Flywheel Coffee Gets Conditional Pass Despite Rodent Issues

Flywheel Coffee Roasters in Haight-Ashbury received a conditional pass during a routine health inspection on November 18, 2025, allowing the popular cafe to remain open while addressing rodent activity and structural maintenance issues discovered throughout the facility. Health inspectors found rodent droppings in multiple areas during this inspection at the 672 Stanyan Street location near N-Judah and Cole Valley. The violations, while requiring immediate attention, were classified as correctable issues that do not pose an immediate threat requiring closure.

Inspection Details

The conditional pass allows Flywheel Coffee Roasters to continue serving customers while implementing required corrections. Inspectors documented extensive rodent activity with droppings found in front storage rooms near electrical panels and beverage refrigeration, the point-of-sale system area, pastry display case, dishwashing areas, back wall cabinets, and throughout the second floor, particularly under shelving and near items above the staircase. The facility also lacked a valid food safety manager certificate at the time of inspection, a violation requiring staff to obtain proper certifications within 30 days. Inspectors noted that at least one staff member must maintain a valid certificate while all other employees need current food handler cards.

Structural Corrections Required

Structural holes larger than a pencil width were identified in several areas requiring immediate sealing with steel wool, metal flashing, or quarter-inch steel wire mesh. These entry points were found in the front storage room where sticky traps were placed, walls under electric and gas meters, and a hole on the customer side of the counter beneath wall-mounted menus. Inspectors recommended professional pest control services, typically monthly treatments for food service facilities, to eliminate ongoing rodent activity. The facility must also install door sweeps across the entire width of exterior doorways to prevent gaps that allow pest entry.

Previous Inspection History

This conditional result follows a pattern of ongoing pest control challenges at the Stanyan Street location. A previous inspection on August 29, 2025 also resulted in a conditional pass due to dry rodent droppings found in back corners and missing food safety certifications. However, the facility demonstrated improvement during a September 17, 2025 inspection when it received a passing grade despite minor handwashing facility violations, showing the establishment's commitment to addressing health department concerns.

Continued Operations

The conditional pass designation means customers can continue enjoying coffee and pastries while management implements required corrections. This inspection result reflects the health department's approach of working with establishments to address minor violations through education and follow-up rather than immediate closure for non-critical issues. Flywheel Coffee Roasters, operated by Flywheel Coffee Inc, serves the vibrant Haight-Ashbury community and remains accessible via public transportation near the N-Judah line. The cafe must complete all required corrections and will undergo a follow-up inspection to verify compliance before achieving full passing status. The November inspection lasted from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM and resulted in three total violations: one critical violation for rodent droppings, one major violation for inadequate vermin-proofing, and one minor violation for missing food safety certifications. Management is working with pest control professionals and pursuing staff certification requirements to address all identified concerns.