Lake City, Columbia County

KEN'S BAR-B-QUE

387 SW ST MARGARET ST, Lake City, FL 32055

FoodSeating
Latest violations
7
1 High Priority
Apr 6, 2026
City
Lake City
County
Columbia
Status
Current / Active
Inspections
12

Violation history

Florida violations grouped by priority level over time.

Inspection history

Florida inspections are violation-priority based, with high priority, intermediate, and basic counts shown separately.

Apr 6, 2026

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 1Intermediate: 1Basic: 5Total: 7

03A-02-5

Detail 24493471

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In walk-in cooler: ambient - 43F; ranch (46F - Cold Holding); hamburger (45F - Cold Holding); beef (47F - Cold Holding); sour cream (46F - Cold Holding); ribs (47F - Cold Holding). Ice buildup on cooling unit; repair person called. Corrective Action Taken Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

31B-03-4

Detail 24493466

Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at handwash sink in dish ware area. Manager replaced. Corrected On-Site

14-01-5

Detail 24493468

Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. No-handle bowl used as scoop on bulk container of flour in storage room. Manager removed. Corrected On-Site

36-36-4

Detail 24493469

Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Ceiling vent covers missing over cookline. Repeat Violation

36-34-5

Detail 24493467

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Kitchen ceiling tiles and vents soiled with dust and grease accumulations. Repeat Violation

08B-38-4

Detail 24493470

Basic - Food stored on floor. Cases of beef on floor in walk-in freezer. Manager had employee move to shelf. Corrected On-Site

23-03-4

Detail 24493472

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Soda machine backsplash soiled with mold-like substances. Repeat Violation

Sep 18, 2025

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 2Intermediate: 1Basic: 5Total: 8

03A-02-5

Detail 24046890

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. In salad prep cooler: ranch (45F - Cold Holding); cheese (45F - Cold Holding). Manager returned lids to bins after lunch rush. Corrective Action Taken

29-34-4

Detail 24046888

High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. No vacuum breaker on hose bibb near back door.

22-02-4

Detail 24046892

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Soda machine nozzles soiled with mold-like substances and.

36-36-4

Detail 24046894

Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Ceiling vent covers missing over cookline. Repeat Violation

36-34-5

Detail 24046889

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Kitchen ceiling tiles and vents soiled with dust and grease accumulations. Repeat Violation

24-08-4

Detail 24046893

Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Bins wet nesting on back storage rack. Repeat Violation

36-24-5

Detail 24046887

Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Hole in wall over slicer.

23-03-4

Detail 24046891

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Soda machine backsplashes soiled with mold-like substances and. Reach-in cooler gaskets soiled with food debris and mold-like substances. Hood filters soiled with grease accumulation. Repeat Violation

Feb 28, 2025

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 2Intermediate: 1Basic: 7Total: 10

12A-09-4

Detail 23597462

High Priority - Single-use gloves not changed as needed after changing tasks or when damaged or soiled. Cook picked up wrapped potato from floor while wearing gloves and continued food preparation without washing hands and changing gloves.

03B-01-6

Detail 23597459

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. On cookline: hamburger (129F - Hot Holding); ; hamburger (174F - Reheating). Manager moved bin of burgers to grill to reheat. Corrected On-Site

22-02-4

Detail 23597457

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Mold-like substance on back ice bin deflector plate. Flattop grill area soiled with grease accumulation. Repeat Violation

14-01-5

Detail 23597461

Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. No-handle bowl used as scoop in bulk container of flour and hot held French fries.

36-36-4

Detail 23597456

Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Ceiling vent covers missing over cookline. Repeat Violation

36-34-5

Detail 23597463

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Kitchen ceiling tiles and vents soiled with dust and grease accumulations. Repeat Violation

24-08-4

Detail 23597458

Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Bins wet nesting n back storage rack.

14-11-5

Detail 23597464

Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Reach-in cooler gaskets torn. Repeat Violation

23-03-4

Detail 23597460

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach-in cooler gaskets soiled with food debris and mold-like substances. Soda machine backsplash soiled with mold-like substance. Hood filters soiled with grease accumulation. Repeat Violation

33-16-4

Detail 23597455

Basic - Open dumpster lid. Right lid open.

Oct 17, 2024

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 1Intermediate: 2Basic: 7Total: 10

35A-02-6

Detail 23278855

High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Three flies in kitchen.

22-02-4

Detail 23278847

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cook-line reach-in cooler bottom and frame soiled with old food debris and mold-like substances. Flattop grill area soiled with grease accumulation. Ice bins soiled with mold-like substances. Repeat Violation

31B-03-4

Detail 23278848

Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. No soap at front kitchen hand wash sink. Manager replaced. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

36-36-4

Detail 23278853

Basic - Ceiling tile missing. Ceiling vent covers missing over cookline.

36-34-5

Detail 23278849

Basic - Ceiling/ceiling tiles/vents soiled with accumulated food debris, grease, dust, or mold-like substance. Kitchen ceiling tiles and vents soiled with dust and grease accumulations.

40-06-5

Detail 23278852

Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Employee phone on wire shelf over sweetener packets.

24-08-4

Detail 23278850

Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Plates wet nesting on back storage rack.

14-11-5

Detail 23278851

Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Reach-in cooler gaskets torn. Repeat Violation

23-03-4

Detail 23278854

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Reach-in cooler gaskets soiled with food debris and mold-like substances. Hood filters and piping soiled with grease accumulation. Repeat Violation

14-12-4

Detail 23278846

Basic - Utensils in poor condition. Cookline knife handle melted.

Mar 25, 2024

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 2Intermediate: 1Basic: 4Total: 7

08A-05-6

Detail 22744611

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef over corn dogs in reach in cooler on cooks line, employee moved corn dogs to reach in freezer. Corrected On-Site

03B-01-6

Detail 22744616

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. beef (109F - Hot Holding); chicken (118F - Hot Holding) items in hot box on cooks line, employee stated they reheat items in oven then place in hit box for hot holding, items were placed in smoker on cooks line to reheat items back to 165 then hot hold at 135. Corrective Action Taken

22-02-4

Detail 22744610

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Flat top grill whole area is soiled on prep table on cooks line. Sides and top rack of grill on cooks line.

12B-07-4

Detail 22744614

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Opened can of Gatorade on table next to/above Togo items, employee moved item. Corrected On-Site

14-11-5

Detail 22744615

Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Reach in cooler on cooks line the gasket is torn. Flat top on prep table on cooks line the finish is peeling away.

31B-04-4

Detail 22744612

Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees. Sink in middle prep area of kitchen. Inspector provided sign. Corrective Action Taken

23-03-4

Detail 22744613

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Interior reach in freezer on cooks line. Hood filters above grill/fryers.

Nov 14, 2023

Routine - Food

Call Back - Complied

No violations recorded for this inspection.

Nov 3, 2023

Routine - Food

Warning Issued

High Priority: 2Intermediate: 2Basic: 2Total: 6

22-49-4

Detail 22423710

High Priority - Dishmachine not sanitizing properly. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed chemical dishmachine reading a 0ppm Cl Warning

02C-01-5

Detail 22423712

High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. Observed potato salad with a date of eight days ago and Cole slaw with a date of one month ago. Manager advised that both items had been prepared in the past two days and were improperly markded. Manager corrected dates Observed ribs and beef prepared three days earlier per cook that did not have a date label in walk-in-cooler.Corrected On-Site Corrected On-Site

31A-11-4

Detail 22423708

Intermediate - Handwash sink used for purposes other than handwashing. Observed ice dumped in hand wash sink by server station.

53B-14-5

Detail 22423711

Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Observed three food handler certificates expired

32-12-5

Detail 22423713

Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in unisex bathroom. Observed no covered waste receptacle provided in employee unisex bathroom.

02D-01-5

Detail 22423709

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Observed two large containers with sauce not labeled in dry good area.

Jun 8, 2023

Routine - Food

Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority: 1Intermediate: 1Basic: 4Total: 6

08A-05-6

Detail 22045511

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef over corn dogs in reach in cooler, employee placed corn dogs on the top. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

53B-14-5

Detail 22045508

Intermediate - Required employee training expired for some employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. 1 employee expired.

14-11-5

Detail 22045509

Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Reach in cooler gasket torn on cooks line near Handwash sink. Repeat Violation

36-24-5

Detail 22045510

Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Next to Three compartment sink/walk in freezer.

14-47-4

Detail 22045507

Basic - Nonfood-contact equipment exposed to splash/spillage not constructed of materials that are corrosion resistant, non-absorbent, smooth and easily cleanable. Wooden piece on walk in freezer door and plywood sheet on rolling cart. Repeat Violation

23-03-4

Detail 22045512

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hood filters above grill. Repeat Violation

Aug 26, 2022

Routine - Food

Call Back - Complied

No violations recorded for this inspection.

Aug 23, 2022

Routine - Food

Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority: 7Intermediate: 1Basic: 10Total: 18

41-07-4

Detail 21298055

High Priority - Container of medicine improperly stored. Container of liquid medicine on shelf above oven. Mineral oil over prep on cooks line. Soap over buns outside walk in cooler. Operator moved items. Corrected On-Site

14-15-4

Detail 21298051

High Priority - Nonfood-grade containers used for food storage - direct contact with food. Holding frozen chicken wings in reach in freezer. Holding flour in dry storage area.

08A-05-6

Detail 21298060

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef over corn dogs in reach in cooler on cooks line.

03A-02-5

Detail 21298056

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. corn (46F - Hot Holding); beef (47F - Cold Holding); tomatoes (51F - Cold Holding); chicken (49F - Cold Holding) operator stated that cooler is constantly opened during lunch, employee placed items in walk in cooler and walk in freezer, retemps were taken and items did drop some but not to 41F of below. Corrective Action Taken Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

03B-01-6

Detail 21298048

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. turkey (109F - Hot Holding) in large smoker, employee stated he just had item out for awhile slicing it. ribs (128F - Hot Holding); beef (124F - Hot Holding); chicken (102-110F - Hot Holding) in new hot box, employee placed items in smoker to heat back up. Retemps were taken items did heat up some but not to 165 and held at 135. Corrective Action Taken Warning

29-34-4

Detail 21298053

High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Outside on with red hose attached. Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

41-15-5

Detail 21298050

High Priority - Wiping cloth solution exceeding the maximum concentration allowed stored in a location that could result in the cross contamination of food, equipment, utensils, linens, single-service, or single-use articles. Quaternary ammonia over 500ppm, operator added water 350ppm. Corrected On-Site

22-02-4

Detail 21298052

Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Interior reach in cooler and reach in freezer on cooks line. Inside hot box.

35A-03-4

Detail 21298062

Basic - Dead roaches on premises. Under air duct system in back room. Operator cleaned and discarded. Corrected On-Site

12B-07-4

Detail 21298046

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Opened beverage on prep table next to cutting board on cooks line. Employee discarded. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

40-06-5

Detail 21298059

Basic - Employee personal items stored in or above a food preparation area, food, clean equipment and utensils, or single-service items. Phone and container of change on shelf above prep area on cooks line. Employee moved items to the bottom. Corrected On-Site

14-11-5

Detail 21298047

Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gaskets on reach in cooler on cooks line. Repeat Violation

10-01-5

Detail 21298057

Basic - In-use utensil in non-time/temperature control for safety food not stored with handle above top of food within a closed container. Scoop handle in sugar bin.

21-04-4

Detail 21298054

Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. On cooks line. Repeat Violation

14-47-4

Detail 21298045

Basic - Nonfood-contact equipment exposed to splash/spillage not constructed of materials that are corrosion resistant, non-absorbent, smooth and easily cleanable. Wooden Hot holding box on cooks line. Insulation exposed in same hot box.

23-03-4

Detail 21298058

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Back of the fryers. Reach in cooler gasket on cooks line. Repeat Violation

42-01-4

Detail 21298049

Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry. In mop bucket by dish area.

02D-01-5

Detail 21298061

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Flour in dry storage.

Jan 12, 2022

Routine - Food

Administrative complaint recommended

High Priority: 7Intermediate: 2Basic: 8Total: 17

22-41-4

Detail 20783199

High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed 0ppm. Operator set up Three compartment sink with quaternary ammonia tablets. Repeat Violation Admin Complaint

35A-02-6

Detail 20783201

High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. Observed 1 fly flying around trash in dish area.

02C-01-5

Detail 20783202

High Priority - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food marked with a date that exceeds 7 days after opening/preparation. 2 pans of green beans in walk in cooler 1/4/2022. See stop sale.

01B-13-4

Detail 20783204

High Priority - Stop Sale issued due to food not being in a wholesome, sound condition. 2 pans of green beans in walk in cooler 1/4/2022. See stop sale.

03A-02-5

Detail 20783197

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. marinade with raw animal products dipped in (77 - Cold Holding)

41-10-4

Detail 20783193

High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Stainless steel wipes and spray on shelf with York mints. Operator moved items. Corrected On-Site

29-34-4

Detail 20783203

High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. On cooks line and near back door way.

16-37-1

Detail 20783194

Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Using chlorine bleach and quaternary ammonia. Operator stated he has ordered the test kits.

27-16-4

Detail 20783200

Intermediate - Water with a temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit not provided/shut off at employee handwash sink. Sink on cooks line.

12B-07-4

Detail 20783205

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Drink on prep table on cooks line. Operator discarded. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

24-08-4

Detail 20783206

Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting. Plastic cups at server alley.

14-11-4

Detail 20783208

Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Reach in cooler on cooks line gasket torn. Repeat Violation

08B-42-4

Detail 20783207

Basic - Food stored outside. Jugs of cooking oil in shed not fully enclosed. Operator moved oil to inside dry storage. Corrected On-Site

06-06-5

Detail 20783198

Basic - Frozen time/temperature control for safety food being slacked at room temperature is no longer frozen solid. French fries on cooks line on table.

21-04-4

Detail 20783195

Basic - In-use wet wiping cloth/towel used under cutting board. On cooks line. Operator removed. Corrected On-Site

23-03-4

Detail 20783209

Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Hoods above cook line.

33-16-4

Detail 20783196

Basic - Open dumpster/grease receptacle lid. Operator closed lids. Corrected On-Site

Aug 24, 2021

Routine - Food

Inspection Completed - No Further Action

High Priority: 3Intermediate: 3Basic: 8Total: 14

22-41-4

Detail 20455315

High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed 0ppm. Operator primed line. 50ppm. Corrected On-Site

08A-05-6

Detail 20455327

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef stored over corn dogs in reach in cooler on cooks line. Operator placed corn dogs on top. Corrected On-Site

03B-01-6

Detail 20455328

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. marinade used for raw chicken dip (98°F - Hot Holding); hamburger (120°F - Hot Holding); at grill area. Operator reheated hamburgers to 194°F. Corrective Action Taken

31A-09-4

Detail 20455320

Intermediate - Handwash sink not accessible for employee use at all times. Sani bucket stored in server Handwash sink. Operator moved. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

53A-05-6

Detail 20455318

Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ observed no certified manager with 5 employees present.

31B-02-4

Detail 20455324

Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. At server sink.

14-01-5

Detail 20455316

Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Yellow bowl stored on garlic bread. Operator removed. Corrected On-Site

35A-03-4

Detail 20455319

Basic - Dead roaches on premises. Observed 1 dead in small back room on floor where air ducts are located. Observed dead flying ants in light shield outside of walk in freezer.

12B-07-4

Detail 20455326

Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Water bottle opened on prep table cooks line. 2 drinks on prep table above potatoes. Operator moved. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

14-11-4

Detail 20455325

Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gasket to reach in cooler on cooks line torn. Repeat Violation

08B-38-4

Detail 20455321

Basic - Food stored on floor. Pickles and hard boiled eggs on floor in walk in cooler. Operator placed on shelf. Corrected On-Site

38-01-4

Detail 20455322

Basic - Light shield damaged/in disrepair. Out in front of walk in freezer with a crack in the shield.

25-06-4

Detail 20455323

Basic - Single-service articles not stored inverted or protected from contamination. Small white Togo boxes on shelf. Operators flipped to where food contact is facing down. Coffee filters at server alley not covered. Corrected On-Site Repeat Violation

02D-01-5

Detail 20455317

Basic - Working containers of food removed from original container not identified by common name. Seasoning flour in container in dry storage room.