SF Mission Restaurant Frenchies Arias Closed for Violations

Frenchies Arias LLC, a restaurant located at 1007 Guerrero Street in San Francisco's vibrant Mission district, has been shuttered by the health department following a failed reinspection that revealed critical violations putting diners at serious risk. The closure comes after inspector Tiombe Wiley discovered the establishment was serving potentially dangerous raw foods without proper consumer warnings, along with equipment failures that compromised food safety standards.

Critical Consumer Safety Violations

The most alarming discovery during this inspection was that Frenchies Arias was serving raw oysters and other uncooked menu items without the legally required consumer advisory notices. This violation represents a serious breach of food safety protocols designed to protect vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, young children, elderly patrons, and immunocompromised individuals from potentially life-threatening foodborne illnesses such as salmonella, E. coli, and norovirus. Raw oysters, in particular, carry significant health risks and have been linked to vibriosis, a bacterial infection that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, septicemia, and in extreme cases, death. The absence of proper consumer advisories means dozens of unsuspecting diners may have consumed these high-risk foods without understanding the potential health consequences.

Equipment and Facility Deficiencies

Inspector Wiley also documented serious structural and equipment issues that created additional health hazards. The investigation revealed that the restaurant was using an unsealed wooden bar counter to store wine glasses, creating an absorbent surface that could harbor dangerous bacteria and contaminants. Food safety regulations require all food contact surfaces to be non-absorbent and easily cleanable to prevent cross-contamination. The inspection also uncovered problems with the facility's pest control measures. Kitchen windows lacked proper screening, and screen doors were not properly maintained with gaps present during operation, creating pathways for flies, rodents, and other disease-carrying pests to contaminate food preparation areas.

Temperature Control Concerns

Perhaps most concerning were the temperature violations discovered during the inspection. The walk-in refrigerator was maintaining potentially hazardous foods at dangerous temperatures of 43-44 degrees Fahrenheit, well above the safe storage threshold of 41 degrees. The prep refrigerator's ambient air temperature measured an alarming 46 degrees, though one probed broth item registered at the acceptable 41 degrees. These temperature violations create ideal conditions for rapid bacterial growth, particularly dangerous in an establishment serving raw seafood. The inspector required immediate corrective action, including relocating foods to colder areas and working with refrigeration technicians to repair faulty equipment.

Previous Inspection History

This closure represents the second consecutive failed inspection for Frenchies Arias. The restaurant initially failed a routine inspection on October 8, 2025, conducted by inspector Sojeatta Khim, which also resulted in closure. The pattern of repeated failures suggests systemic issues with the restaurant's food safety protocols and management oversight.

Impact on Mission Dining Scene

Located near the popular 24th Street Mission BART station, Frenchies Arias served the bustling Mission neighborhood known for its diverse dining options. The closure removes a local dining option in an area frequented by both residents and tourists exploring the district's renowned food scene. The restaurant remains closed with no reopening date announced. Management must address all violations and pass a comprehensive reinspection before being allowed to resume operations and serve the public.