SF King Lee's Chinese Restaurant Closed for Cockroaches

King Lee's Chinese Restaurant in Pacific Heights was forced to close its doors after health inspectors discovered dead cockroaches trapped under kitchen refrigeration equipment during a follow-up inspection on October 2, 2025. The Chinese restaurant at 1426 A Fillmore Street failed this inspection and remains closed with no reopening date announced. Inspector Jesus Zapien found the most alarming violation during the afternoon inspection when he observed a glue trap containing dead cockroaches positioned under a two-door refrigerator in the rear of the facility. The discovery triggered an immediate closure as cockroaches pose severe health risks, carrying 33 different types of bacteria and six parasitic worms that can contaminate food preparation surfaces and ingredients.

Critical Health Violations Found

The inspection revealed multiple serious sanitation failures beyond the pest infestation. Inspectors discovered food items being stored directly inside the rear handwashing sink, creating a direct contamination pathway between food and the facility used for employee hygiene. This violation was corrected on-site, but highlighted fundamental food safety protocol failures. Additional violations included extensive dust accumulation on fan covers and shelving racks inside a three-door refrigerator used for dry storage. The inspector also found significant grease buildup on floors beneath cooking equipment on the main cook line, creating conditions that attract vermin and compromise sanitation standards. The restaurant's pest control documentation showed recent professional services, but inspectors noted that licensed pest control must continue until all vermin activity is completely eliminated. The facility was ordered to maintain pest control service reports on-site at all times for future inspections.

Restaurant History and Previous Issues

This closure comes just over two months after King Lee's Chinese Restaurant received a conditional pass during a routine inspection on August 25, 2025. That previous inspection identified similar issues including inadequate handwashing facilities and pest control problems, suggesting ongoing operational challenges. The August inspection found violations involving handwashing facilities, pest control, and nonfood contact surface cleanliness. The pattern of repeated violations indicates systemic food safety management issues that culminated in this month's forced closure. Located near Fillmore bus lines, the restaurant serves the busy Pacific Heights dining corridor where residents and commuters rely on local establishments for safe food service. The closure removes a neighborhood dining option until health department standards are fully met.

Health Implications and Next Steps

Cockroach infestations pose serious health risks to restaurant patrons. These pests contaminate surfaces with bacteria including Salmonella and E. coli, while their droppings and shed skin particles can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks. The combination of pest activity with food storage in handwashing sinks creates multiple pathways for foodborne illness transmission. The San Francisco Health Department requires comprehensive remediation before any reopening consideration. The restaurant must eliminate all vermin activity, complete thorough deep cleaning of all surfaces, and demonstrate sustained compliance with food safety protocols. King Lee's Chinese Restaurant cannot reopen until passing a complete reinspection that verifies all violations have been corrected and no evidence of pest activity remains. The health department has not announced a timeline for potential reopening, and the restaurant remains closed to protect public health while remediation efforts continue. Staff Reporter at SF Restaurant Inspections