SF Kiss of Matcha Gets Conditional Pass on Water Heater Issue

Kiss of Matcha, the popular cafe located at 750 Clement Street in Inner Richmond, received a conditional pass during a recent health department reinspection on October 15, 2025. The establishment remains open to customers while addressing minor water heater temperature violations that require professional attention but do not pose immediate safety risks.

Inspection Details

During this inspection, San Francisco health inspector William Bajjalieh identified two minor violations related to hot water availability - a repeat issue from previous inspections. The primary concern centered on the facility's water heater performance, with temperatures measuring 118.5 degrees Fahrenheit and dropping to approximately 100 degrees during use. The inspection revealed that an independent plumber had previously adjusted the thermostat to 140 degrees, but the system continued to struggle with maintaining consistent hot water temperatures. Inspector Bajjalieh instructed the restaurant's management to hire a confirmed licensed plumber to properly inspect the water heating unit and make necessary adjustments to maintain a minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The violation falls under California Retail Food Code Section 114192, which requires adequate hot and cold running water for proper dish sanitization and handwashing procedures. While this represents a technical compliance issue, the restaurant's operations can continue safely as management works to resolve the heating system concerns.

Health Safety Requirements

Hot water availability is crucial for restaurant operations because proper sanitization depends on maintaining adequate water temperatures for dishwashing and employee handwashing. Without sufficient hot water, establishments cannot effectively eliminate bacteria and viruses that could cause foodborne illness. However, the violations identified at Kiss of Matcha were classified as minor infractions that allow continued operation while corrections are implemented. The health department has required the restaurant to provide email proof that the water heater has been properly repaired or replaced with a similar unit. The current system has a recovery rate of 12kW, and any replacement must maintain similar capacity to handle the establishment's operational demands.

Previous Inspection History

This reinspection follows a pattern of conditional passes for Kiss of Matcha, indicating ongoing efforts to address recurring maintenance issues. The facility underwent a follow-up inspection on October 8, 2025, and received another conditional result during a routine inspection in November 2025. The establishment's inspection history shows consistent minor violations rather than major food safety concerns, suggesting operational challenges with equipment maintenance rather than fundamental food handling problems. The restaurant continues serving customers in the busy Inner Richmond neighborhood, easily accessible via the 38 Geary bus route.

Moving Forward

Kiss of Matcha management must work with qualified professionals to permanently resolve the water heating issues. The health department has warned that multiple reinspection visits will result in additional fees, and continued non-compliance could jeopardize the facility's operating permits. The cafe specializes in matcha-based beverages and light food service, maintaining its position as a neighborhood gathering spot while addressing these technical infrastructure challenges. Customers can continue enjoying the establishment's offerings as management implements the required water system improvements. Staff Reporter at SF Restaurant Inspections