Fire closes mini-mart, roaches shut pho restaurant in latest Fresno health inspections

A fire temporarily closed Zamora Mini Market in mid-February.

The Feb. 19 closure was one of three reported in Fresno County during the month, according to public data posted by the Department of Public Health, which monitors restaurants, snack bars, grocery stores, commissaries, delicatessens and food vendors.

The store reopened the following day after replacing the front door and repainting some interior wall. Inspectors found small amounts of fire debris on several packages of chips. They were ordered to be removed and discarded, according to the report.

Inspectors also found a mobile food prep unit using the facility and noted the business has not been approved to be used as a commissary.

Along with the mini-mart, which operates at 549 E. Belmont Ave., Fresno, the other businesses closed last month were:

• Com & Pho Bamboo, on First Street and Nees Avenue near the Smart and Final Extra, was closed Feb. 4, after it failed in several categories, including not having a current food safety manager certification available. The reason for the closure, according to the inspection report, was a cockroach infestation. The restaurant was allowed to reopen Feb. 7 after being thoroughly cleaned and providing inspectors receipts for pest control services.
• Los Primos Restaurant y Taqueria, a new Mexican restaurant on North Fresno Street near Community Regional Medical Center, was inspected prior to opening under new ownership on March 4. The previous restaurant was closed Feb. 26 due to a lack of hot water, though that problem had been corrected. This is one of the most common violations inspectors find during routine visits. Water temperatures must be at least 120 degrees to safely wash pots, pans, dishes and glasses, and 100 degrees for employees to wash their hands.

The three closures in February bring the number of restaurants, markets and other food businesses that failed their health inspections so far in 2025 to 11. In January, there were eight restaurants closed following inspections, including two for rodent infestations. All have since reopened.

What inspectors look for

The Fresno County Department of Public Health has about two dozen environmental health specialists who monitor almost 5,000 restaurants, snack bars, grocery stores, commissaries, delicatessens and food vendors across the county and make unannounced visits several times a year.

Restaurants also are inspected following fires, or in response to complaints or other concerns from the public, including when people report what they believe are health or sanitation issues at restaurants.

When inspectors visit a restaurant or other food service business, there is a lengthy and detailed list of more than 50 things that draw their scrutiny. They include:

• Whether the manager and all employees have the required food safety or food-handling certificates.
• Hygiene of individual employees.
• Ways to keep cold food at or below 41 degrees and hot food above 135 degrees.
• Use of proper sterilization for counters, tables, utensils and cookware.
• Overall cleanliness.
• Proper drainage of sinks and floor drains.
• Restrooms stocked with supplies.
• Whether the business has the proper license or permit.

Insect or vermin infestations are violations that can result in immediate closure of restaurants or food businesses when they are observed by health inspectors.

Among other serious concerns are refrigerators that don’t keep food cold enough or steam tables that don’t keep food hot enough to inhibit bacterial growth, or clogged sinks or drains that cause contaminated water to back up into kitchens.

In most instances, if an inspector finds a problem, it’s something that can be fixed on the spot. This can include having enough bleach or sanitizer in the water used to wipe down food-preparation areas, replenishing soap, paper towels and toilet paper in the restrooms, or reminding employees to wash their hands and wear gloves and hairnets.

This story was originally published March 10, 2025 at 1:09 PM.