SF Ariake Japanese Restaurant Closed for Health Violations

Ariake, a Japanese restaurant located at 5041 Geary Boulevard in San Francisco's Inner Richmond neighborhood, has been forced to close its doors following a failed follow-up health inspection that revealed multiple serious violations. The San Francisco Department of Public Health conducted this inspection on October 6, 2025, resulting in an immediate closure order that remains in effect. The inspection, conducted by Inspector Jessica Jang between 1:10 PM and 2:15 PM, uncovered four distinct health code violations that posed immediate risks to public safety. Despite the restaurant maintaining proper food temperatures and showing no signs of vermin activity, critical failures in sanitation protocols and facility cleanliness led to the closure decision.

Critical Sanitizer System Failure

The most serious violation discovered involved the restaurant's sanitizing system, which is essential for preventing foodborne illness and cross-contamination. Inspectors found that the stock bleach concentration system was not dispensing the proper concentration needed to achieve the required 100 parts per million (PPM) sanitizer solution. This failure meant that dishes, utensils, and food contact surfaces were not being properly sanitized, creating a significant risk for bacterial contamination and potential food poisoning among customers. The operator was able to correct this violation on-site by switching to a different brand of bleach to achieve proper sanitization levels. However, the inspector noted concerns about the restaurant's testing protocols, emphasizing the need for frequent monitoring with test strips to ensure adequate sanitizer concentration.

Extensive Grease Accumulation

Inspectors also discovered significant grease buildup throughout the kitchen area, particularly around cooking equipment and floor surfaces. Heavy grease accumulation was found on the sides of the fryer machine and on the floor behind the fryer, creating both slip hazards for employees and sanitary concerns for food preparation. Grease buildup serves as a breeding ground for bacteria and attracts pests, potentially compromising food safety. The accumulation behind cooking equipment also suggests inadequate cleaning protocols that could lead to fire hazards and ongoing sanitation issues.

Food Storage Concerns

Additional violations included improper food storage practices, with inspectors observing food containers crowding the metal bins of the food preparation refrigerator next to the cook-line. This overcrowding blocks proper ventilation of refrigeration equipment, potentially allowing food temperatures to rise above the safe 41-degree threshold required for preventing bacterial growth. The inspector noted that while all refrigerators were maintaining proper temperatures at the time of inspection, the storage violations could compromise food safety if not immediately corrected.

Restaurant Background and Location

Ariake operates under owner Kim Jinsoo and can be reached at (415) 317-1806. The restaurant is conveniently located near the 38 Geary bus line, making it a popular dining destination in the Inner Richmond district. This closure marks the restaurant's first recorded inspection in the city's database, with no previous inspection history available. The lack of prior violations makes this closure particularly notable, as it suggests the restaurant may have been operating without proper oversight or that conditions deteriorated rapidly. The San Francisco Department of Public Health has not announced a reopening date for Ariake. The restaurant must address all cited violations and pass a reinspection before resuming food service operations. Customers who recently dined at the establishment should monitor for symptoms of foodborne illness and consult healthcare providers if concerns arise.