Sonny's BBQ
Last inspected: Apr 22, 2026
55
Score
Sonny's BBQ has been inspected 11 times since 2022. Sonny's BBQ was last inspected on Apr 22, 2026. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near four violations per visit.
Across the inspection history, “in-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded two times.
By comparison, the average Gainesville facility scores 75, putting Sonny's BBQ on the weaker side. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
11
Inspections
2
Critical latest
1
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 22, 2026
Complaint Full
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Metal stem-type thermometer soiled. Observed : the thermometer used on the cook line was soiled with dried food debris. This was then cleaned. **Corrected On-Site**
22-12-5
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet. Observed lack of back flow device on the non chemical side of the splitter in the mop sink. The vacuum breaker at the top of the splitter can be placed on the 'non chemical' side of the splitter.
29-42-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Observed : the nozzle in the drive thru has build up. ALSO, the wait station side machine has nozzles with build up.
22-02-4
Basic - Compartment of equipment subject to the accumulation of moisture is not sloped to drain to allow complete drainage. Observed : the beer cooler at the front wait station has an accumulation of water.
29-13-4
Basic - Hole in or other damage to wall. Observed on partial wall in the mop sink closet is not sealed.
36-24-5
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed : tongs on the cook line, protruding into the walkway. These were turned sideways to comply. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - Water leaking from pipe and/or faucet/handle. Observed : the drain pipe for the ice maker is draining onto the floor.
29-11-4
55
Jan 5, 2026
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Plumbing Maintained; Sewage Disposal
FL-51
74
Sep 16, 2025
Complaint Partial
No violations found.
100
Jul 17, 2025
Routine - Food
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Adequate Handwashing Facilities Supplied and Accessible
FL-10
Proper Hot and Cold Holding Temperatures
FL-21
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
78
Oct 4, 2024
Complaint Full
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed the chef base drawers all temperatures above 52. Drawers may have been left open was the only answer given. - From follow-up inspection 2024-10-04: The unit has been worked on the digital display shows 34°, it is up for cleanings today and they will put a pan with water in it to make sure it reaches at 41° below before adding food. **Time Extended**
14-74-7
95
Sep 24, 2024
Complaint Full
3 critical violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Observed: blue window cleaner stored on the bottom shelf in the drive thru, next to to go containers. The spray was relocated to cleaning. **Corrected On-Site**
41-10-4
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Observed: no back flow were required in these areas: by outside by the smokers, outside by the back door and on the non chemical side of the splitter for the mop sink.
29-34-4
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed: in the drawer below the grill: slice cheese 51,54°, egg rolls 48,raw hamburger 56°. Items moved to the walk-in freezer. **Corrective Action Taken** **Warning**
03A-02-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Observed the scoop for the sugar on the cook line does not have a handle. The scoop was removed. **Corrected On-Site**
14-01-5
Basic - Cold holding equipment not maintained in good repair. Do not store time/temperature control for safety food in this unit until the unit is repaired. Observed the chef base drawers all temperatures above 52. Drawers may have been left open was the only answer given.
14-74-7
Basic - Floor area(s) covered with standing water. Observed: standing water in the dish pit. ALSO, at the back door.
36-22-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed: the exterior of the wait station soda machine near the restroom, foreign substance on the right side lip.
23-03-4
Basic - Single-service articles stored on a soiled surface. Observed: to go clam shells stored on top of the cook line hot hold cabinet.
25-17-4
Basic - Worn, torn and/or soiled floors/carpeting. Observed: next to the drive thru soda machine , an accumulation of debris between the wall and soda machine. **Repeat Violation**
36-10-4
47
Aug 13, 2024
Routine - Food
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Basic - Ice buildup in reach-in freezer and/or walk-in freezer. Observed: the reach-in freezer on the cook line gas ice building at the fan area.
14-69-4
Basic - In-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses. Observed: tongs on the cook line, obstructing. The walkway. These were readjusted. **Corrected On-Site**
10-20-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Observed: the area where the soda nozzles connect to the soda head, is soiled.
23-03-4
Basic - Worn, torn and/or soiled floors/carpeting. Observed: the floor behind the soda machine in the drive thru area has an accumulation of debris. **Repeat Violation**
36-10-4
82
Dec 27, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
74
Jul 28, 2023
Routine - Food
1 critical violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed bean meat in the cook line 86F. This was moved to the walk-in cooler for cooling. **Corrective Action Taken**
03B-01-6
Basic - Buildup of food debris/soil residue on equipment door handles. Observed the cook line handles with an accumulation of food debris. A paper towel was employed to start removing the food. **Corrective Action Taken**
23-24-4
Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment. Observed on the cook/expo line, large knife stored between tables.
10-17-4
Basic - Stored food not covered. Observed: in the walk-in cooler, food stored below 41F, not covered.
08B-12-5
74
Jan 24, 2023
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Food in Good Condition, Safe, and Unadulterated
FL-13
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Hot and Cold Water Available; Adequate Pressure
FL-25
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Approved Thawing Methods Used
FL-31
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
Lighting Adequate; Required Shields in Place
FL-36
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
Food and Non-Food Contact Surfaces Designed and Constructed
FL-50
43
Sep 20, 2022
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Certified Food Manager Identification
FL-02
Employee Health Policies Present
FL-03
Personal Cleanliness
FL-40
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
FL-42
Food Received at Proper Temperature
FL-12
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Warewashing Facilities Maintained and Used
FL-24
Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
FL-29
Proper Sanitizer Contact Time and Concentration
FL-33
52
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Sonny's BBQ last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Sonny's BBQ on file is from Apr 22, 2026. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Sonny's BBQ?
Across the inspection record, “in-use tongs stored on equipment door handle between uses” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Sonny's BBQ.
How does Sonny's BBQ compare to other restaurants in Gainesville?
Sonny's BBQ most recently scored 55 out of 100, which is lower than the Gainesville average of 75.
Has Sonny's BBQ's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Sonny's BBQ have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Sonny's BBQ means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Sonny's BBQ inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Sonny's BBQ is inspected around three times per year on average.
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