SF Thai Restaurant The Thonglor Closed for Hot Water Failures

San Francisco health inspectors shuttered The Thonglor, a Thai restaurant in the Tenderloin district, after the establishment failed a critical reinspection on September 5, 2025. The closure came after inspectors discovered dangerously inadequate hot water temperatures throughout the facility and serious handwashing violations that posed immediate health risks to customers.

Critical Hot Water Failures Threaten Food Safety

The most alarming violations centered around the restaurant's inability to maintain proper hot water temperatures essential for food safety and sanitation. During this inspection, health officials measured shockingly low temperatures at multiple critical locations throughout the 420 Geary Street establishment. At the two-compartment sink in the warewash room, where dishes must be sanitized, inspectors found water temperatures reaching only 115°F - well below the required 120°F minimum. Even more concerning, the mop sink registered a dangerously low 100°F, while the food preparation sink upstairs measured just 107°F. These substandard temperatures create perfect conditions for bacteria and viruses to survive on dishes, utensils, and food contact surfaces that customers would later encounter. The inadequate hot water temperatures mean that dishes served to customers could not be properly sanitized, potentially exposing diners to foodborne illnesses including salmonella, E. coli, and norovirus. Without proper hot water, restaurant staff cannot effectively wash their hands, creating additional contamination risks throughout food preparation and service.

Handwashing Violations Compound Health Risks

Compounding the hot water crisis, inspectors discovered that handwashing facilities lacked proper soap dispensing systems. Staff were observed dispensing hand soap from a squeeze bottle at the upstairs handwashing sink, rather than using an approved dispenser system required by California health codes. This violation is particularly concerning given research showing that only 31% of food service workers wash their hands properly when adequate supplies are not readily available. The combination of inadequate hot water temperatures and improper soap dispensing created a perfect storm for contamination spread throughout the kitchen.

Additional Safety Violations Discovered

Beyond the critical water and handwashing issues, inspectors found multiple other violations that painted a picture of declining maintenance standards. The ventilation hood showed significant grease accumulation on filters and other components, creating fire hazards and compromising air quality in food preparation areas. Plumbing problems were evident throughout the facility, with inspectors noting a leak at the backflow preventer near the mop sink and water damage from pipe leaks in the dishwash room ceiling. These plumbing failures not only waste water but can create unsanitary conditions and potential contamination sources. The restaurant was also cited for failing to display a current public health license certificate, indicating possible lapses in regulatory compliance.

Restaurant History and Neighborhood Impact

The Thonglor serves the busy Tenderloin neighborhood near Powell St BART/Muni, making it accessible to both residents and tourists. The closure represents a significant disruption to local dining options in an area already challenged by limited restaurant choices. The restaurant's inspection history shows this was a reinspection, suggesting previous violations that the establishment failed to adequately address. Following the September 5 closure, The Thonglor was able to reopen on September 17 after passing a subsequent reinspection, though some hot water issues persisted. The swift closure demonstrates San Francisco's commitment to protecting public health, particularly when multiple critical violations create compound risks for foodborne illness transmission.