Saint Frank Coffee Gets Conditional Pass for Equipment Issues

Saint Frank Coffee in San Francisco's Inner Sunset neighborhood received a conditional pass during its December 3, 2025 health inspection, with inspectors identifying minor equipment and certification violations that require correction but do not prevent the cafe from continuing to serve customers. The routine inspection conducted at 744 Irving Street near the N-Judah Muni line found three violations that, while needing attention, demonstrate the establishment's overall commitment to food safety. Inspector Sharon Aguila-Leonard noted that the issues discovered during this inspection are correctable and do not pose immediate health risks to patrons.

Equipment and Certification Issues

The primary concerns identified during the inspection center around warewash facilities and proper food handling equipment. Inspectors found that Saint Frank Coffee lacked chlorine test strips for their undercounter dishwasher, which are essential for ensuring proper sanitization levels. This violation under California Retail Food Code Section 114095 and 114099 requires immediate attention, as proper dishwashing procedures are crucial for preventing the spread of pathogens. Additionally, staff were observed using bowls as scoops for bulk food items, particularly sugar. This practice violates equipment standards under Section 114130 and 114160 of the California Retail Food Code. The inspector emphasized the importance of using proper scoops with handles to prevent direct hand contact with food items, which reduces contamination risks and maintains food safety standards. The inspection also revealed compliance issues with food safety certification requirements. The cafe must ensure at least one staff member possesses a valid Food Safety Manager Certificate, and all food handlers must maintain current California Food Handler Cards. Proof of these certifications must be provided during the follow-up inspection.

Continued Operations and Corrections

Despite these violations, Saint Frank Coffee remains open for business, serving its popular coffee and cafe offerings to Inner Sunset residents and visitors. The conditional pass status allows the establishment to continue operations while addressing the identified issues. This approach reflects the San Francisco Department of Public Health's understanding that minor violations can be corrected without disrupting service to the community. The cafe has been given until December 11, 2025, to address all violations and provide necessary documentation. This timeline allows sufficient time for management to procure proper equipment, ensure staff certification compliance, and implement corrected procedures for food handling.

Neighborhood Impact

Saint Frank Coffee serves as an important community gathering place in the Inner Sunset, located conveniently near public transportation on Irving Street. The establishment's ability to remain open while making corrections ensures that local residents and commuters using the N-Judah line continue to have access to their neighborhood cafe. The violations identified are common issues that can be quickly resolved through proper equipment purchases and staff training. The inspector's detailed observations provide clear guidance for corrections, demonstrating the collaborative approach between the health department and local businesses to maintain food safety standards. With a follow-up inspection scheduled for December 11, Saint Frank Coffee has the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to excellence and achieve full compliance with health regulations while continuing to serve the Inner Sunset community.