SF Gas Station Food Market Closed for Hot Water Violations

Chevron Stations Inc, a gas station food market located at 6000 Geary Boulevard in San Francisco's Outer Richmond district, was forced to close its doors following a routine health inspection on August 22, 2025. The facility failed its inspection due to critical violations involving inadequate hot water temperatures and improper food storage practices that posed serious health risks to customers. The most alarming discovery during this inspection was the dangerously inadequate hot water temperature in the bathroom handwashing sink. Health Inspector Cristina Fung-Autry found that the maximum hot water temperature reached only 69°F, far below the required minimum of 100°F mandated by California Retail Food Code Section 114192. This violation alone represents a critical breakdown in basic food safety protocols that could expose customers to dangerous foodborne pathogens.

Critical Health Violations Found

Without proper hot water temperatures, employees cannot effectively sanitize their hands or wash dishes, creating a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria that cause serious foodborne illnesses. The California health code requires hot water temperatures of at least 100°F specifically because lower temperatures fail to kill harmful microorganisms including salmonella, E. coli, and norovirus that can survive on hands and food contact surfaces. Adding to the health concerns, inspectors discovered food items, beverages, and a microwave stored directly in the bathroom area. This shocking violation involved finding food and drinks placed on the handwashing sink ledge and a microwave stored on shelving within the bathroom itself. Such practices create an environment where food products are exposed to bacteria and contaminants typically found in restroom facilities. The inspection, conducted between 3:10 PM and 4:15 PM, resulted in two major violations that led to the immediate closure of the food service operation. Both violations fell under the same health code section regarding handwashing and water temperature requirements, highlighting fundamental failures in the facility's basic sanitation infrastructure.

Health Risks for Customers

Customers who purchased food or beverages from this location prior to the closure faced potential exposure to dangerous pathogens. The combination of inadequate handwashing facilities and improperly stored food creates multiple pathways for contamination. When employees cannot properly wash their hands due to insufficient hot water, they can transfer harmful bacteria from restrooms directly to food products and serving surfaces. The storage of food items in bathroom areas represents an even more serious health hazard, as these products would have been exposed to airborne bacteria and potential cross-contamination from restroom activities. Such violations can lead to severe foodborne illness outbreaks affecting multiple customers.

Previous Inspection History

Interestingly, Chevron Stations Inc had successfully passed a previous inspection on September 8, 2025, though that inspection also noted violations including proper hot and cold holding temperatures and ventilation issues. The dramatic decline from a passing grade to a closure-inducing failure suggests either deteriorating facility conditions or inadequate maintenance of critical safety systems. The facility, accessible via the 38 Geary bus line, serves the diverse Outer Richmond community where many residents rely on convenient food options from gas station markets. This closure affects not only regular customers but also highlights the importance of consistent health monitoring for food service establishments in high-traffic locations. The restaurant remains closed with no reopening date announced, pending correction of all violations and reinspection by the San Francisco Department of Public Health.