J & M A-1 Cafe Gets Conditional Pass Despite Deep Cleaning Issues

J & M A-1 Cafe Restaurant LLC in Chinatown received a conditional pass during a reinspection on September 11, 2025, with health inspectors identifying cleaning deficiencies that require immediate attention. The Chinese restaurant at 779 Clay Street can continue operating while addressing minor violations related to non-food contact surface cleanliness. Inspector Michael Mooney conducted the 20-minute reinspection from 2:00 PM to 2:20 PM, documenting one critical violation involving inadequate cleaning of kitchen surfaces. The inspection revealed grease buildup on cooking equipment, range hoods, and hard-to-reach areas that could potentially harbor pests and bacteria if left unaddressed.

Cleaning Requirements Detailed

The primary concern identified during this inspection centered on violation #33 under California Retail Food Code sections 114115 and 114117, which mandate proper cleaning of non-food contact surfaces. Inspector Mooney specifically noted grease accumulation around cooking equipment, hood areas, and the dishwashing station that requires comprehensive deep cleaning. The inspector's report emphasized the importance of pulling out equipment to scrub underneath and behind appliances, as accumulated grease and food debris serve as attractants for vermin. "Please deep clean kitchen, hood area, and around ware washing area," the report stated, highlighting the restaurant's need to address areas that have become difficult to clean due to grease buildup.

Ongoing Compliance Efforts

This reinspection follows a previous inspection on August 28, 2025, where the restaurant also received a conditional pass due to pest control issues. During that routine inspection, approximately seven dead cockroaches were discovered on adhesive traps near storage stairs, along with temperature control violations involving a prep refrigerator holding food at an unsafe 43.7 degrees. The September 11 reinspection represents the restaurant's continued efforts to address health department concerns while maintaining operations in the busy Chinatown district. Located near the Montgomery St BART station, the establishment serves customers in one of San Francisco's most vibrant dining neighborhoods.

Restaurant Operations Continue

Despite the cleaning violations, J & M A-1 Cafe remains open for business as the issues identified do not pose immediate public health risks requiring closure. The conditional pass status allows the restaurant to continue serving customers while implementing the required cleaning protocols outlined by health inspectors. The restaurant management must address the grease buildup systematically, focusing on areas behind and underneath cooking equipment where debris typically accumulates. Inspector recommendations include establishing more frequent deep cleaning schedules to prevent future accumulation of grease and food particles in hard-to-reach areas. Health department officials will likely conduct a follow-up inspection to verify completion of the required cleaning tasks. The restaurant's ability to maintain its conditional operating status depends on demonstrating sustained improvement in kitchen sanitation practices, particularly regarding non-food contact surfaces that can harbor bacteria and attract pests. Customers can continue dining at J & M A-1 Cafe while the restaurant works to fully comply with San Francisco health department standards, ensuring long-term food safety excellence in this popular Chinatown location.