SF Pakwan Restaurant Fails Reinspection with Food Prep Issues

Pakwan Restaurant in San Francisco's Excelsior district failed its reinspection on October 22, 2025, marking another setback for the struggling establishment that has faced multiple compliance issues this fall. Inspector Cristina Fung-Autry found personal employee items contaminating food preparation areas and critical access violations during this inspection. The most alarming violation discovered during the 40-minute inspection was the storage of employee backpacks directly on food preparation tables adjacent to cold storage units containing sauces. This practice creates a direct contamination pathway between personal items and food contact surfaces, potentially exposing customers to harmful bacteria and pathogens carried on personal belongings.

Critical Access and Safety Violations

Beyond the food preparation contamination, inspectors found the restaurant's freezer door completely blocked by shelving and storage items, preventing proper access to essential food storage areas. This violation poses serious operational risks and could prevent staff from properly maintaining food temperatures or accessing emergency equipment. Additional plumbing issues were identified underneath the dishwasher, where a small pipe lacked the required one-inch air gap from the floor sink. This violation creates potential for sewage backup into the dish cleaning system, directly threatening the safety of dishes and utensils used to serve customers. The inspector also noted water accumulation on the floor near the three-compartment sink in the back area, creating slip hazards for staff and potential breeding grounds for bacteria in food preparation zones.

Pattern of Compliance Struggles

This failed reinspection represents the latest chapter in Pakwan Restaurant's ongoing battle with health code compliance. The facility was previously closed by health officials on October 10 following a failed follow-up inspection that resulted in permit suspension. Prior to the closure, the restaurant had already failed a reinspection on October 3, indicating persistent issues with maintaining basic health standards. The October 22nd inspection notes specifically reference that seven previous critical violations had been corrected from the October 10th inspection, yet new violations emerged.

Health Implications for Diners

The violations found at this restaurant create multiple pathways for foodborne illness transmission. Personal items stored on food preparation surfaces can harbor bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants that transfer directly to food being prepared for customers. The blocked freezer access could lead to temperature abuse of frozen foods, while plumbing issues near dishwashing areas threaten the cleanliness of serving implements. Located at 1140 Ocean Avenue near Balboa Park BART, the restaurant serves the busy Excelsior neighborhood where residents rely on local dining establishments for safe, quality meals. The repeated violations raise concerns about the facility's commitment to basic food safety protocols.

Next Steps

Following this failed reinspection, Pakwan Restaurant did achieve a conditional pass on October 23, suggesting some immediate corrections were implemented. However, the pattern of repeated violations and the need for multiple reinspections indicates ongoing systemic issues with food safety management at the facility. The restaurant, operated by Pakwan Brothers Food Inc under the management of Danial Shahbaz, holds a permit that expires March 31, 2026. Continued compliance failures could jeopardize this permit and the restaurant's ability to serve the Excelsior community.