Sushi Zen Parkside Restaurant Reopens After Eliminating Rodents

Sushi Zen, the Japanese restaurant located at 1041 Taraval Street in San Francisco's Parkside neighborhood, has successfully reopened after eliminating all evidence of rodent activity that previously threatened the establishment's operations. The restaurant passed its critical reinspection on November 26, 2025, marking a significant turnaround from the serious health violations discovered just one week earlier.

Successful Pest Elimination

During this inspection, health inspector William Bajjalieh confirmed that all evidence of rodents had been completely eliminated from the premises. The reinspection, conducted between 10:45 AM and 11:00 AM, revealed that the restaurant had taken decisive action to address the pest control issues that had placed the establishment at risk of closure. The inspector noted that while all rodent activity had been successfully eliminated, the restaurant was required to immediately submit pest control service invoices via email to demonstrate ongoing professional treatment. This requirement ensures that the establishment maintains proper pest management protocols moving forward.

Previous Health Violations Context

The successful reopening comes after a troubling previous inspection on November 19 that revealed multiple serious health code violations. During that routine inspection, health officials discovered old rodent droppings beneath equipment and in storage areas throughout the restaurant. The violations also included improper handwashing practices involving raw chicken and malfunctioning dishwashing equipment. The presence of rodents in food preparation areas poses severe health risks to customers, as mice can produce up to 50 droppings daily containing dangerous pathogens including Salmonella and hantavirus. These contaminants can easily spread to food contact surfaces, utensils, and ingredients, creating significant foodborne illness risks for diners.

Restaurant Recovery

Sushi Zen, operated by Sushi Zen Restaurant Inc., demonstrated its commitment to food safety by taking immediate corrective action following the initial violations. The restaurant's quick response to eliminate the rodent problem shows management's dedication to providing safe dining conditions for customers in the Parkside community. Located near the West Portal Muni station, the Japanese restaurant serves an area popular with both residents and commuters. The establishment's successful remediation of health violations ensures that customers can once again enjoy sushi and other Japanese cuisine without concerns about pest contamination.

Ongoing Monitoring

The restaurant received one critical violation during the reinspection that was corrected on site, specifically related to rodent activity follow-up procedures. Inspector Bajjalieh's requirement for immediate submission of pest control documentation ensures that professional treatment continues and that the establishment maintains the high standards necessary for safe food service. The successful reinspection represents a complete turnaround for the restaurant, which had faced the possibility of closure due to the severity of the initial violations. The elimination of all rodent activity demonstrates that proper pest control measures can effectively address even serious health code violations when restaurant management takes swift, comprehensive action. Customers can now return to Sushi Zen with confidence that the establishment has addressed all previous health concerns and restored safe dining conditions. The restaurant's commitment to resolving these issues quickly shows its dedication to maintaining the trust of the Parkside community it serves.