Whiz-Burger Gets Conditional Pass Despite Rodent Issues

Whiz-Burger on Van Ness Avenue in the Mission District received a conditional pass during its December 3rd health inspection, allowing the popular burger restaurant to remain open while addressing minor violations that require correction within the coming weeks. The routine inspection conducted by San Francisco health officials found five total violations at the 700 S Van Ness Avenue location, with most issues classified as correctable operational matters rather than immediate health risks requiring closure. The restaurant can continue serving customers while working to resolve the identified concerns.

Inspection Details

During this inspection, health officials documented a mix of violations ranging from critical to minor infractions. The most serious concern involved evidence of rodent activity throughout the facility, with inspectors finding old droppings near chest freezers, under the front counter, in the back storage area, near the water heater, around electrical panels, in the attic, and near the back screen door. Officials also identified gaps under and around the back screen door that require sealing. A food storage violation was corrected on-site when inspectors observed raw beef stored on shelving above bread in the reach-in cooler, creating a potential cross-contamination risk. This violation was immediately addressed during the inspection visit. The inspection also revealed maintenance and cleaning issues that need attention. Inspectors noted extensive grease buildup throughout the cookline and facility, including on light switches, door handles, equipment handles, and surfaces. Additionally, flaking paint was observed on walls above the food preparation area, gaps were found between walls and base cove under the three-compartment sink, and heavily encrusted floors were noted under the cookline with greasy walls behind chest freezers.

Documentation Requirements

One of the key violations involves missing operational documentation. Within 14 days, Whiz-Burger must submit standard operating procedures for the use of their existing three-compartment sink for handwashing, food preparation, and warewashing to continue using it for facility operations. This documentation requirement reflects the health department's emphasis on proper food safety protocols and ensuring restaurant staff understand correct procedures for equipment use. The three-compartment sink serves multiple functions in restaurant operations, and clear protocols help prevent cross-contamination between different activities.

Continued Operations

Despite the violations found, the conditional pass status allows Whiz-Burger to maintain normal business operations while addressing the identified issues. The restaurant, known for serving burgers to Mission District residents and visitors near the 24th St Mission BART station, remains open and accessible to customers. Restaurant owner John Kim and staff are expected to implement immediate pest control measures to eliminate rodent activity and remove all droppings from the facility. The extensive cleaning and degreasing requirements will help improve overall facility hygiene and prevent future pest attractions.

Follow-Up Requirements

Health inspectors will conduct a follow-up visit to verify that all violations have been properly addressed. The restaurant must demonstrate successful rodent elimination, complete deep cleaning and degreasing of all affected areas, repair structural issues including the flaking paint and gaps, and submit the required operational procedures documentation. The conditional pass reflects the health department's approach of working with establishments to achieve compliance while maintaining public safety. Customers can continue dining at Whiz-Burger with confidence that the restaurant is actively addressing all identified concerns under health department oversight. This inspection represents the restaurant's recent interaction with San Francisco's health inspection system, with officials noting the facility's commitment to resolving violations and maintaining food safety standards for the Mission District community.