Latte Express SOMA Closed for Rodent Infestation Violations

Latte Express # 9 in San Francisco's SOMA district has been permanently shuttered by health inspectors following a failed reinspection that revealed ongoing critical rodent violations. The coffee shop at 648 4th Street, located near the 4th & King Caltrain station, was closed on November 6, 2025, after inspectors found evidence of continued pest infestation despite previous closure orders. During this inspection, health officials documented critical violations under California Retail Food Code Section 114259, which prohibits insects, rodents, birds, or non-service animals in food establishments. The specific nature of the rodent evidence observed by inspectors was serious enough to warrant immediate closure of the facility, marking the second consecutive failed reinspection for this location.

Health Violations Found

Inspector Katherine Tuazon from the San Francisco Department of Public Health discovered evidence of active rodent activity that posed immediate health risks to customers. Mice can produce up to 50 droppings daily, each containing dangerous pathogens including Salmonella and hantavirus. The presence of rodents in food service areas creates serious contamination risks for all food preparation surfaces, utensils, and stored ingredients. The violation was categorized as critical, meaning it posed an immediate threat to public health. Rodent infestations in restaurants can lead to foodborne illnesses affecting customers who consume contaminated food or beverages. The contamination risk extends beyond visible droppings to include urine trails, hair, and gnaw marks on packaging that may not be immediately apparent to staff or customers.

Previous Inspection History

This closure represents the culmination of ongoing food safety issues at the establishment. Just one day prior, on November 5, 2025, the restaurant had already been closed following a previous inspection that revealed four separate violations during an earlier reinspection attempt. The rapid succession of failed inspections indicates systemic pest control problems that the restaurant was unable to address effectively. The November 5 closure should have provided the restaurant with an opportunity to implement comprehensive pest control measures, deep cleaning protocols, and preventative measures to eliminate rodent access points. However, the continued presence of rodent activity just 24 hours later suggests inadequate remediation efforts.

Impact on SOMA Dining Scene

The permanent closure affects the busy SOMA corridor, particularly impacting commuters and workers who frequent the area around the Caltrain station. The location at 648 4th Street serves a high-traffic area with numerous office buildings and residential developments, making food safety compliance particularly crucial for public health protection. Latte Express LLC, the restaurant's operating company, received the inspection report through representative Sokunthea Pizziconi. The facility has been contacted at (415) 748-1235, though no reopening timeline has been announced. The restaurant remains closed with no indication of when or if operations might resume. Health department records show that restaurants failing multiple consecutive reinspections face extensive remediation requirements, including professional pest control services, deep sanitization, staff retraining, and comprehensive facility repairs before any consideration for reopening permits. The severity of repeated rodent violations suggests that Latte Express # 9 faces significant challenges in meeting the health department's standards for safe food service operations.