SA Hot Chicken Public record

Bush's Chicken

1226 BITTERS RD W, San Antonio, 78216
Area: North Central / Airport  ·  Metro Health licence 910348

Chain locationRepeat risk factor
30.4Bird Score

Mixed record · rank 84 of 112

Who publishes this, and what they sell. This guide is published by Viking Net, which sells technology services to restaurants — websites, apps, point-of-sale systems and card processing — including to businesses rated on this site. Every rating here is computed by a formula published in full from public records: health inspections, city 311 complaints, published awards, and the state sales-tax permit date. No business can pay to change its score, raise its rank, or have a low score removed, and none has ever been asked to. If that ever changes, this paragraph comes down first.

Latest health inspection

97/100 on Mar 10, 2026 (149 days ago)

Inspections start at 100 and lose points for each violation found. 69 or below is a failing inspection. A score describes one visit on one day — Metro Health says so itself — not the condition of the business today.

View the original inspection record →

Inspection history — 8 on record

Open any inspection to see what the inspector actually found, in plain English, with the Food Code section it was cited under.

Mar 10, 2026 97 4 findings · 1 illness risk factor
Dishwashing & sanitizingIllness risk factor

Food-contact surfaces were not cleaned often enough

Slicers, prep boards and dispensing heads need cleaning on a schedule — every four hours in constant use — not just at close.

“debris around an ice chute in the ice machine. Ensure the ice machine interior is maintained clean.”Inspector’s note · SA Metro Health

Food Code 4-602.11(E)(4) — Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils · inspection item 39

Cleanliness

Equipment or utensils were not clean

Split into two standards: anything that touches food must be clean to sight and touch, and everything else must be free of built-up grease, dust and debris. This is the most cited line in the whole code.

“an accumulation of dust on fan covers in the walk-in cooler. Ensure nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment are maintained clean to sight and touch.”Inspector’s note · SA Metro Health

Food Code 4-601.11(C) — Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils · inspection item 42

Building & equipment

Equipment was broken or out of adjustment

Torn gaskets, failing seals, doors that do not close. Most cooler temperature failures start here.

“damaged filters on the vent hood system. Ensure vent hood filters are in good repair.”Inspector’s note · SA Metro Health

Food Code 4-501.11 — Good Repair and Proper Adjustment · inspection item 39

Building & equipment

Lighting was too dim

Nobody cleans what they cannot see, and inspectors cannot verify what they cannot see either.

“light not working in the walk-in freezer. Ensure adequate lighting is available in all areas of the establishment.”Inspector’s note · SA Metro Health

Food Code 6-303.11(A) — Intensity · inspection item 43

Aug 6, 2025 94 6 findings · 2 illness risk factors
Temperature controlIllness risk factor

The cooling or hot-holding equipment could not keep up

A fridge or steam table that cannot hold its temperature under real service load means everything inside it drifts into the danger zone.

“a reach-in cooler at an ambient temperature in the 50s. Ensure cold-hold equipment is capable of maintaining cold food at 41F or below.”Inspector’s note · SA Metro Health

Food Code 4-301.11 — Cooling, Heating, and Holding Capacities · inspection item 27

Cross-contaminationIllness risk factor

Clean equipment or single-use items were stored where they get dirty again

Clean plates stacked under an unfinished ceiling or beside a hand sink are re-contaminated before anyone uses them.

“clean utensils are stored in a dirty container. Ensure clean utensils are stored in a clean location.”Inspector’s note · SA Metro Health

Food Code 4-903.11(A)(1) — Equipment, Utensils, Linens, and Single-Service and Single-Use Articles · inspection item 39

Cleanliness

Equipment or utensils were not clean

Split into two standards: anything that touches food must be clean to sight and touch, and everything else must be free of built-up grease, dust and debris. This is the most cited line in the whole code.

“an accumulation of dust on fan covers in the walk-in cooler and a fan cover in a reach-in cooler. Ensure nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment are maintained clean to sight and touch.”Inspector’s note · SA Metro Health

Food Code 4-601.11(C) — Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils · inspection item 42

Cleanliness

The premises were not cleaned often enough

Floors, walls, shelving, the areas under and behind equipment. This is the finding for build-up in the places nobody wants to reach.

“mold around A/C vents in the kitchen. Ensure the mold is removed and any issues causing mold buildup are addressed.”Inspector’s note · SA Metro Health

Food Code 6-501.12 — Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions · inspection item 45

Plumbing & water

The plumbing was leaking or in disrepair

A leak under a prep sink puts standing water on the floor and drips onto whatever is stored below it.

“a leak at the three-compartment sink. Ensure plumbing is maintained in good repair.”Inspector’s note · SA Metro Health

Food Code 5-205.15(B) — System Maintained in Good Repair · inspection item 46

Building & equipment

Equipment was broken or out of adjustment

Torn gaskets, failing seals, doors that do not close. Most cooler temperature failures start here.

“a damaged lid on a salt container. Ensure containers are maintained in good repair.”Inspector’s note · SA Metro Health

Food Code 4-501.11 — Good Repair and Proper Adjustment · inspection item 39

Feb 11, 2025 93 4 findings · 1 illness risk factor
Handwashing & hygieneIllness risk factor

A hand sink did not deliver warm water, or was installed wrong

Handwashing requires water at 100°F for long enough to work. Cold-only sinks cut the wash short.

“Hot water at the handwashing sink next to the office was only reaching 91F at the time of the inspection. Ensure hot water reaches at least 100F at all handwashing sinks.”Inspector’s note · SA Metro Health

Food Code 5-202.12(A) — Handwashing Sink, Installation · inspection item 31

Cleanliness

Equipment or utensils were not clean

Split into two standards: anything that touches food must be clean to sight and touch, and everything else must be free of built-up grease, dust and debris. This is the most cited line in the whole code.

“heavy debris buildup on interior surfaces of the ice machine. Ensure the ice machine interior is maintained clean.”Inspector’s note · SA Metro Health

Food Code 4-601.11(A) — Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils · inspection item 10

Cleanliness

The premises were not cleaned often enough

Floors, walls, shelving, the areas under and behind equipment. This is the finding for build-up in the places nobody wants to reach.

“mold around A/C vents in the kitchen. Ensure the mold is removed and any issues causing mold buildup are addressed.”Inspector’s note · SA Metro Health

Food Code 6-501.12 — Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions · inspection item 45

Building & equipment

Something in the building was broken and not repaired

Broken tile, damaged wall, failing cooler seal. Damaged surfaces cannot be cleaned and they collect what everything else sheds.

“water dripping from a hole in the ceiling above the mop sink. Ensure the source of the leak is sealed and ensure the ceiling tile is repaired.”Inspector’s note · SA Metro Health

Food Code 6-501.11 — Repairing · inspection item 45

Jan 8, 2024 96 3 findings
Cleanliness

The premises were not cleaned often enough

Floors, walls, shelving, the areas under and behind equipment. This is the finding for build-up in the places nobody wants to reach.

“Repairing. The physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair.”Inspector’s note · SA Metro Health

Food Code 6-501.12 — Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions

Plumbing & water

The plumbing was leaking or in disrepair

A leak under a prep sink puts standing water on the floor and drips onto whatever is stored below it.

Food Code 5-205.15(A) — System Maintained in Good Repair

Building & equipment

Something in the building was broken and not repaired

Broken tile, damaged wall, failing cooler seal. Damaged surfaces cannot be cleaned and they collect what everything else sheds.

“A plumbing system shall be repaired according to the Plumbing Code. ENSURE HANDSINK AND WAREWASHING SINK FAUCETS ARE FIXED SO THAT NO WATER IS LEAKING OUT. LEAKING FAUCET POSSIBLY DRAINING HOT WATER SUPPPLY. 45”Inspector’s note · SA Metro Health

Food Code 6-501.11 — Repairing

Sep 26, 2023 93 4 findings · 2 illness risk factors
Temperature controlIllness risk factor

Food was thawed unsafely

Thawing on a counter or in warm standing water lets the outside of the food warm into the bacteria growth range while the middle is still frozen.

“Hand washing facility provide water at a temperature of at least 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) through a mixing valve or combination faucet. Observed the maximum temperature reached at the hand washing sink was 90 degrees F. See remarks. 38”Inspector’s note · SA Metro Health

Food Code 3-501.13(A) — Thawing

Handwashing & hygieneIllness risk factor

A hand sink did not deliver warm water, or was installed wrong

Handwashing requires water at 100°F for long enough to work. Cold-only sinks cut the wash short.

Food Code 5-202.12(A) — Handwashing Sink, Installation

Cleanliness

Equipment or utensils were not clean

Split into two standards: anything that touches food must be clean to sight and touch, and everything else must be free of built-up grease, dust and debris. This is the most cited line in the whole code.

“A plumbing system shall be maintained in good repair. Observed one hand washing sink continually runs water, and one hand washing sink that did not work. Keep all plumbing fixtures in good repair. 10”Inspector’s note · SA Metro Health

Food Code 4-601.11(A) — Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils

Plumbing & water

The plumbing was leaking or in disrepair

A leak under a prep sink puts standing water on the floor and drips onto whatever is stored below it.

Food Code 5-205.15(B) — System Maintained in Good Repair

Oct 10, 2022 97 3 findings
Cleanliness

Equipment or utensils were not clean

Split into two standards: anything that touches food must be clean to sight and touch, and everything else must be free of built-up grease, dust and debris. This is the most cited line in the whole code.

“Good repair and proper adjustment. CUTTING OR PIERCING PARTS OF CAN OPENERS SHALL BE MAINTAINED CLEANED AND FREE OF ACCUMULATIONS OF FOOD DEBRIS, ETC. 42”Inspector’s note · SA Metro Health

Food Code 4-601.11(C) — Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils

Building & equipment

Equipment was broken or out of adjustment

Torn gaskets, failing seals, doors that do not close. Most cooler temperature failures start here.

Food Code 4-501.11 — Good Repair and Proper Adjustment

Building & equipment

Lighting was too dim

Nobody cleans what they cannot see, and inspectors cannot verify what they cannot see either.

“Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.”Inspector’s note · SA Metro Health

Food Code 6-303.11(C) — Intensity

Aug 2, 2022 95 3 findings · 1 illness risk factor
Cross-contaminationIllness risk factor

In-use utensils were stored improperly between uses

Tongs and scoops left in standing lukewarm water sit in a bacteria incubator between every use. They go in the food handle-up, on a clean dry surface, or in water kept above 135°F.

“Poisonous/toxic materials or chemicals stored properly. Observed toxic/poisonous chemicals stored with single use/service food items. Store Toxic/poisonous chemicals away from or below all food, food service items, or single use/service food items. 39”Inspector’s note · SA Metro Health

Food Code 3-304.12(E) — In-Use Utensils, Between-Use Storage

Chemical storage

Chemicals were stored where they could contaminate food

Cleaning products on the shelf above food, or beside the prep table, only need to leak once.

“Certified Food Manager (CFM) Certificate posted in conspicuous location. Observed the CFM certificate was not posted in a location plainly visible to the public. Post the CFM certificate. 18”Inspector’s note · SA Metro Health

Food Code 7-201.11 — Separation

Management & permits

A Texas Certified Food Manager requirement was not met

Texas rule 25 TAC §228.31 — a certified food manager must be employed, present during operating hours, and the certificate posted where it can be seen.

Texas rule 25 TAC §228.31

Jan 26, 2022 94 3 findings
Cleanliness

Equipment or utensils were not clean

Split into two standards: anything that touches food must be clean to sight and touch, and everything else must be free of built-up grease, dust and debris. This is the most cited line in the whole code.

“Permit Requirement, Prerequisite for Operation. The posted permit has expired. Post a current valid permit. 10”Inspector’s note · SA Metro Health

Food Code 4-601.11(A) — Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils · inspection item 1

Management & permits

A Texas Certified Food Manager requirement was not met

Texas rule 25 TAC §228.31 — a certified food manager must be employed, present during operating hours, and the certificate posted where it can be seen.

“Food-contact surfaces clean to sight and touch. Observed mold growth on surfaces in the ice machine bin. Clean and sanitize these surfaces. 47”Inspector’s note · SA Metro Health

Texas rule 25 TAC §228.31

Management & permits

Operating without a valid permit, or a permit condition was unmet

The permit is the legal basis for being open at all.

Food Code 8-301.11 — Prerequisite for Operation

What these numbers do and do not mean

An inspection score describes one visit on one day. It is what one inspector recorded on one date at one address — Metro Health says so itself. It is not a standing condition, not a grade for the food, and not a prediction about your lunch. A kitchen that scored 88 in March may be spotless today, and one that scored 100 may not be.

A 311 complaint is a phone call, not a finding. The city records that a member of the public called. It is not a citation, not an investigation result, and not evidence that anything was wrong. The city files it against an address, so where two food businesses share one, neither the record nor we can tell them apart. We publish the count with its denominator and let you weigh it.

Awards are reported, not endorsed. Every recognition on this site carries its publisher, its year and a link to the page we read it on. We did not judge those contests and we do not vouch for them; where a publisher named a business rather than an address, the page says so.

Absence of data is never rendered as a finding. No inspection on record means no Bird Score — never a zero, never quietly ranked last. No award found means we searched 172 recognitions from 13 publishers and found none, which is a statement about press coverage and not about cooking.

If something here is wrong, we will fix it. Every figure links to the record it came from. Email us with the correction and we will check it against the source and correct it within 48 hours, whether or not you are a customer. How to request a correction.