Whiz-Burger Gets Conditional Pass Despite Rodent Issues

Whiz-Burger on Van Ness Avenue received a conditional pass during its routine health inspection on December 3, 2025, allowing the popular Mission district restaurant to remain open while addressing several violations that inspectors discovered throughout the facility. The San Francisco Department of Public Health inspection, conducted between 1:35 PM and 2:35 PM, identified five total violations including one critical issue involving rodent infestation. Despite these findings, the burger restaurant at 700 S Van Ness Avenue near the 24th St Mission BART station can continue serving customers while implementing required corrections.

Inspection Details

The most serious violation involved extensive rodent droppings discovered throughout multiple areas of the facility. Inspectors found old droppings near chest freezers, on shelving along the back wall, under the front counter, in back storage areas, around the water heater, near electrical panels, in the attic, and around the back screen door. The restaurant must immediately eliminate rodents, remove all droppings, and clean and sanitize affected areas. Additional violations included raw beef stored above bread in the reach-in cooler, creating cross-contamination risks, and poor cleanliness of equipment and surfaces with accumulated grease and residue throughout the facility. Inspectors also noted flaking paint above food preparation areas and gaps in the facility's structure that could allow pest entry.

Required Corrections

Whiz-Burger must submit a pest control report to the health department within 48 hours and seal gaps in the back screen door within seven days, providing photographic evidence of repairs. The restaurant also needs to develop standard operating procedures for its three-compartment sink usage within 14 days. Deep cleaning requirements include degreasing the cook line and removing buildup from light switches, door handles, equipment surfaces, and floors under cooking areas. The facility must address structural issues including repairing flaking paint and sealing gaps between walls and base cove molding.

Restaurant Operations Continue

The conditional pass designation allows Whiz-Burger to maintain normal operations while addressing these violations. This inspection result indicates that while improvements are necessary, the violations do not pose immediate severe health risks requiring facility closure. Located in the vibrant Mission district, the restaurant serves the neighborhood's diverse community and benefits from heavy foot traffic near the BART station. The facility's ability to remain open during corrections demonstrates the health department's assessment that violations, while requiring attention, are manageable through proper remediation.

Follow-Up Requirements

Health inspectors will conduct a follow-up visit to verify completion of required corrections. The restaurant must demonstrate successful pest elimination, proper food storage protocols, and improved facility cleanliness standards. Photographic evidence and documentation submission timelines ensure systematic verification of compliance improvements. This marks the restaurant's second documented inspection in the system, with this inspection highlighting ongoing operational challenges that require management attention. The conditional pass provides Whiz-Burger an opportunity to address systemic issues while maintaining customer service in the busy Mission corridor. Restaurant management, led by owner Kim John, must prioritize immediate pest control measures and facility maintenance to achieve full compliance during the next inspection cycle.