SF Restaurant Fails with Grease-Clogged Vents, Broken Sinks

A Chinatown restaurant failed its health inspection on October 1, 2025, after inspectors discovered multiple equipment violations that compromised food safety and sanitation standards. Mr Charlies Told Me So LLC, located at 432 Sutter Street near the Montgomery St BART station, was cited for four violations during this inspection that highlighted serious maintenance deficiencies. The most concerning violation involved the restaurant's ventilation system, where inspector Sophia Huie observed heavy grease accumulation on ventilation hood filters at the deep fryers. The griddle ventilation hood displayed a service sticker dated January 16, 2025, indicating the system had not received proper professional cleaning for over eight months. This level of grease buildup creates significant fire hazards and compromises air quality in the kitchen, potentially exposing both staff and customers to dangerous conditions.

Broken Equipment Compromises Sanitation

Inspectors found the three-compartment sink's spray faucet wrapped in plastic and tape while actively leaking, making it impossible to test hot water temperatures required for proper dish sanitization. The manager acknowledged the faucet was not functioning and stated they had arranged plumber repairs. This violation represents a critical failure in the restaurant's ability to properly sanitize dishes and cooking equipment, creating direct risks for foodborne illness transmission to customers. The restaurant also failed to maintain proper handwashing facilities when inspectors discovered the hand sink near the back door obstructed by a cart containing various items. While hand soap was available, the paper towel dispenser's battery had died, leaving staff without proper hand drying capabilities. The manager indicated new batteries had been ordered, but staff were directed to provide temporary single-use paper towels.

Basement Conditions Raise Additional Concerns

In the basement, inspectors documented heavy grease and debris accumulation on and around the grease trap, creating unsanitary conditions in the facility's foundation area. This type of buildup attracts pests and creates breeding grounds for bacteria that can contaminate the entire food preparation environment. Despite these violations, the inspection revealed some positive elements. Hot water temperatures at hand sinks measured 100°F and above, while prep and three-compartment sinks provided water at the required 120°F or higher. All cooling units maintained proper temperatures at 41°F or below, and 200ppm quaternary ammonia sanitizer solutions were available for wiping cloths.

First-Time Inspection Reveals Systemic Issues

This marks the restaurant's first recorded health inspection, making it impossible to identify patterns of compliance or improvement. The facility demonstrated knowledge of food safety requirements by maintaining current food safety manager certificates and showing no signs of vermin activity during the inspection. Inspector Huie noted that the person in charge, identified as "billy nasa," refused to sign the inspection report. The inspection was conducted jointly with Investigator E. Tu and included a review of a soft serve machine located near the register. The restaurant must address all cited violations before reinspection. Management has reportedly scheduled professional ventilation cleaning and plumber repairs, demonstrating responsiveness to the inspector's findings. Until these equipment issues are resolved, customers visiting this Chinatown establishment should be aware of the sanitation challenges identified during this inspection.