Three Concord restaurants were shut down this week due to a vermin infestation.
Inspectors from the Contra Costa County Health Department reported the following observations at the following restaurants:
Tomi Japanese Seafood Buffet (second closure in two weeks) – Sunvalley Mall, Concord:
- Observed live active cockroaches throughout kitchen.
- One dead rodent and indications of active rodent activity throughout kitchen.
Surf City Squeeze – Sunvalley Mall, Concord:
- Observed one live juvenile rat in the facility run from storage room to under reach-in refrigerator.
El Tapatio – 4475 Treat Blvd., Concord:
- Observed 10+ rodent droppings on floor underneath wait station line.
- Observed 15+ rodent droppings on floor in back kitchen adjacent to reach in refrigeration unit across from cook line.
- Observed 50+ rodent droppings on floor, on top of hot holding station top inserts and inside salamander heating unit above steam tables.
- Observed 20+ rodent droppings on floor and shelving units surrounding main cook line.
- Observed 2+ rodent droppings on sanitized portion of drainboard for mechanical dish machine.
- Observed 1+ rodent dropping on drainboard for food prep sink.
- Observed multiple points of entry for rodent activity.
All restaurants have since been reinspected and reopened.
Please click on the ‘Dirty Dining‘ link to view all the most recent restaurant closures in Contra Costa County.
30 comments
Again – Sun Valley Mall has rats and what they doing about it?
I think the Inspectors from the Contra Costa County Health Department deserve a “job well done” compliment for all of the good work they do.
I believe responsible and accountable owners and managers would never let their food service areas become rodent receptacles.
If those owners/managers are not managing the food preparation areas properly, what other corners are being cut at the expense of the customers?
I attended a Culinary school for a year and learned that cleanliness was the very first rule of food preparation.
That important rule still needs to be kept today.
Yes, I also think the inspectors are doing a very good job.
I wonder how often they return to recheck places that have been closed & reopened…
I totally agree. Keeping a clean restaurant isn’t any different than keeping anything clean. You either get it or you don’t. No more excuses.
Cello, I’m from same background. I trained under a a previous military chef that not only was CEC but certified training chef as well. Talk about a clean kitchen! I can’t understand how this has been allowed to continue. This is wonderful what county is finally doing. I think there’s a business to be had to train these restaurants in safety and sanitation. The goings on are unbelievable! The filth and practices!
El Tapatio isn’t good now. Needs new management, I quit going a long time ago.. Doesn’t this family want to stay in business?
I agree Mutts. I used to enjoy eating at this establishment, but for the last several years the food quality has diminished, the staff is lackadaisical (sp?), and quite honestly their chairs are HORRIBLE to sit in. I’d rather eat almost anywhere else for my Mexican food fix!
Same here. they used by to be really good. Something happened around two years ago and it sunk. Please come back and be tasty again, El Tapatio!
Tomi again? It happened just a few months ago? Never go there anymore. They obviously do not care keeping the place clean for the customers.
Few months ago and just 2 weeks ago. Who knew rats loved Sushi so much.
These guys should be running the county they seem to get things done probably efficiently too. I bet you these guys would get the roads fixed and Criminals and invaders out
I was working on a construction project at Sun Valley Mall a couple years ago and the amount of rat poop that was on the floor from the ceiling being torn down was unbelievable.
This is why I am questioning what the mall management is going to do about the rat infestation.
There seem to be a lot of rats everywhere this year. My neighborhood, Gregory Gardens, is infested with them. I have cats and they have brought me so many rats this year.
We checked with the City to see if they would help with the rat infestation and they said it was up to all the neighbors to get together and treat all the homes. The pest control company said it would do no good to treat our home since the rats where in everyone’s yard and living off all the bird feeders.
seems like Tomi Buffet is closing every other week…good thing I’ve never eaten there.
I have friends in the restaurant industry that work 4hrs forced to take a 4hr break then work again 4hrs. Seems like they could allow some of those workers to stick around and clean up.
Oh….that would mean owners would have to pay for an extra shift with more people instead of having 1 crew stick around for 12hrs.
One of three reasons for restaurant failure, lack of mgt knowhow.
That plus low priority.
How many times can you get closed before you get closed for good or at least an extended period of time? Clearly they aren’t cleaning up well enough at the mall. Gross!🐀💩😨
My believe is, the owners of the restaurants are treating the rat, and roach problem themselves by laying down traps and spraying . This method is probably not enough that is why problem continues. Question is… are they calling a professional exterminator company that does follow-up visits until the problem is eradicated?
These places will all be back open today – guaranteed.
The owners of the Sunvalley Mall replied when asked about their Concord mall
“We have always maintained the highest standards in our common areas, and ask the same of our tenants in the leased spaces. When this issue was first brought to our attention, we immediately enacted a multi-pronged approach to identifying the areas of risk to bring swift resolution to the matter. As part of the process, we also engaged with the Health Department whose involvement and counsel we fully embrace. We will continue to actively manage any issues found to ensure the health and safety of our guests.”
Basically a bunch a circle talk with no action plans. Keep it classy Taubman.
“Areas of risk”… you mean the food court?
Between the lack of security, the constant car break-ins and now the gross food court. Why does anyone go there.
Good on you! Keep these unclean places in spotlight! Isn’t it still the mall’s responsibility to see that their property is free of days and roaches?
Can someone come up with a new name for the mall? Like 🐀ratvalley mall.
Contra Costa Health Department 👍👍Thank you!
The yelp page for Sunvalley is hilarious. Management responding to complaints about the food court basically saying that it’s the tenants fault and it’s been taken care of.
Thank you Health Department for not bowing to mediocrity when it comes to our food. You guys are awesome! If someone has a problem with the strict guidelines they need to get out of the restaurant business. Please!
They will, most likely lack of customers
The same people here that praise the health department turn around and vote for extreme right congresspeople.
i’m happy to say that the restaurant i work in has no roaches, mice, rats, ants, or anything. lord knows if i found anything like that it’d get fixed in a heartbeat
It’s easier to name the clean restaurants. I like Jack’s Urban eats in wc, buttercup grill, Guadalajara for not being grossed out and Mr pickles on monument really has it together. A couple own and operated it. They keep it clean. Any other places?
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