Trad'r Sam Bar Receives Conditional Pass on SF Reinspection

Trad'r Sam, the popular tiki bar located at 6150 Geary Boulevard in San Francisco's Outer Richmond district, received a conditional pass during its November 13 reinspection, allowing the establishment to continue serving customers while addressing minor compliance issues identified by health inspectors. The 30-minute reinspection, conducted between 2:30 and 3:00 PM, revealed three violations that require correction but do not pose immediate health risks to patrons. Inspector Jessica Jang found that the bar still lacks valid food safety manager certification and food handler cards, issues that were previously identified during the facility's August inspection.

Minor Equipment and Safety Concerns

The most significant violation cited during this inspection involves the continued use of household refrigeration and freezer units instead of NSF-certified commercial equipment. Health officials noted that while these units are functional, they should be replaced with commercial-grade equipment when they eventually need repair or replacement. "Household equipment cannot withstand commercial use and harbors bacteria in cracks," the inspection report explains. The inspector also observed that the facility was using latex gloves, which can cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, though this was noted as part of the equipment compliance issue rather than a separate violation. An additional safety concern was identified with six carbon dioxide canisters that were found free-standing without proper support. Inspectors required that these canisters be stabilized with chains to a rigid structure to prevent potential toppling hazards.

Certification Requirements

The certification issue represents a recurring compliance challenge for the bar. During the inspection, no valid food safety manager certification or food handler cards were available on-site. The establishment has been instructed to provide valid documentation and email it directly to the inspector at Jessica.Jang@sfdph.org. Food safety certifications are crucial for maintaining proper hygiene standards and preventing foodborne illness outbreaks. Research shows that certified managers reduce critical violations by 60 percent, as they understand essential protocols for temperature control, contamination prevention, and proper hygiene practices.

Inspection History and Progress

This reinspection represents a follow-up to the facility's August 26 routine inspection, which also resulted in a conditional pass. The August inspection revealed more serious concerns including rodent droppings, wall openings, floor holes, and refrigeration temperature issues, along with the same certification and equipment problems identified in the recent reinspection. The fact that the November reinspection found fewer violations suggests the establishment has been working to address the more serious structural and pest control issues identified earlier. The bar, owned by Helen Munguia, John, and D. Riedel, has shown progress in correcting the most critical violations while still working through certification and equipment compliance requirements.

Continued Operations

The conditional pass allows Trad'r Sam to remain open and continue serving customers near the 38 Geary bus line while addressing the identified minor violations. A follow-up inspection has been scheduled for November 20, 2025, giving the establishment a week to complete the required corrections. Customers can continue to visit the tiki bar with confidence, as the violations identified are administrative and equipment-related rather than immediate food safety hazards. The establishment's ability to operate during the correction period reflects the minor nature of the compliance issues found during the inspection.