restaurant this year. The report gave no details on the nature of the complaint that prompted health inspectors to visit.
Owner Shanga Hankerson, 40, son of soul music legend and Atlanta native Knight, was arrested in June on felony theft charges. Investigators said he collected tax money from customers but failed to turn it over to the state. He faces nearly $1 million in taxes, fines and penalties and is fighting a civil racketeering case.
An investigation by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution found that Hankerson was spending money on marijuana and sex parties as the restaurants' troubles grew.
Knight is not suspected of wrongdoing as was not involved in the restaurants' day-to-day operations. She is suing her son in federal court to remove her name from the restaurants.
The restaurant's Cascade location received an "A" in its most recent inspection. A Lithonia location closed in recent months.
