Seniores Pizza Gets Conditional Pass on SF Reinspection

Seniores Pizza in the Tenderloin district received a conditional pass during a reinspection on September 18, 2025, allowing the Italian restaurant to continue serving customers while addressing a minor structural violation. The inspection, conducted by health inspector William Bajjalieh from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM, identified one critical violation related to premises maintenance and vermin proofing. Specifically, inspectors found a gap underneath the customer side door that could potentially allow rodent entry when closed. Located near Powell St BART station, the restaurant can remain operational while making the necessary correction to seal the door gap. This type of structural issue, while classified as critical under health code violations, does not require immediate closure when it can be promptly addressed.

Inspection Details

During this inspection, health officials focused on vermin proofing measures, which are essential for preventing pest infestations in food service establishments. The inspector noted that gaps in doors and walls can provide entry points for rodents, which pose significant health risks in restaurant environments. The violation falls under California Retail Food Code Section 114067 and 114123, which address premises maintenance and structural requirements for food establishments. The inspector emphasized that even small gaps can allow rodent access, as mice can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter inch. This represents a significant improvement from the restaurant's previous inspection history, which showed more extensive violations requiring attention.

Previous Inspection History

Seniores Pizza had struggled with compliance during an earlier August 19, 2025 inspection, which resulted in a failed rating. That inspection revealed multiple violations including inadequate hand washing facilities, pest control issues, and problems with person-in-charge duties. The conditional pass on the recent reinspection demonstrates the restaurant's commitment to addressing health code violations and improving its food safety practices. The establishment has made substantial progress in correcting the majority of issues identified during the failed inspection.

Ongoing Compliance Efforts

Restaurant management now needs to seal the door gap to achieve full compliance with health department standards. The correction involves installing appropriate weather stripping or other sealing materials to eliminate the potential rodent entry point. Health department officials expect the restaurant to address this violation promptly, with a follow-up inspection likely scheduled to verify the correction has been completed satisfactorily. The conditional pass allows Seniores Pizza to continue serving its Italian cuisine to customers in the bustling Tenderloin neighborhood while working toward full compliance. The restaurant's location near major transit connections, including the Powell St Muni stops, makes it a convenient dining option for both locals and visitors exploring downtown San Francisco. Food safety experts note that conditional passes serve an important function in the inspection process, allowing establishments to remain open while addressing correctable violations that do not pose immediate public health risks. This balanced approach helps restaurants maintain business operations while ensuring compliance with health standards. The inspector can be reached at william.bajjalieh@sfdph.org for questions regarding the inspection findings.