A recent state inspection has led to the closure of a BBQ restaurant in Florida

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A recent state inspection has led to the temporary closure of a Mission Barbecue location in Panama City, Florida. The establishment, known for its slow-cooked meats and variety of barbecue styles, faced significant issues that required immediate attention.

The Mission Barbecue location at 508 E 23rd Street in Panama City has garnered positive feedback from patrons, boasting a commendable 4.6-star rating from over 1,400 reviews. Many customers have praised the quality of the food and the welcoming atmosphere.

Inspection Findings

On July 17, 2024, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation conducted an inspection of the restaurant. The inspection revealed multiple violations:

• Basic violations included grease and residue buildup on the exterior of an ice bucket and an employee’s water bottle being stored improperly on top of a pan of potato salad.
• High-priority violations involved a dish machine failing to reach the required temperature of 160 degrees, evidence of roach activity with live roaches present, and the improper storage of raw burger patties over pork ribs in the walk-in cooler.

These violations prompted the restaurant’s temporary closure to address the identified issues. A follow-up inspection on July 18, 2024, found that the dish machine still failed to heat properly. However, a subsequent inspection on July 24, 2024, confirmed that all violations had been corrected, and the restaurant was permitted to reopen.

Mission Barbecue's management is expected to have implemented corrective measures to ensure compliance with health and safety standards. The establishment’s reopening reflects its commitment to maintaining the quality and safety of its food service operations.