SF Mission Vietnamese Restaurant Reopens After Cockroach Crisis

Thanh Tam II Restaurant on Valencia Street has reopened after being forced to close due to a severe cockroach infestation that prompted immediate health department intervention. The Mission District Vietnamese establishment underwent extensive remediation before being allowed to serve customers again. Health inspectors discovered the cockroach problem during a routine inspection, leading to an immediate closure order. The severity of the infestation required comprehensive action, including multiple professional cleaning sessions, pest control treatments, and permanent structural repairs to prevent future infestations.

Extensive Remediation Required

The restaurant's owners implemented a multi-phase approach to address the crisis. Professional pest control services treated the entire facility, while workers sealed cracks in walls and floors near the grease trap with permanent construction materials. The thoroughness of the cleanup process demonstrates the severity of the original infestation. Inspector Tiombe Wiley conducted the follow-up inspection on August 15, 2025, documenting the extensive remediation efforts. Her inspection report reveals the comprehensive nature of the cleanup required, including specialized attention to areas where cockroaches typically harbor. The restaurant is now required to maintain pest control treatments twice weekly initially, with the possibility of reducing frequency only after demonstrating sustained elimination of pest activity. This aggressive treatment schedule reflects the serious nature of the original problem and the need for ongoing vigilance.

Deep Cleaning Requirements

Beyond pest control, the establishment must implement a rigorous deep cleaning schedule targeting accumulated grease and grime in wall crevices and corners. These areas often provide ideal conditions for pest harborage and require specialized cleaning protocols to prevent recurring problems. The restaurant must also maintain heightened sanitation standards, immediately cleaning any spilled or splattered food or grease that could attract vermin. This requirement highlights how poor cleaning practices can create conditions conducive to pest infestations. Critical areas requiring regular monitoring include spaces underneath the automatic dishwasher, areas next to the grease trap, compressor areas of upright refrigerators, and the underside of the three-compartment sink. These locations are particularly susceptible to pest activity and require constant vigilance.

Health Implications for Diners

Cockroach infestations in restaurants pose serious health risks to customers. These pests can transmit bacteria, contaminate food surfaces, and trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The presence of cockroaches indicates broader sanitation issues that could compromise food safety. Located at 577 Valencia Street near the 16th Street Mission BART station, the restaurant serves a busy neighborhood with high foot traffic. The closure and subsequent remediation ensure that customers can dine safely without exposure to pest-related health hazards. The facility's health permit has been reinstated following successful completion of all remediation requirements. However, the restaurant will remain under enhanced monitoring to ensure continued compliance with health codes and prevention of future pest problems. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proactive pest management in food service establishments, particularly in urban environments where pest pressure can be intense.