Which Fresno food businesses were closed by health department in January and why

Two Mexican restaurants and a gas-station market were listed as closed in January as they undergo remodeling.

The businesses were included on Fresno County’s Food Facilities Closure Report, a monthly compiling released by the Environmental Health Division of Department of Public Health.

The Robertito’s Taco Shop on Tuolumne Street in downtown Fresno was closed following an inspection “prompted by an ownership change and the state of deterioration” in the facility, according to a Jan. 14 report, which among other things called for the restaurant to install additional electrical outlets and air conditioning.

The restaurant was OK’d to reopen following a re-inspection.

Antonio’s Mex-Express, on Herndon Avenue in Clovis, was listed as closed due to a remodel following an attempted inspection Jan. 29. Additional inspection reports suggest the restaurant reopened in early February, under new ownership and a new name.

Jack’s Mart on Blackstone Avenue near Pinedale was listed as closed Jan. 30. According to an inspection report, there were several items that needed to be corrected “to complete the minor remodel process.” That included relocating a sink. The market remains closed, according to the county.

In all, six businesses were temporarily closed in January, according to the county’s closure report. The others were:

* Burrel Market in Riverdale was shut down prior to a proper inspection because it owed fees to the county and it didn’t have a permit, according to a Jan. 6 inspection report. The market and meat department were inspected and allowed to reopen the following day.

* Cocula’s Taqueria in Fowler was ordered closed Jan. 8 after an inspector found a non-operational hand wishing sink. The restaurant reopened the following day.

* Reedley Elks Lodge #2699 had its bar inside the lodge ordered closed following a Jan. 16 inspection that found a lack of hot (and cold) water. It was allowed to reopen following a re-inspection Feb. 5.

How do county health inspections work?

The Fresno County Public Health Department 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.

Inspectors make unannounced visits several times a year, but are also called out following fires or changes in ownership (see above) or in response to complaints or other concerns from the public. This includes when people report what they believe are health or sanitation issues at restaurants.

These inspectors work through a lengthy and detailed list of more than 50 items that can be cause for violation.

It can be simple and bureaucratic: whether the business has the proper license or permit or have submitted plans for a remodel (to check above examples) or whether management and employees have the required food safety or food-handling certificates. But it can also be things like the hygiene of individual employees or temperature control systems (to keep cold food at or below 41 degrees and hot food above 135 degrees) or sanitation. Do the facilities do proper sterilization on counters, tables, utensils and cookware? What is the overall cleanliness of a building (are restrooms stocked with supplies, for example)? Are sinks and floor drains working properly?

Inspectors chronicle their findings in reports made available to the public in a searchable database online.

In most instances, problems can be fixed on the spot. That includes things like 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.

But serious violations, those that pose an imminent health hazard, will trigger closure and mandatory reinspections. This includes things like rat or roach infestations, or a lack of hot water, but also refrigerators that don’t keep food cold enough or steam tables that don’t keep food hot enough to inhibit bacterial growth. Clogged sinks or drains, can also call for a closure, as contaminated water can back up into kitchens.

The department logs these closures in its online report each month.

Eight businesses were listed on county’s food facility closures report in December and a total of 90 restaurants and food businesses were temporarily closed following health department inspections in 2025, according to data collected by The Bee.