Armenian Cultural Center in Parkside failed a critical reinspection on November 12, 2025, after inspectors discovered rat droppings scattered around kitchen equipment and a complete absence of required food handler certifications for all staff members. The Armenian restaurant at 825 Brotherhood Way near Stonestown Muni now faces an abatement conference and potential closure after repeated violations of basic food safety standards.
Serious Rodent Infestation Persists
Health inspectors found rat droppings on the floor around the mechanical dishwasher, by the ice machine near the side door, and on top of dishwasher trays during this inspection. The facility could not provide a recent pest control service report, with the last documented service dating back to September 26, 2025. Inspectors also discovered an uncontainerized green rodent bait block on the floor underneath the dishwashing area, creating additional contamination risks. The presence of rodent droppings near food preparation areas poses severe health risks to customers. Rats can carry over 35 diseases including salmonella, hantavirus, and leptospirosis. Each rat produces up to 50 droppings daily, meaning the contamination observed likely represents ongoing infestation rather than isolated incidents.Staff Certification and Hygiene Violations
Inspectors discovered that none of the two kitchen staff members or the administrator possessed required food handler cards or food safety manager certification. This represents a fundamental failure in food safety training that puts customers at risk of foodborne illness. Additionally, food employees were observed washing dishes and then handling ready-to-serve food without proper handwashing procedures. The facility also lacked readily available sanitizing solution during active food preparation, though this was corrected on-site when inspectors requested it. Cross-contamination risks were further heightened when staff used the dishwashing sink to wash pasta in a strainer without proper cleaning protocols.Equipment and Facility Issues
Beyond the rodent problem, inspectors found multiple equipment violations. White piping for the ice machine was positioned directly in a floor sink underneath the handwashing station, creating potential contamination pathways. The kitchen door leading outdoors was propped open with an uncovered container of food waste positioned nearby, providing easy access for pests.Previous Inspection History
This failed reinspection follows a routine inspection failure on September 25, 2025, indicating a pattern of non-compliance with health regulations. The earlier inspection revealed issues with proper eating, tasting, drinking practices, hand cleanliness, glove use, and adequate handwashing facilities.Enforcement Action Required
The San Francisco Department of Public Health has issued a citation requiring Armenian Cultural Center to appear at an Abatement Conference on December 10, 2025. The restaurant must provide documentation within seven days including a current pest control report and employee food safety certifications. Until these violations are addressed, the Parkside community should be aware that this establishment continues to operate despite serious food safety deficiencies that could impact customer health. The failed reinspection demonstrates that initial warnings were insufficient to motivate proper compliance with basic food safety standards, raising concerns about the restaurant's commitment to protecting public health in the Parkside dining community.📍 Related Information
| Restaurant Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Armenian cultural center |
| Address | 825 BROTHERHOOD WAY |
| District | Parkside |
| Cuisine | Armenian |
| Inspection Date | November 12, 2025 |
| Inspection Type | Reinspection Inspection |