Kay’s Country Cafe in Boonville is officially closed.

The eatery is owned by David Duncan, Jr. and managed by David Duncan, Sr. A county’s health inspection indicated the need for the facility to shape up or risk losing its permit.

The closure of Kay’s Country Cafe follows the recent closure of Southern Belles in Jonesville, owned and managed by the same duo, who saw its permit pulled on February 4 by county health officials.

“The permit for Kay’s Country Cafe has been changed to closed,” said Charles P. Wood of the Yadkin County Environmental Services. “We have been unable to contact David Duncan, Jr.”

According to the Yadkin County Health Department’s January 28 report on Kay’s Country Cafe, there were several criteria listed as “out-of-compliance.”

The inspector report said an ANSI required food safety course was needed for Kay’s, gloves were required when handling food items that were ready to eat, the barbecue temperature was 118 F and must be maintained at 135 F, employees were ordered to trim fingernails to prevent hand contamination, and wiping cloths were to be stored in container of sanitizer between uses.

The health department has regulatory oversight over restaurants and inspects facilities by looking for control measures.

The property owner of the facility located at 309 S Carolina Ave. confirmed that the keys to the establishment were turned over to him in the beginning of March.

“I instructed the restaurant operators to make good on past rent or to turn over the keys and call it quits. They’ve done enough damage,” said Michael Holcomb. “I’m a man that may own the building, but I have to keep a day job to make ends meet for my family too, and I’ve been burned. So have a lot of former employees of the restaurant.”

According to Neal O’Briant, public information officer with the North Carolina Department of Labor, the agency is now investigating 11 complaints received by employees, an increase of 9 complaints since The Tribune first shed light on the controversy — four complaints for Southern Belles and seven complaints for Kay’s Country Cafe.

“The Wage and Hour Bureau is responsible for enforcement of the N.C. Wage and Hour Act,” said O’Briant. “Complaints on wage violations may be filed by calling 919-807-2796.”

For Yadkin County restaurant violations and concerns, Charles P. Wood said, “The Yadkin County Health Department strives to protect and improve the health of all Yadkin County citizens. All restaurant complaints or concerns can be filed by calling the Yadkin County Environmental Health Office at 336-679-4244 during normal business hours.”