| The Gainesville Sun
Ricardo George’s Florida Style Barbecue will be closing its doors after 20 years, but will continue serving barbecue to residents in Gainesville and surrounding cities.
Alachua native Ricardo George, 74, owner of Florida Style Barbecue, said the restaurant will no longer be located at 601 NW Sixth St.
George is currently looking for a new building for his restaurant, but will still do catering.
“To keep money, you got to keep it going,” George said.
The death of the former property owner, Chester Buchanan, has put the property in the hands of a new owner, Timothy Larson of Larson Highpoint Properties LLC, who purchased the property for $160,000, according to Bosshardt Realty.
According to Bosshardt Realty, Larson purchased the property as an investment property to lease to other businesses.
George was hoping to continue doing his business at the location.
“I was disappointed,” George said. “In fact, I’m still disappointed. I’m down, but not out.”
George remains hopeful to continue serving his barbecue through catering or to anyone who calls him to prepare an order.
“People know me,” George said. “I still have a name. I’ve been everywhere. You name it, I’ve been there.”
He said his barbecue is known in cities such as Ocala, Starke, Fort White and Tallahassee, to name a few.
George worked at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Gainesville for 32 years before retiring in 1998 as the chief of support services.
While catering for the VA, he had many opportunities to cater for places like UF Health Shands Hospital and other places in the area.
While he packs up his equipment, he reminisced on the good times he spent in the restaurant and shared what he loves doing the most.
“I enjoyed serving them,” George said. “I enjoyed knowing that they enjoyed my food.”
George will continue to provide a variety of dishes to anyone interested in buying pulled pork, fish, ribs, fried chicken wings, rice, collard greens, mac and cheese, potato salad, baked beans, rice and french fries.
To place an order for pick up or for catering, call George at 352-538-0144.
