Aroi Thai Restaurant Gets Conditional Pass on SF Reinspection

Aroi, the Thai restaurant located at 1005 Guerrero Street in San Francisco's vibrant Mission district, received a conditional pass during a health department reinspection conducted on November 6, 2025. The establishment remains open for business while addressing minor violations that inspectors identified during the afternoon visit. The San Francisco Department of Public Health conducted the reinspection from 4:20 PM to 5:35 PM, finding three major violations that require correction but do not pose immediate public safety risks. The conditional pass allows the restaurant to continue serving customers while working to resolve the identified issues within the required timeframe.

Inspection Details

During this inspection, health officials discovered that staff had stored a cup and spoon inside the front counter handwashing sink, obstructing its proper use. The inspector noted that all items must be removed from the handwashing sink and emphasized that the facility should discontinue using the sink for storage purposes. Proper handwashing facilities are critical for preventing the spread of foodborne illnesses, as studies show that only 31 percent of workers wash hands properly when supplies are inadequate. Inspectors also found bean sprouts being stored on top of the three-compartment drain board at room temperature, violating proper food storage protocols. The establishment was directed to move all perishable foods into refrigeration at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below to maintain food safety standards. Temperature control violations can lead to rapid bacterial growth in fresh produce, particularly in items like bean sprouts that are commonly served raw or lightly cooked in Thai cuisine. The third violation involved the mechanical dishwasher, which was not dispensing proper chemical sanitizer during the inspection. The unit failed to register either chlorine or quaternary ammonia solution levels, compromising the sanitization process for dishes and utensils. However, the restaurant demonstrated proactive problem-solving by using the three-compartment sink for food preparation and having bleach available for manual warewashing procedures.

Corrective Actions Underway

Restaurant management showed immediate responsiveness to the violations by arranging for equipment repair during the inspection. An Ecolab service technician was scheduled to arrive and repair the mechanical dishwasher, demonstrating the establishment's commitment to maintaining proper sanitization standards. The inspector advised setting up manual warewashing procedures as an interim solution until the dishwasher repair could be completed. One violation regarding the handwashing sink obstruction was corrected on-site during the inspection, showing the restaurant's willingness to address issues immediately when possible. This quick response indicates management's understanding of food safety protocols and their importance for customer protection.

Mission District Operations

Aroi continues serving the Mission neighborhood, conveniently located near the 24th St Mission BART station. The restaurant's location on Guerrero Street places it in the heart of one of San Francisco's most dynamic dining districts, where establishments are expected to maintain high standards for the diverse community they serve. The conditional pass allows normal operations to continue while the restaurant addresses the identified violations. A follow-up reinspection will be required to verify that all corrections have been implemented and sustained. This standard procedure ensures that establishments maintain consistent compliance with health and safety regulations while serving the public. The inspection represents the restaurant's first recorded health department visit, providing a baseline for future compliance monitoring in the busy Mission district dining scene.