Popular restaurant Steak N Shake in Palm Coast, FL, cited for 16 violations - Flagler County

Original Double 'n Cheese Steakburger Combo.Photo bySusan H./ Canva

Steak N Shake in Palm Coast, Flagler County, Florida, has been under the lens of the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation following a series of inspections that highlighted several violations. Despite multiple follow-up inspections, issues persist, particularly two high-priority violations that remain unresolved.

What Happened During The Inspection

On July 31, 2024, the initial inspection revealed a range of concerns, including 5 high-priority, 2 intermediate, and 9 basic violations.

The high-priority issues included a dish machine failing to meet the minimum practices, which prompted a warning to discontinue its use until repaired.

Additionally, the presence of 13 fruit flies in the dish area was noted, alongside an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. Temperature control issues were also identified, with chili stored overnight in a cooler at 48°F, exceeding safe limits.

Meanwhile, intermediate violations highlighted food-contact surfaces, such as a slicer and can opener, being soiled with food debris and mold-like substances. A spray bottle containing an unlabeled toxic substance was found in the dish area, marking a repeat violation.

Basic violations included food debris on equipment handles, soiled ceiling tiles, and food stored on the floor in both the walk-in cooler and freezer. The buildup of grease and debris on nonfood-contact surfaces, such as gaskets and milkshake machines, was also documented.

What The Follow-Up Inspections Revealed: Subsequent inspections on August 1, 2, and 6, 2024, continued to cite two violations, indicating ongoing challenges in meeting regulatory standards.

Despite these setbacks, the restaurant was permitted to resume service, though the need for improvement remains evident. The establishment, known for its steakburgers and milkshakes, holds a 3.3-star rating on Google from 81 reviews, reflecting mixed customer experiences.

Local feedback highlighted some of the dissatisfaction, although reviews focused on service delays and cleanliness concerns.

Thomas Lewis shared in a Google Reviews post

Nastiest Dirtiest slowest most disgusting restaurant I've ever been to in my 47 years on earth.

NOTE: Please note that an inspection report, per the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation, provides a snapshot of the conditions observed during the inspection.