Lam Hoa Thuan Vietnamese Restaurant Reopens After Fixes

Lam Hoa Thuan Restaurant on Irving Street in San Francisco's Inner Sunset district has successfully reopened after addressing significant health code violations that had temporarily suspended its operating permit. The Vietnamese restaurant passed its reinspection on November 26, 2025, demonstrating its commitment to food safety and customer health. The facility's Permit to Operate was reinstated after management corrected what health inspectors classified as "imminent health hazards related to vermin and cleanliness." The successful resolution of these issues marks a turning point for the establishment, which had faced serious equipment and sanitation challenges.

Equipment Repairs and Sanitization Success

During this inspection, restaurant management demonstrated they had addressed the most critical violation - a malfunctioning dish machine that previously failed to dispense proper chlorine levels for sanitization. The equipment issues had posed significant risks for cross-contamination, as dirty cutting boards and utensils are responsible for 76% of foodborne illness cases in commercial kitchens. The restaurant also successfully repaired its inoperable two-door prep-top refrigerator, which now maintains the required ambient temperature of 41°F or below. This repair was crucial for preventing temperature violations that could allow dangerous bacterial growth in potentially hazardous foods.

Food Storage and Preparation Improvements

One of the most concerning violations that has been resolved involved outdoor food preparation practices. Inspectors had previously discovered the restaurant preparing potentially hazardous foods outside, which violates fundamental food safety protocols. The facility has now implemented proper indoor preparation procedures and refrigerated storage systems. The restaurant, located at 2337 Irving Street near the N-Judah Muni line, also addressed structural issues including broken and missing floor tiles in the back prep area. These repairs were essential for preventing pest harborage and maintaining proper sanitation standards in food preparation zones.

Professional Pest Control Implementation

Management took comprehensive action to address vermin-related concerns by implementing professional pest control services and thoroughly cleaning the back area. This proactive approach demonstrates the restaurant's commitment to maintaining a clean, safe environment for both staff and customers. The successful reinspection showed that all four major violations had been corrected, with one violation addressed on-site during the inspection. This immediate response to inspector feedback illustrates the restaurant's dedication to compliance with California Retail Food Code requirements.

Impact on Inner Sunset Dining

The reopening of Lam Hoa Thuan Restaurant provides Inner Sunset residents and visitors with renewed confidence in the establishment's food safety practices. The neighborhood's diverse dining scene benefits from restaurants that prioritize customer health and maintain high sanitation standards. For customers who frequent this Vietnamese restaurant, the successful resolution of previous health code violations means they can now dine with assurance that proper food handling, equipment sanitization, and storage procedures are in place. The restaurant can be reached at (415) 661-1688 and is owned by LAM HAI KY RESTAURANTS INC. The facility's commitment to correcting violations and implementing long-term solutions demonstrates that even when serious health code issues arise, restaurants can successfully rehabilitate their operations through dedicated effort and professional guidance from health inspectors.