Brioche Bakery Cafe Gets Conditional Pass on Reinspection

Brioche Bakery & Cafe Inc in the Haight-Ashbury district received a conditional pass during a reinspection on October 29, 2025, with minor violations requiring correction but allowing the establishment to remain open for business. The inspection, conducted by Inspector Michael Mooney between 2:20 PM and 3:00 PM at 1640 Haight Street, identified one minor violation related to toilet facility maintenance that needs addressing.

Inspection Details

During this inspection, Inspector Mooney found that the restroom door was not self-closing as required by health code regulations. This violation falls under code section 42, which addresses toilet facilities and their proper maintenance. While this issue needs correction, it does not pose an immediate health risk to customers and allows the bakery to continue serving the community while making necessary adjustments. The inspector noted that most previous violations from earlier inspections had been successfully corrected, demonstrating the establishment's commitment to maintaining health standards. The bakery showed significant improvement in areas that had previously required attention, indicating management's proactive approach to compliance.

Temperature Monitoring Concerns

Inspector Mooney also documented temperature concerns with refrigeration units that require ongoing monitoring. A two-door refrigerator was holding food at 44 degrees Fahrenheit, slightly above the recommended 41-degree threshold for potentially hazardous foods. The inspector noted this unit had just been restocked, which can temporarily affect internal temperatures. Additionally, a single-door refrigerator in the bar area was maintaining temperatures at 45 degrees while storing milk and tea products. The inspector emphasized the importance of ensuring all refrigeration units holding potentially hazardous foods maintain temperatures at or below 41 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent bacterial growth and ensure food safety. All other refrigeration equipment throughout the facility was operating within acceptable temperature ranges, showing that the majority of food storage systems are functioning properly. The establishment maintains adequate sanitizer levels and hot water availability in restrooms, meeting essential sanitation requirements.

Positive Compliance Areas

The inspection revealed several areas where Brioche Bakery & Cafe Inc demonstrates strong compliance with health regulations. Equipment issues identified in previous inspections have been corrected, and the facility maintains proper sanitizer concentrations throughout the establishment. Hot water systems are functioning correctly, providing necessary resources for proper handwashing and cleaning procedures. The bakery's location near the N-Judah line makes it a popular stop for commuters and neighborhood residents seeking fresh baked goods and cafe items. The conditional pass allows the establishment to continue serving customers while addressing the minor maintenance issues identified.

Moving Forward

Inspector Mooney awarded a pass placard and noted that no reinspection fee would be required, indicating confidence in the establishment's ability to address the minor violations promptly. The inspector provided contact information for follow-up questions and access to food safety materials, supporting the business in maintaining compliance. The person in charge, Ernesto Garcia, was present during the inspection but refused to sign the inspection report. This administrative decision does not affect the conditional pass status or the establishment's ability to operate while making necessary corrections. This inspection represents the facility's ongoing efforts to maintain health standards in the competitive Haight-Ashbury food scene, where establishments must balance customer service with rigorous health compliance requirements.