Latest news with #BayCities
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bay Cities Deli Temporarily Closed After Failing Health Inspection
Bay Cities Deli Temporarily Closed After Failing Health Inspection originally appeared on L.A. Mag. Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery has been temporarily closed following a failed inspection by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The Santa Monica staple is known for its popular Godmother inspection, conducted on May 21, cited a 'cockroach infestation' as the primary reason for the closure. Additional violations included improper hot and cold food holding temperatures, inadequate cleaning and sanitizing of food contact surfaces, and handwashing issues. The deli's public health permits were suspended, and no reopening date has been a statement posted to social media, Bay Cities acknowledged the violations: 'We take full responsibility and understand the seriousness of this matter. This situation does not reflect the standards we uphold at Bay Cities, nor the level of care we've built our reputation on.'A representative confirmed to Eater LA that the deli is 'working to reopen' and is actively collaborating with the Health Department and third-party sanitation experts. Located at 1517 Lincoln Boulevard, Bay Cities has operated in Santa Monica since 1925. It has long drawn large crowds for its Italian sandwiches and imported grocery goods. In a 2024 inspection, the deli received a 'B' grade for issues including handwashing violations and cleanliness concerns on food-contact Cities is one of several L.A. County food establishments recently shut down due to vermin infestations. Others include the Erewhon tonic bar in Santa Monica and Casa Vega. Health Department closures are not uncommon in the area, though they often draw public attention when they involve well-known businesses. According to a list compiled by KTLA, from May 1 to May 25 of this year, 93 restaurants have been shut down due to health code violations — and some have shut down multiple times. The most common cause for closure was vermin infestation, which plagued over 35 restaurants, including Bay its most recent public statement, Bay Cities wrote, 'This is a challenging time for all of us... but we are committed to regaining our customers' confidence and loyalty. We appreciate your patience and trust as we work toward a brighter future.'As of May 27, a pre-recorded message on Bay Cities' phone line confirms the closure and says the decision was made 'in consultation with the Health Department.' This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on May 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery responds to health department closure
One of L.A.'s most iconic sandwich shops closed last week after health inspectors cited a vermin infestation among other infractions, but representatives for Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery — home of the famed Godmother sandwich — say that no rodents were found, contrary to multiple reports. A representative for the Los Angeles County Department of Health confirmed to The Times that the permit suspension was due to a cockroach infestation. "Vermin closures are consistently the number one reason for a permit suspension," they said in an email. Bay Cities celebrated its 100th anniversary this year, long a destination for Italian specialty goods and its sandwiches of imported and domestic deli meats and cheeses stacked on bread baked fresh each day. But on May 21 the Santa Monica culinary landmark was forced to shut down, and remains temporarily closed. The routine inspection from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health found a major violation related to the presence of 'rodents, insects, birds or animals.' Read more: Sub Standard: Jonathan Gold reviews Bay Cities The organization lists this violation as a 'critical risk factor' in its online guidance for restaurants. Between Bay Cities' imports operation and its deli, the health department reported 14 violations. The inspections also cited infractions pertaining to its floors, walls, ceilings, food surfaces, food storage, unsanitary equipment and "proper hot and cold holding temperatures" (another major violation). Representatives for the sandwich shop and market could not be reached for comment but released a public statement on Tuesday that addresses both the closure and what they say is disinformation regarding the inspection's findings. 'We are actively working with the Health Department and third-party professionals to address all issues and make meaningful improvements to our operations,' reads the statement, which was posted to the Bay Cities Instagram account. 'We also feel it's important to address some misinformation that has circulated online and in select media outlets. Specifically, some reports have claimed that rodents were found on-site, this is false and not included in the official Health Department report. While we fully acknowledge the legitimate violations cited, we also believe in transparency and want to ensure our community receives accurate information.' The health department's inspection criteria group rodents with insects, animals and birds; a representative for the health department told The Times that "vermin infestations are defined as an imminent health hazard." Read more: Where to find the best Italian sub sandwiches in L.A. The deli remains indefinitely closed until its reinspection. 'We are doing the work to come back better,' the restaurant's public statement said. A hearing held Wednesday will determine whether Bay Cities' permit will be revoked — and not just suspended — because the facility's permit has been suspended twice in one year. A September 2024 inspection found major violations of rules for clean and properly washed hands, proper glove use, and clean and sanitized food contact services. A notice of the hearing's decision will be issued within five days. Closures due to health inspection findings are common. According to public documents, in May nearly 60 restaurants, markets and other food and beverage operations were shut down by the L.A. County Health Department. Nearly 50 of these — including Bay Cities — list 'vermin infestation' as the reason. Sign up for our Tasting Notes newsletter for restaurant reviews, Los Angeles food-related news and more. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
28-05-2025
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery responds to health department closure
One of L.A.'s most iconic sandwich shops closed last week after health inspectors cited a vermin infestation among other infractions, but representatives for Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery — home of the famed Godmother sandwich — say that no rodents were found, contrary to multiple reports. A representative for the Los Angeles County Department of Health confirmed to The Times that the permit suspension was due to a cockroach infestation. 'Vermin closures are consistently the number one reason for a permit suspension,' they said in an email. Bay Cities celebrated its 100th anniversary this year, long a destination for Italian specialty goods and its sandwiches of imported and domestic deli meats and cheeses stacked on bread baked fresh each day. But on May 21 the Santa Monica culinary landmark was forced to shut down, and remains temporarily closed. The routine inspection from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health found a major violation related to the presence of 'rodents, insects, birds or animals.' The organization lists this violation as a 'critical risk factor' in its online guidance for restaurants. Between Bay Cities' imports operation and its deli, the health department reported 14 violations. The inspections also cited infractions pertaining to its floors, walls, ceilings, food surfaces, food storage, unsanitary equipment and 'proper hot and cold holding temperatures' (another major violation). Representatives for the sandwich shop and market could not be reached for comment but released a public statement on Tuesday that addresses both the closure and what they say is disinformation regarding the inspection's findings. 'We are actively working with the Health Department and third-party professionals to address all issues and make meaningful improvements to our operations,' reads the statement, which was posted to the Bay Cities Instagram account. 'We also feel it's important to address some misinformation that has circulated online and in select media outlets. Specifically, some reports have claimed that rodents were found on-site, this is false and not included in the official Health Department report. While we fully acknowledge the legitimate violations cited, we also believe in transparency and want to ensure our community receives accurate information.' The health department's inspection criteria group rodents with insects, animals and birds; a representative for the health department told The Times that 'vermin infestations are defined as an imminent health hazard.' The deli remains indefinitely closed until its reinspection. 'We are doing the work to come back better,' the restaurant's public statement said. A hearing held Wednesday will determine whether Bay Cities' permit will be revoked — and not just suspended — because the facility's permit has been suspended twice in one year. A September 2024 inspection found major violations of rules for clean and properly washed hands, proper glove use, and clean and sanitized food contact services. A notice of the hearing's decision will be issued within five days. Closures due to health inspection findings are common. According to public documents, in May nearly 60 restaurants, markets and other food and beverage operations were shut down by the L.A. County Health Department. Nearly 50 of these — including Bay Cities — list 'vermin infestation' as the reason.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Popular Santa Monica deli responds to health violation, closure
Bay Cities, the Santa Monica deli and bakery known for its famous Godmother sandwich, is publicly addressing its recent, temporary closure by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health over a failed inspection. 'We take full responsibility and understand the seriousness of this matter,' the restaurant said in a social media post on Tuesday. 'This situation does not reflect the standards we uphold at Bay Cities, nor the level of care we've built our reputation on.' The 100-year-old deli, located at 1517 Lincoln Boulevard, was shuttered on May 21 after a health inspection noted 'vermin infestation,' a common health and safety code violation that includes disease-carrying insects and rodents. The restaurant insists no rodents were found. The health department confirmed with KTLA that the deli's permits were suspended due to 'cockroach infestation.' Inspectors also noted issues with Bay Cities' handling of food temperature controls, sanitization of cooking surfaces, and handwashing practices. A reopening date has not been determined. In its post, management said it was actively working with the health department and 'third-party professionals' to address the violations. 'This is a difficult time for all of us at Bay Cities, but it is also a moment of reflection and recommitment. We are doing the work to come back better, and we are deeply grateful for your patience, trust, and continued support as we move forward,' the restaurant said. Bay Cities was among dozens of L.A. County eateries and markets included in the health department's latest closures list, most of which were due to vermin infestation. Others were cited for sewage discharge, disease transmission, no working toilets, no public health permits, and repeated violations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Eater
27-05-2025
- Health
- Eater
Gone, Godmother: LA's Favorite Italian Deli Sandwich Spot Shut Down by Health Department
It seems like Bay Cities' famous meat-and-cheese-stacked Godmother sandwich has attracted tiny unwelcome terrestrial visitors — vermin, that is. During a recent inspection by the County of Los Angeles Public Health, a vermin infestation was found in the locally loved Santa Monica restaurant, resulting in a temporary closure. Additional issues were identified with hot and cold holding temperatures, inadequate cleaning and sanitizing of cooking surfaces, and handwashing practices. The restaurant remains closed as of May 27; a pre-recorded message plays when calling Bay Cities, saying that the decision to close was made 'in consultation with the Health Department.' A reopening date has not been announced yet. Eater LA has reached out to Bay Cities for comment. Bay Cities has been open in Santa Monica since 1925, serving a wide range of Italian deli sandwiches alongside well-stocked aisles of Italian goods, fresh baguettes, and packaged cold salads. The restaurant first opened on the corner of Broadway and Lincoln, a space that later became a now-closed Swingers, before shifting to its current home on the same block. Over the last century, it has attracted near-constant crowds for its cold cut sandwiches made at the in-store deli counter. In a previous inspection in 2024, Bay Cities received a 'B' with infractions including improper handwashing and glove usage, and issues with cleanliness on food contact surfaces. This isn't the first recent high-profile temporary closure due to a vermin infestation. In April, a cockroach was found in the tonic bar of the Santa Monica Erewhon, where the notorious smoothies are made. The bar closed briefly before reopening after a reinspection. Temporary closures like this aren't rare for Los Angeles. Casa Vega, 101 Noodle Express, Philippe's, Rainbow Bar and Grill, and even the now-closed Original Pantry Cafe have all been temporarily shut down by the health department in the past due to vermin problems. Hopefully, Bay Cities' unwelcome visitors got a taste of gabagool before being unceremoniously ushered out. Or, like Remy in Ratatouille , some provisions for the road. Sign up for our newsletter.
