Chico's Pizza Gets Conditional Pass for Minor Violations

Chico's Pizza in SOMA received a conditional pass during a health department reinspection on November 18, 2025, with inspectors finding minor violations that require correction but do not pose immediate safety risks to customers. The pizza restaurant at 131 6th Street can continue operating while addressing the identified issues.

Inspection Details

The November 18 reinspection followed up on a routine inspection conducted on November 3, 2025. Health inspectors found that most previous violations had been corrected, but identified three ongoing issues requiring attention. The restaurant received a conditional pass, allowing it to remain open for business while working on the remaining corrections. During this inspection, conducted between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM, inspectors documented violations related to equipment maintenance and handwashing facilities. The establishment's reach-in cooler along the cook line was found storing pre-cooked sausage at an unsafe 48 degrees Fahrenheit, well above the required cold holding temperature.

Equipment and Maintenance Issues

The temperature violation was addressed during the inspection when the restaurant operator relocated the affected sausage to a properly functioning refrigeration unit. Inspectors noted that the cooler's thermostat was adjusted during their visit, and by the end of the inspection, the temperature had dropped to 43 degrees Fahrenheit and was continuing to trend downward. The restaurant provided documentation showing they had contacted Vartan's Refrigeration on November 10, 2025, for service on the problematic unit. Inspectors required the establishment to install a working thermometer in the cooler and implement daily temperature monitoring to prevent future violations. A separate violation involved the handwash sink, which was not providing warm water at the required temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Proper handwashing is essential for preventing the spread of foodborne illnesses, and inspectors ordered the sink to be repaired to ensure adequate water temperature for staff hygiene.

Minor Structural Repairs Needed

Inspectors also noted deteriorated floor tiles in the storage area that need replacement within one year. The California Retail Food Code requires all floor surfaces to be smooth, durable, and easily cleanable to maintain proper sanitation standards. While this violation does not pose immediate health risks, the restaurant must complete repairs to maintain compliance.

Restaurant Operations Continue

Despite the violations found during the reinspection, Chico's Pizza can continue serving customers in the bustling SOMA neighborhood near Civic Center BART. The conditional pass indicates that while improvements are needed, the violations are correctable and do not require immediate closure. The establishment, operated by Sados Corporation, has demonstrated cooperation with health department requirements by addressing most violations from the previous inspection and taking immediate corrective action during the reinspection. The restaurant's willingness to relocate improperly stored food items and adjust equipment settings during the inspection shows a commitment to food safety compliance. Customers can continue enjoying pizza at the 6th Street location while the restaurant works to complete the required repairs and improvements. The health department will likely conduct a follow-up inspection to verify that all violations have been properly addressed and that the establishment maintains compliance with food safety regulations. The conditional pass reflects the restaurant's progress in addressing previous concerns while highlighting areas that still need attention to achieve full compliance with San Francisco's health and safety standards.