Carl's Jr Closed by Health Dept for Equipment, Sanitation

Health inspectors shuttered Carl's Jr at 1 Hallidie Plaza in San Francisco's Tenderloin district on August 18, 2025, after the restaurant failed a critical follow-up inspection due to multiple sanitation and equipment violations that posed potential health risks to customers. The closure came during a follow-up inspection conducted by Health Inspector Michael Mooney between 2:45 PM and 3:25 PM. Despite proper food temperatures and adequate sanitization chemicals being maintained, inspectors discovered three significant violations that warranted immediate closure of the fast food establishment located near the busy Powell Street BART and Muni station.

Critical Equipment Failures

The most serious violation involved the restaurant's two-door freezer in the kitchen, where inspectors found gaskets showing severe wear and ripping. This type of equipment failure creates serious food safety concerns, as damaged gaskets allow warm air to enter refrigeration units, potentially causing temperature fluctuations that can lead to bacterial growth and food spoilage. The compromised seals also make it impossible to maintain consistent freezing temperatures required for safe food storage. Inspector Mooney noted in this inspection that while all refrigeration units were operating below the required 41°F at the time of inspection, the damaged gaskets posed an ongoing risk to food safety standards.

Sanitation and Facility Issues

Inspectors also cited the restaurant for toilet facility maintenance violations, specifically noting that the upstairs restroom lacked a self-closing mechanism on the door. This violation relates to California Retail Food Code Section 114130, which requires proper restroom door functionality to prevent contamination of food preparation areas by employees who may not properly close restroom doors after use. Perhaps most concerning to customers was the discovery of accumulated debris behind the cook line and under the counter near the ATM at the end of the sales counter. This type of debris accumulation creates harborage areas for pests and indicates inadequate cleaning protocols in food preparation zones where customers' meals are prepared. The inspection report also revealed structural issues that could compromise food safety, including a hole in the wall near the ceiling next to the office and holes in the ceiling in the room housing the water heater. These openings provide entry points for rodents and other pests, requiring immediate repair with approved materials to prevent contamination.

Location and Impact

The closure affects one of the busiest areas in downtown San Francisco, as the Tenderloin location serves thousands of commuters daily who use the adjacent Powell Street BART and Muni station. The restaurant's position at Hallidie Plaza makes it a popular quick dining option for tourists and workers in the area. This marks the first recorded inspection for this Carl's Jr location in the city's database, suggesting either a new establishment or recent ownership change. The restaurant is operated by T W M Industries and can be reached at (650) 583-6491.

Health Department Response

Inspector Mooney's report noted that despite the violations leading to closure, the restaurant maintained proper temperatures for hot water above 120°F and adequate sanitizer levels. The inspector also confirmed that time and temperature controls for potentially hazardous foods were properly labeled and compliant during the inspection. The restaurant remains closed pending correction of all cited violations and a successful reinspection by the San Francisco Department of Public Health. No reopening timeline has been announced.