News Summary
Orange County has shut down 30 restaurants due to serious health violations since mid-April 2024. Violations include vermin infestations, sewage overflow, and lack of potable water. Health inspectors are taking action to ensure public safety and prompt reopening of establishments after issues are addressed. These closures highlight the importance of food safety and hygiene in local dining.
Orange County Restaurants Face Temporary Closures Over Health Concerns
Orange County has recently seen its health inspectors take action, with a total of 30 restaurants shut down due to serious health violations. These closures, which have occurred since mid-April 2024, were not just routine inspections; they were responses to conditions that posed immediate threats to public health and safety.
What Went Wrong?
The reasons for these closures were somewhat concerning, with health inspectors uncovering hazards that no diner would want to encounter while enjoying their meal. Some of the most common violations involved:
- Vermin infestations in critical food areas: Cockroaches and rodents were common culprits.
- Sewage overflow, which obviously is not something anyone should have to deal with during dinner.
- An absence of potable water for public use, not to mention inadequate water supplies for washing hands or dishes.
- A complete lack of power, which can disrupt everything from food preservation to lighting.
- Inoperable restrooms, which are crucial for any dining experience.
- Severe health risks like ongoing foodborne illnesses.
Health inspectors also warned that restaurants that receive repeat violations risk having their operational permits suspended. If inspectors face any obstruction during their evaluations, that could also lead to closures. This is all done with the intent of making sure diners can feel safe and secure when they eat out.
Recent Closures by City
Here’s a rundown of the restaurants that got shut down in various cities across Orange County between April 13 and May 13, 2024. Most of these spots opened up quickly after addressing the issues:
Anaheim
- 99 Ranch Market Deli – Closed May 9 for cockroach infestation, reopened same day.
- Knott Nutrition Spot – Closed May 8 for cockroach infestation, reopened next day.
- Zankou Inc. – Closed April 29 for cockroach infestation, reopened next day.
- Pepz Pizza – Closed April 24 for cockroach infestation, reopened same day.
- El Pollo Loco – Closed April 17 for cockroach infestation, reopened April 18.
- Mayflower Dumpling Express – Closed April 11 to 12 for cockroach infestation, reopened April 12.
- Togo’s Eatery – Closed April 25 for plumbing issues, reopened April 15.
- Requiem – Closed April 8 for cockroach infestation, reopened April 11.
Buena Park
- John’s Incredible Pizza Company – Closed April 25 to 26 for cockroach infestation, reopened.
Corona Del Mar
- Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club – Closed May 1 for cockroach infestation, reopened May 2.
Garden Grove
- Brees Quality Meats – Closed May 7 to 8 for insufficient hot water, reopened after issue resolved.
- CTB Eatery – Closed April 25 to 27 for rodent infestation, reopened after issue resolved.
- Tam Bien Restaurant – Closed April 25 to 27 for rodent infestation, reopened after issue resolved.
- Korea Health Food Soup & Tea – Closed April 17 for rodent infestation, not yet reopened.
- Golden Oil – Closed April 8 to 12 for rodent infestation, reopened after passing inspection.
Huntington Beach
- Ola Mexican Kitchen – Closed May 9 to 10 for cockroach infestation, reopened after issue resolved.
- Brunch n Vibes – Closed April 3 for sewage overflow, reopened April 25.
Irvine
- Seoul Haus – Closed April 25 for cockroach infestation, reopened April 26.
Lake Forest
- Texas BBQ – Closed April 30 for unspecified reasons, not yet reopened.
Orange
- Roya Wok – Closed April 25 for cockroach infestation, reopened April 26.
- Baskin Robbins – Closed May 3 to 4 for cockroach infestation, reopened with passing grade.
- Keto Bakery – Closed May 7 to 9 for cockroach infestation, reopened.
San Clemente
- Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club – Closed May 9 for rodent infestation, reopened after issue resolved.
- San Clemente Sushi Company – Closed April 30 to May 1 for rodent infestation, reopened after issue resolved.
Santa Ana
- Pad Thai Cuisine – Closed April 24 for rodent infestation, reopened April 25.
Tustin
- Rice & Noodle – Closed April 9 to 18 for cockroach infestation, reopened after issue resolved.
Trabuco Canyon
- OC Pizza – Closed April 29 for insufficient hot water, reopened April 30.
Villa Park
- Bagel Me – Closed April 8 to 17 for cockroach infestation, reopened after passing inspection.
Westminster
- Auntie Anne’s – Closed May 10 for cockroach infestation, not yet reopened.
- Blessed Sacrament School’s kitchen – Closed May 8 for cockroach infestation, not yet reopened.
Moving Forward
These closures serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene. The Orange County Health Care Agency is committed to ensuring that restaurants tackle these issues promptly and reliably, so diners can enjoy their meals without a hitch. Here’s hoping that every restaurant comes back stronger and safer than ever!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Orange County Register: Restaurant Closures of 2024
- Patch: OC Restaurant Health Closures
- Press Enterprise: Inland Empire Restaurant Closures
- Orange County Register: Restaurants Shut Down by Health Inspectors
- KTLA: Landmark Restaurant Closure
- Wikipedia: Food Safety
- Google Search: Health Inspections Restaurants
- Google Scholar: Restaurant Health Violations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurants
- Google News: Restaurant Closures
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
