Willys Food Gets Conditional Pass for Food Storage Violations

Willys Food in San Francisco's Bayview district received a conditional pass during a routine health inspection on November 25, 2025, after inspectors identified several correctable food safety violations. The restaurant at 4517 3rd Street remains open to customers while addressing equipment maintenance and food storage issues found during the inspection. Health inspectors discovered nine total violations during the hour-long inspection, with five classified as major violations requiring correction. The most concerning finding involved improper food temperature control, where mashed potatoes were found at 86 degrees Fahrenheit in the hot holding unit, well below the required 140-degree minimum for safe food service. Restaurant staff immediately corrected this violation by reheating food items to the proper 165-degree temperature.

Food Storage and Equipment Issues

Several violations centered around improper food storage practices that could lead to cross-contamination. Inspectors found raw hamburger patties stored above bags of French fries, creating a potential pathway for harmful bacteria to contaminate ready-to-eat foods. The restaurant staff relocated the raw meat immediately upon notification. Equipment maintenance emerged as another area requiring attention. The ice machine showed black debris buildup on the metal lip, while the mechanical exhaust hood displayed significant grease and debris accumulation. The exhaust hood's last professional service occurred in March 2025, indicating the need for more frequent maintenance to prevent grease fires and maintain proper ventilation. Additional storage violations included a long serving spoon stored directly in a flour container with the handle touching the flour, potentially contaminating the ingredient. Staff also had an unauthorized can of household insecticide stored beneath the three-compartment sink, which was immediately discarded per inspector instructions.

Administrative and Training Concerns

The inspection revealed administrative gaps that the restaurant must address. The operator could not provide a valid food safety manager's certificate during the inspection, a critical requirement for restaurant operations. Additionally, the facility lacked a current health permit, which management must obtain within 24 hours of this inspection. Inspector recommendations emphasized the importance of proper food reheating procedures and regular equipment monitoring. Staff received education about using licensed pest control services instead of household products, which are prohibited in commercial food facilities due to safety concerns.

Restaurant Operations Continue

Despite the violations found, Willys Food's conditional pass allows continued operations while addressing the identified issues. The restaurant, accessible via the T-Third Muni line, serves the Bayview community and demonstrated willingness to correct problems immediately when possible. This marks the restaurant's first recorded inspection in the city database, making it difficult to assess long-term compliance patterns. The facility's management showed cooperation during the inspection process, immediately correcting three violations on-site, including the temperature issues and improper storage practices. The conditional pass status requires follow-up monitoring to ensure all violations receive proper attention. Restaurant patrons can continue dining at the establishment while management works to resolve equipment maintenance needs and obtain required certifications, demonstrating the minor nature of the violations found during the routine inspection.