Roam Artisan Burgers Fails Inspection with Dead Mouse Found

A routine health inspection at Roam Artisan Burgers in Pacific Heights revealed disturbing sanitary conditions including a dead mouse under kitchen equipment and rodent droppings scattered across food preparation areas, leading to a failed inspection on October 16, 2025. The burger restaurant at 1923 Fillmore Street, easily accessible by Fillmore bus lines, received a critical violation for pest infestation during this inspection conducted by Inspector Aron Wong between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM.

Health Violations Found

The most serious violation discovered was widespread rodent activity throughout the kitchen area. Inspectors found droppings on the floor under freezer number 5, a dead mouse beneath freezer number 2, and evidence of potential nesting or garbage accumulation under freezer number 1. This rodent infestation poses significant health risks to customers, as mice produce up to 50 droppings daily containing dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and can carry hantavirus. Adding to the sanitary concerns, the facility was also cited for improper food thawing methods. Ground turkey logs were being thawed in the three-compartment sink instead of the designated food preparation sink. This violation creates dangerous conditions for bacterial growth, particularly Clostridium botulinum, which can cause potentially fatal botulism in 5-10% of cases. The inspection also identified a structural issue requiring immediate attention: a hole in the wall under the front counter area next to the refrigerator that needs proper sealing with steel wool and metal flashing to prevent further rodent entry.

Inspection Details

The October 16 inspection resulted in three total violations: one critical, two major, with one violation corrected on site. The critical violation for pest control represents the most serious category of health code infractions, indicating conditions that could pose immediate danger to public health. Inspector Wong noted that the facility must seal entry points to prevent continued rodent infiltration. The improper thawing violations were corrected during the inspection, but the pest control issues require comprehensive remediation efforts.

Previous Inspection History

This failed inspection marks a concerning decline for the restaurant, which had passed its previous inspection on September 3, 2025, under Inspector Kristine Der. That earlier inspection found only minor temperature control violations, making the current rodent infestation particularly alarming as it suggests rapid deterioration of sanitary conditions. The establishment, operated by Roam Restaurant Group Inc., serves the busy Pacific Heights corridor where office workers and residents frequently dine. The presence of rodents and droppings in food preparation areas would have exposed customers to serious health risks including foodborne illnesses and potential disease transmission. Despite the failed inspection, the restaurant was not ordered to close, though it must address all violations before receiving approval to continue operations. The facility can be reached at (415) 658-5508 for updates on remediation efforts and reopening status. This inspection highlights the ongoing challenges restaurants face in maintaining pest control in urban environments, particularly in older buildings along busy corridors like Fillmore Street where structural vulnerabilities can provide entry points for rodents and other pests.