4ks BBQ & Catering
Last inspected: Feb 20, 2026
35
Score
4ks BBQ & Catering has been inspected eight times since 2023. On Feb 20, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. The high risk label is a heads-up that the most recent visit didn't go well.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around six violations each.
When inspectors have written things up, “no paper towels” has been the most frequent reason, cited five times.
By comparison, the average Clearwater facility scores 79, putting 4ks BBQ & Catering on the weaker side. Diners may want to weigh the inspection history when deciding to visit.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
6
Major latest
9
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 20, 2026
Routine - Food
6 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. Provided operator with print out. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
11-27-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink. Operator provided napkins. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No proof of required state approved employee training provided for any employees. To order approved program food safety material, call DBPR contracted provider: Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (SafeStaff) 866-372-7233. Keon Jr and Keandra Williams no employee training. **Warning**
53B-01-5
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink. At rear kitchen sink. Operator provided soap. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses. Sent employee health agreement to operator for new hire. Shaquille Battle, new hire February 2nd, no employee reporting agreement. **Warning**
11-26-1
Intermediate - Toxic substance/chemical on premise that is not required for the operation of establishment. Degreaser stored on dry storage shelf. Operator relocated. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
41-04-4
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas. Acoustic tiles in entire establishment. **Repeat Violation** **Warning**
36-37-5
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. **Warning**
50-09-4
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. **Warning**
36-73-4
Basic - Food stored on floor. Raw ribs and chicken stored on floor. Operator relocated. Corrected on site Soda cans under front counter. **Warning**
08B-38-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Collard greens spoons stored in standing water. Operator removed spoons. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-07-4
Basic - Interior of microwave and oven has accumulation of food debris. **Warning**
22-08-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. Emailed operator sign. **Warning**
51-13-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. Dumpster lid closed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
33-16-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses. **Warning**
21-12-4
35
Aug 13, 2025
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink in kitchen. Operator provided paper towels. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No proof provided that recently hired food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses.
11-26-1
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
32-04-4
Basic - Ceiling not smooth, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable in food preparation, food storage, or warewashing areas.
36-37-5
74
Apr 9, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 1 major violation.
View 3 violations
High Priority - Raid pesticide /insecticide labeled for household use only present in establishment. Stored on shelf with seasoning. Operator removed raid spray. **Corrected On-Site**
41-05-4
High Priority - Observed employee touch money from customer then touch single-serve plates without washing hands. Discussed with operator proper hand-hygiene techniques.
12A-29-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sink in kitchen. Operator provided paper towels. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
67
Dec 12, 2024
Routine - Food
3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - -No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products -Probe thermometer not used to ensure proper food temperatures. Reviewed with manager - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-12: **Time Extended**
05-08-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment. - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-12: **Time Extended**
11-27-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Incorrect chemical test kit provided for measuring the concentration of the sanitizer solution used in the three-compartment sink and/or dishmachine. Reviewed with operator . - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-12: **Time Extended**
16-32-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed. - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-12: **Time Extended**
50-09-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted. - From follow-up inspection 2024-12-12: **Time Extended**
51-13-4
67
Dec 10, 2024
Routine - Food
5 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Intermediate - -No probe thermometer provided to measure temperature of food products -Probe thermometer not used to ensure proper food temperatures. Reviewed with manager
05-08-4
Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.
11-27-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris -Stained soiled cutting board on prep table . Reviewed with manager
22-02-4
Intermediate - Incorrect chemical test kit provided for measuring the concentration of the sanitizer solution used in the three-compartment sink and/or dishmachine. Reviewed with operator .
16-32-5
Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. Fryer added to back kitchen prep area . Manager to remove fryer this day **Repeat Violation**
51-16-7
Basic - Plumbing system in disrepair. -Water leaking from grease trap when triple sink and hand wash sink is run for an extended amount of time in back kitchen area . Employee left during the inspection to pick up the replacement grease trap
29-08-4
Basic - Current Hotel and Restaurant license not displayed.
50-09-4
Basic - No Heimlich maneuver/choking sign posted.
51-13-4
52
Jun 12, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No chemical test kit ( chlorine) provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-12: **Time Extended**
16-37-1
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-12: **Time Extended**
32-12-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No waste receptacle installed at handwash sink provided with disposable towels. Reviewed with operator . - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-12: **Time Extended**
33-38-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors. - From follow-up inspection 2024-06-12: **Time Extended**
32-04-4
78
Apr 9, 2024
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 7 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 16 violations
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. - 2 flying insects in back kitchen . Flying insects not landing on food. Flying insects flew out side **Corrected On-Site**
35A-02-6
High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. License expired 02/01/2024. **Admin Complaint**
50-17-3
High Priority - Employee failed to wash hands before putting on gloves to initiate a task working with food. Reviewed with manager .
12A-07-5
Intermediate - Establishment has no written procedures for employees to follow in response to a vomiting or diarrheal event where the vomit or diarrhea is discharged onto surfaces in the establishment.
11-27-4
Intermediate - Manager or person in charge lacking proof of food manager certification and no other certified food service manager employed at this location.
53A-02-7
Intermediate - No chemical test kit ( chlorine) provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths.
16-37-1
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at handwash sinks. Reviewed with operator that hand wash sinks must be stocked at all times and proper hand washing . Operator purchased paper towels and placed paper towels at hand wash sinks **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-02-4
Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. -Fryers added to back kitchen area by back door .
51-16-7
Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses.
11-26-1
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sinks. Operator purchased soap and placed soap at hand wash sinks **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
31B-03-4
Basic - Bathroom located inside establishment not completely enclosed with tight-fitting, self-closing doors.
32-04-4
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom.
32-12-5
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sinks used by food employees. **Repeat Violation**
31B-04-4
Basic - No waste receptacle installed at handwash sink provided with disposable towels. Reviewed with operator .
33-38-4
Basic - Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Back door open with two flying insects in the kitchen . Discussed with operator . Operator closed door . **Corrective Action Taken**
35B-05-4
Basic - Reach-in freezer interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues in back kitchen
22-16-4
23
Nov 16, 2023
Food-Licensing Inspection
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - No soap provided at handwash sink next to three-compartment sink. Operator placed soap at hand wash sink. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-03-4
Intermediate - No paper towels or mechanical hand drying device provided at all handwash sinks. Operator placed paper towels at all hand wash stations. **Corrected On-Site**
31B-02-4
Basic - No handwashing sign provided at a hand sink used by food employees at hand wash sink near three-compartment sink. Will email hand wash sign.
31B-04-4
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was 4ks BBQ & Catering last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at 4ks BBQ & Catering on file is from Feb 20, 2026. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at 4ks BBQ & Catering?
Across the inspection record, “no paper towels” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at 4ks BBQ & Catering.
How does 4ks BBQ & Catering compare to other restaurants in Clearwater?
4ks BBQ & Catering most recently scored 35 out of 100, which is lower than the Clearwater average of 79.
Has 4ks BBQ & Catering's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at 4ks BBQ & Catering have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at 4ks BBQ & Catering means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is 4ks BBQ & Catering inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, 4ks BBQ & Catering is inspected around four times per year on average.
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