[Editor’s note: The report referenced in this article reflects conditions observed during an inspection conducted on April 27 and does not represent the establishment’s current or future status.]
A routine health inspection took place at Willie’s Burgers on April 27. During the inspection, the Sacramento County Environmental Management Department identified multiple health and safety violations.
The restaurant was cited for mold-like residue on equipment, improper food holding temperatures, and expired food handler cards. The restaurant received a yellow placard following the inspection.
WhatNow has reached out to the restaurant for comment and will update the story upon receiving a response.
Willie’s Burgers
When: April 27, 2026
Where: 2415 16th St, Sacramento, CA 95818, United States
Willie’s Burgers is a Sacramento-based burger restaurant. According to the inspection report, the violations included the following:
- The customer restroom had an empty paper towel dispenser. The violation was corrected on-site.
- The owner and manager were advised to install an air hand dryer after staff reported that paper towels were causing toilet clogs.
- Sliced tomatoes were stored on the prep top at 49°F-52°F and in the reach-in cooler 1 at 50°F-52°F. Potentially hazardous food items must be stored at 41°F or below, or at 135°F or above.
- Food items kept in the prep cooler were shifted on ice to keep them cold and safe.
- The reach-in cooler measured 50°F–51°F, above safe storage temperatures. All PHF items were moved into an upright cooler for proper cooling.
- According to the report, the restaurant must repair the reach-in cooler within 24 hours.
- The report stated that the California Food Handler cards for all employees had expired. Employees must renew their cards within 30 days and maintain the cards at the restaurant for inspection.
- The manager’s food handler card was presented digitally. A physical copy should be kept on-site for verification during future inspections.
- The restaurant was using a steamwell 2 to reheat chili. The report notes that steam tables are intended for hot holding, not reheating. For reheating food items, the staff was advised to use a stove or a microwave.
- The ice chute of the soda machine contained a dark, mold-like substance.
- The report noted that the restaurant’s health permit had expired. The restaurant must provide a valid permit during the inspection.
- Employees were directed to renew the permit through the health department. An invoice was emailed to the restaurant.
A detailed inspection report is available here.
Follow-up Inspection
The restaurant received a yellow placard due to the violations noted in the inspection report. A follow-up inspection is scheduled within 24 to 72 hours to verify compliance.
