Hotel Nikko San Francisco Gets Conditional Pass on Reinspection

Hotel Nikko San Francisco received a conditional pass during its October 9 reinspection, with health officials noting minor violations that require correction while allowing the establishment to continue serving guests. The hotel restaurant at 222 Mason Street in the Tenderloin district demonstrated progress from its previous inspection while addressing several remaining operational issues. Inspector John Wells conducted the reinspection from 4:01 PM to 4:30 PM, finding that the restaurant had successfully corrected several previous violations. The scullery handwash sink was no longer obstructed, food temperatures in the walk-in cooler measured at proper levels of 41°F or below, and the ambient temperature in the walk-in was adequately maintained to preserve food safety standards.

Current Violations Requiring Attention

This inspection identified three violations that need immediate correction. The most significant concern involved improper food storage, where raw fish was observed stored above ready-to-eat wasabi inside a one-door Trualsen upright cooler in the banquet kitchen area. This violation poses potential cross-contamination risks and requires immediate reorganization of food storage practices. Additional violations centered on sanitizer system failures. Two towel buckets were found to contain zero parts per million of quaternary ammonium sanitizer, when regulations require 200 ppm for proper sanitation. Similarly, the wall dispenser at the prep area handwash sink was dispensing sanitizer at 0 ppm, requiring repair or adjustment to meet health department standards. A maintenance issue was also noted, with the hot water handle at the long sink in the scullery area remaining inoperable, preventing access to hot running water under pressure as required for proper cleaning procedures.

Operational Context and Location

The inspection focused specifically on the banquet kitchen, located on the east side of the hotel's office areas. This specialized kitchen area serves the hotel's event and catering operations, separate from other food service areas within the facility. The location near Powell Street BART makes it accessible to both tourists and local diners. Inspector Wells noted that while violations remain, the conditional pass allows the restaurant to continue operations while addressing the identified issues. A follow-up inspection is scheduled for October 16, 2025, or after, giving the establishment time to implement necessary corrections.

Inspection History and Progress

The facility's recent inspection history shows ongoing efforts to maintain compliance. Following an October 8 failed inspection, the restaurant moved quickly to address major concerns. The October 9 reinspection demonstrated substantial progress, with several previously cited violations successfully corrected. A subsequent October 24 reinspection showed continued improvement, with dishwasher and wall repairs completed, though some minor issues persisted. The restaurant operates under permit holder DATAM SF LLC, with certified food manager Thomas Weibull holding certification through June 17, 2029. The establishment's permit remains valid through March 31, 2026, and contact information includes phone number (415) 398-0232. Health department regulations allow restaurants with conditional passes to remain open while addressing minor violations, provided they pose no immediate public health threat. The identified violations at Hotel Nikko San Francisco fall into this category, focusing on operational improvements rather than serious contamination risks that would require immediate closure.