Fifth St Cafe Passes Health Reinspection in SoMa District

Fifth St Cafe Corporation has successfully passed its health department reinspection, demonstrating exceptional commitment to food safety standards at its SoMa location at 155 Fifth Street. The December 1st reinspection revealed that all violations from the previous inspection have been completely resolved, earning the cafe a clean bill of health from San Francisco Department of Public Health inspector Katherine Tuazon.

Inspection Excellence

The reinspection, conducted from 11:45 AM to 12:25 PM, found that Fifth St Cafe had addressed every concern raised during their November 13th routine inspection. Most notably, the establishment now maintains proper hot holding temperatures above 135 degrees Fahrenheit, a critical food safety requirement that protects customers from foodborne illness. The cafe has also implemented comprehensive temperature logging systems for both reheating and receiving procedures, demonstrating a systematic approach to food safety management. Inspector Tuazon's report confirmed that the cafe's kitchen operations now meet all health department standards. The establishment's quick response to correct violations shows a professional commitment to maintaining the highest food safety standards for customers dining near Civic Center BART.

Food Safety Achievements

The successful reinspection represents a significant achievement for Fifth St Cafe Corporation, which had received a conditional pass during its November routine inspection. The previous inspection had identified issues with expired food safety manager certification and improper hot holding of delivered soup at 125°F, along with missing sanitizer solution at the start of the inspection. The cafe's management took swift action to address these concerns, implementing proper temperature monitoring protocols and ensuring all food safety certifications remain current. The establishment now maintains meticulous temperature logs that track food safety from delivery through service, providing transparency and accountability in their food handling processes. Drew Malimban, who received the inspection report, represents a management team clearly dedicated to upholding the highest standards of food safety and customer protection. The cafe's ability to correct all violations within three weeks demonstrates effective management and staff training protocols.

Restaurant Operations

Located in the heart of SoMa, Fifth St Cafe serves the busy downtown corridor with quick access for workers and residents near Civic Center. The cafe's successful reinspection ensures that customers can dine with confidence, knowing that proper food handling procedures are consistently followed. The establishment's commitment to maintaining proper food temperatures is particularly important for cafe operations, where hot beverages, soups, and prepared foods must be kept at safe serving temperatures throughout the day. The implementation of comprehensive temperature logging systems shows a proactive approach to food safety that goes beyond minimum compliance requirements.

Community Impact

The successful reinspection reinforces Fifth St Cafe's role as a reliable dining option in SoMa's growing restaurant scene. With proper food safety protocols now firmly established, local workers and residents can trust that their meals are prepared and served according to the highest health department standards. The cafe's quick resolution of previous violations demonstrates the effectiveness of San Francisco's inspection system in ensuring restaurant compliance. Inspector Tuazon's thorough follow-up inspection confirms that the establishment has made lasting improvements to its food safety operations, providing assurance to the community that health standards are being maintained. Staff Reporter, SF Restaurant Inspections