[Editor’s note: The reports referenced in this article reflect conditions observed during inspections conducted on June 12 and do not represent the establishments’ current or future status.]
A routine health inspection was conducted at The Ranch Sports Grill and Simply Pho on June 12, by the Orange County Health Department. During the inspection, the restaurants were cited for multiple health and safety code violations.
WhatNow has reached out to the restaurants for comment and will update the story upon receiving a response.
Simply Pho
- When: June 12, 2026
- Where: 23775 El Toro Rd, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Simply Pho is a Vietnamese restaurant in Lake Forest serving diners of all cultures and ethnicities. The restaurant was inspected in response to a complaint, and a routine inspection was also conducted. The following violations were observed:
- According to the report, food employees were unable to demonstrate the required food safety practices and principles relevant to their assigned duties. The inspector provided education and informational bulletins relating to the food safety knowledge discussed during the inspection.
- The report stated that not all of the food handlers possess a California Food Handler Card. The inspector instructed the facility to provide food handler cards for each employee. Each food handler shall maintain a valid California Food Handler Card for the duration of his or her employment as a food handler.
- A food employee was observed pre-soaking bowls and plates at the utensil sink. Upon completing this task, the employee wiped his hands using a single-use paper towel and scooped soup at the cook’s line.
- Upon the inspector’s instructions, the food employee washed his hands in an approved manner. The utensil used to scoop soup was cleaned and sanitized with 100 ppm sanitizer solution.
- Proper cold holding temperatures were not maintained at the facility. The person in charge stated that all food was held for more than 4 hours. According to the report, the food holding less than 4 hours was transferred to the 3-door upright refrigerator. The food that had been held over 4 hours was voluntarily discarded.
- The facility did not provide written procedures for foods being held under time as a public health control. The inspector observed the rice noodles at the spring roll station on time as a public health control, not marked or otherwise identified with signage or stickers. The person in charge chose to discard the noodles.
- The report noted that pasta in the walk-in cooler had a temperature of 50°F.
- The person in charge stated that the pasta was cooked 6 hours ago and was stored in the walk-in cooler. The staff was advised to discontinue the improper cooling of potentially hazardous food.
- According to the report, the mung beans registered temperatures between 110°F and 117°F, cooling in large plastic pitchers on the food preparation table by the washware area. The person in charge stated that the mung bean had been left to cool for less than 2 hours. The mung bean was placed inside the walk-in cooler in a smaller container.
- The food employee washing food container lids at the 3-compartment sink without the use of sanitizer solution. The sanitizer solution was not set up. The staff was advised to immediately discontinue improper washing of multi-use equipment.
- Live cockroaches were observed at the cook’s line and food preparation area. The report also cited cockroaches on the wall by the TV and seating area.
- According to the report, moist re-used wiping cloth towels were observed on all food preparation counters at the cook’s line. The inspector instructed staff to discontinue storing wiping cloths in this manner.
- The wall under the mop sink to be deteriorated and advised repairing the wall to provide a smooth surface for easy cleaning and eliminating vermin harborage.
A detailed inspection report of Simply Pho is available here.
Follow-Up Inspection
Following the inspection, the restaurant’s health permit was immediately suspended due to a cockroach infestation. To reinstate the health permit, the restaurant needs to eliminate all cockroach activity using approved methods.
The inspector has also instructed the staff to thoroughly clean all affected areas in a sanitary manner. The restaurant needs to correct all violations before calling for a re-inspection.
The Ranch Sports Grill
- When: June 12, 2026
- Where: 27412 Antonio Pkwy R1, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694
The Ranch Sports Grill is a sports bar with flat-screen TVs, American bar eats & a big beer menu. The following violations were observed during the inspection:
- The paper towel dispenser at the hand-wash sink between cold top 2 and 3 was empty. The staff was advised to maintain all hand-wash sinks to be stocked with soap and paper towels in their respective dispensers.
- According to the report, the inspector measured shredded cheese and sliced cheese in cold drawer 1 to be 45°F. These items were out of temperature due to a broken gasket. The person in charge (PIC) stated that these items had been held in this manner for more than 4 hours and voluntarily discarded the cheeses. The staff was instructed to maintain all cold potentially hazardous food (PHF) at 41°F or below.
- The report stated rodent droppings in the dry storage area of the kitchen and on the floor behind the bar.
- The inspection report noted live cockroaches and widespread fruit fly activity in the kitchen. The facility needs to remove all evidence of the infestation and thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected surfaces.
- The report cited frozen fish being thawed in reduced oxygen packaging. The staff was advised to remove fish from reduced oxygen packaging before thawing. The fish measured below 38°F. An employee removed the fish from the packaging.
- Unapproved pesticides were stored on a shelf above the 3-compartment sink. According to the report, only approved pesticides may be used in food facilities. The use shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The inspector instructed the staff to remove the unapproved pesticides from the facility.
- During the inspection, the gaskets of the cold drawers were observed to be in disrepair. The facility needs to replace the gaskets.
- The lid to the cold top to be stored on the floor while not in use. The staff was instructed to discontinue this practice. The lid to the cold top should be stored in a sanitary manner, at least 6 inches above the floor.
- The report noted that proper backflow protection was missing beneath the bar’s three-compartment sink.
- The facility needs to repair the holes in the wall and missing baseboard tiles behind the preparation station in front of the ware wash area. Secure the electrical panels to the wall behind the dish storage rack.
- All displaced ceiling tiles in the kitchen and bar area were also found in a condition to be repaired.
A detailed inspection report is available here.
Follow-Up Inspection
The eatery’s health permit was immediately suspended, and it was ordered to close. A follow-up inspection will be conducted to verify compliance. The sports bar must correct all the violations and eliminate the rodent and cockroach infestation before reinspection.
