Shelby County’s May food scores are in: How did your favorite restaurant fare?
The latest health inspection scores show how restaurants, schools and stores performed across the county.
Mason Reed 
If you live, dine, or shop in Shelby County, it is time to check in on the latest health inspection data. The Alabama Department of Public Health has released new scores for May, shedding light on how local restaurants, grocery stores, school kitchens, and even rehab facilities are performing.
A Look at the May Numbers
A total of 117 inspection scores were uploaded to the state's official database last month. The results indicate strong performance across the board, with 16 establishments achieving a perfect score of 100. The most common grade reported was a 99, earned by 23 different locations.
You can view the full breakdown of recent scores by checking the interactive chart here.
Where Scores Fell Short
While the majority of establishments maintained solid ratings, two locations fell below the 90-point threshold. Little Caesars in Helena recorded an 86, while New York Pizza and Pasta in Alabaster received the lowest score of the month with an 80.
In the state's inspection system, scores ranging from 85 to 100 are categorized as satisfactory compliance, meaning those facilities remain on a standard routine inspection schedule. Anything between 70 and 84 triggers a required follow-up inspection within 60 days. Fortunately, no establishments hit the threshold for immediate closure, which is reserved for scores below 60.
Understanding the Process
Health department officials base these grades on critical food safety practices, ranging from general cleanliness and pest control to employee hygiene and proper food storage. It is important to note that unlike the Jefferson County Department of Health—which maintains its own publicly searchable database of infractions—Shelby County does not currently provide public access to specific health code violations.
The statewide public health portal currently tracks 925 establishments across the county, with data dating back to April 2025. If you do not see a specific business listed, it may be due to recent changes in ownership, ongoing remodeling, or a pending initial inspection. As always, 205focus.com reminds readers that inspection dates and grades can occasionally vary between individual facility records and state reporting.
