Cafe Fiore Fails Reinspection with Broken Dishwasher Violations

Cafe Fiore in San Francisco's Tenderloin district failed its reinspection on October 2, 2025, revealing ongoing sanitation violations despite being previously closed by health authorities just two weeks earlier. The cafe continues to operate with a broken dishwasher that cannot properly sanitize dishes, putting customers at serious risk of foodborne illness.

Critical Equipment Failures Persist

The most alarming discovery during this inspection was the cafe's mechanical dishwasher, which remains unable to dispense sanitizer during the final rinse cycle. This critical failure means dishes, utensils, and food contact surfaces are not being properly sanitized between uses, creating ideal conditions for cross-contamination of dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. Health inspectors were forced to set up manual warewashing at the three-compartment sink as an emergency measure. Inspector Sojeatta Khim noted that the same equipment issues identified during the September 18 closure inspection had not been addressed. The dishwasher breakdown represents one of the most serious violations a restaurant can face, as it affects every dish served to customers.

Expired Safety Certifications Create Management Crisis

Adding to the facility's problems, inspectors discovered that all food safety certifications had expired, including the manager's food safety certificate and every food handler card on staff. This violation indicates a complete breakdown in the restaurant's commitment to food safety protocols near Powell St BART. The expired certifications mean staff members handling food lack current training on proper handwashing techniques, safe food storage temperatures, and cross-contamination prevention. Cafe Fiore management has been ordered to re-register and complete all required examinations within 30 days.

Hand Washing Facilities Contaminated

Inspectors found food containers and drink dispensers stored inside hand washing sinks at both the front counter and kitchen areas. This violation prevents employees from properly washing their hands, forcing them to choose between accessing supplies or maintaining hygiene standards. Studies show that inadequate handwashing facilities lead to a 69% increase in foodborne illness transmission. The contaminated sinks also violate health codes requiring dedicated handwashing stations that remain accessible and unobstructed at all times during food service operations.

Additional Violations Compound Risk

The inspection revealed several other concerning issues, including the use of dirty, unsanitized towels without proper sanitizer buckets, missing thermometers in refrigeration units, and failure to post consumer advisories for raw fish dishes. The restaurant also displayed an expired business license, indicating broader compliance failures.

Pattern of Violations Emerges

This failed reinspection follows the September 18 closure that shuttered the establishment for multiple critical violations. The persistence of similar problems suggests systemic issues with the restaurant's food safety management and raises questions about whether the facility should remain open while addressing these ongoing violations. The Tenderloin location serves a diverse community relying on affordable dining options, making proper food safety protocols especially critical for protecting vulnerable populations in the neighborhood.