Mecklenburg health officials suspend Charlotte restaurant permit after roaches found on dishes and kitchen equipment
Restaurant permit suspended after pest activity documented during inspection
A Mecklenburg County restaurant in Charlotte’s University City area was ordered to stop operating this week after inspectors documented extensive cockroach activity, including insects found on items used to hold or serve food.
The Mecklenburg County Health Department suspended the food permit for Soma Bistro Curry n Cake, located at 2015 E. Arbors Drive, following an inspection that resulted in a 71% score, a “C” grade. The permit remained suspended as of Friday, Feb. 13, 2026.
What inspectors reported finding inside the facility
Inspection notes describe roaches on and around multiple surfaces and fixtures inside the restaurant. Inspectors reported observing roaches crawling on pans and also noted pest activity in and around equipment and building features, including a microwave, lights, and walls.
Food-permit suspensions are typically used when conditions are determined to present an immediate risk to public health, requiring operations to halt until corrective actions are completed and verified through a follow-up review.
The inspection record documented cockroach activity on food-related items and in multiple locations throughout the kitchen area.
How restaurant closures and reinspections generally work in Mecklenburg County
Mecklenburg County Public Health’s Environmental Health program oversees inspections for thousands of food service establishments across the county and conducts inspections throughout the year. When a permit is suspended, establishments must stop serving food while violations are addressed, then request a reinspection to demonstrate compliance before reopening.
Corrective steps in pest-related cases commonly include intensive cleaning and sanitizing, removal of contamination sources, pest-control treatment by qualified professionals, and steps to prevent re-entry—such as sealing gaps and improving storage and waste-handling practices. Any reopening depends on verification during a subsequent inspection.
How residents can use inspection information
County officials encourage residents to review posted inspection scorecards at food establishments and to use available county tools to check inspection results. The scorecard system is designed to provide a visible snapshot of compliance with food-safety requirements at the time of inspection.
Look for the inspection scorecard displayed at the establishment.
Review inspection histories when choosing where to dine.
Report urgent health concerns to local public health authorities.
What happens next
As of Feb. 13, 2026, the restaurant’s permit remained suspended. Any return to service would require corrective actions and a successful follow-up inspection confirming that the violations tied to pest activity and sanitation have been resolved.