[Editor’s note: The reports mentioned here are from inspections conducted on October 13 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishments.]
Health inspections conducted in Elk Grove on October 13 resulted in closure orders for Tea Garden and Jamie’s Cafe. Both restaurants received red placards, and their health permits were temporarily suspended, according to the inspection reports.
Tea Garden was cited for rodent activity, improper cooling methods, and food stored on the floor. Jamie’s Cafe was flagged for rodent droppings and improper storage of food.
WhatNow has reached out to the restaurants for comment and will update the story upon receiving a response.
Tea Garden
When: October 13, 2026
Where: 9109 Laguna Main St #100, Elk Grove, CA 95758
Tea Garden is a Chinese restaurant in Elk Grove that serves traditional Chinese dishes. According to the inspection report, the violations included:
- The report noted rodent activity in multiple locations of the restaurant. Approximately 15 were found on the shelf below the prep table near the microwave, two on the prep table in the cook’s line, and three on the lower shelf of the prep table under the soup area. Another 20 were found on top of the automatic dish machine and three on the ledge below it.
- Rodent activity was also observed on the floor below and on the corner floor around the cook’s line and near the door of the side kitchen (100), and five on the floor behind the rack near the dishwashing area near the kitchen door.
- Around 80 rodent activities were found near the exit door on the floor under the storage racks, 20 on the corner floor in the warewashing area near the prep sink, and 3 on the carpeted floor near the dining area and small storage area.
- The report listed October 2, 2026, as the date of the most recent pest control service. Staff were instructed to eliminate the infestation, thoroughly clean and sanitize the facility, and use professional pest control services.
- An employee’s beverage was stored on a prep table without a lid or straw. Staff were instructed to cover the beverage and keep personal food and drinks away from food preparation areas.
- The report stated that cooked noodles were being cooled in a tightly covered container that was less than 6 inches deep and were measured at 72°F. The staff were advised to use proper cooling methods to lower the food temperature gradually from 135°F to 41°F or less within 6 hours. During the inspection, employees reduced the amount of noodles in the container.
- Boxes of food were kept inside the walk-in freezer on the floor. The staff were asked to relocate them immediately.
- The report also mentioned that several areas of the restaurant required deep cleaning and maintenance. The cook’s line and storage racks had grease, old food debris, dust, and dirt buildup. The floor sink in the main kitchen and front service area also required cleaning. Staff were instructed to clean immediately and maintain regularly.
- Heavy grease buildup was noted on the hood filters. The staff were instructed to clean it within 7 days. The report noted that the walk-in refrigerator had insufficient lighting. The staff were advised to provide brighter lighting within 30 days.
- Gaps/holes were observed on the ceiling next to the boxed soda station near the side exit door. The restaurant staff were instructed to seal and cover all the holes and gaps immediately to prevent vermin entry points or harborage.
For more information, a detailed inspection report is available here.
Follow-Up Inspection
Tea Garden received a red placard after inspectors documented rodent activity. The restaurant was ordered to close, and its health permit was temporarily suspended.
To qualify for reinspection, the restaurant must address the cited violations, eliminate the rodent infestation, and thoroughly clean and sanitize the facility. The report also states that a reinspection fee is required.
Jamie’s Cafe
When: October 13, 2026
Where: 9101 Laguna Main St, Elk Grove, CA 95758
Jamie’s Cafe serves breakfast and American comfort food in Elk Grove. According to the inspection report, the violations noted are the following:
- The report stated that approximately 10 rodent droppings were found inside a bus tub with utensils and on the main kitchen shelf below the prep table. Three rodent droppings were noted on the lower rack next to the right side of the cook’s line and another three rodent droppings on the table below the espresso machine.
- The report mentioned two rodent droppings were found on the lower shelf near condiments and to-go containers, three rodent droppings on the lower shelf next to the kegerator, and 10 rodent droppings on the floor along the left side of the server’s line near the patio.
- The report noted rodent activity/rodent droppings on the corner floor around the storage area (60), on the shelf near the chemical storage rack (2), on the main kitchen area floors (10), and on the floor under the bulk flour bin (15).
- Two rodent droppings were also observed on a shelf at the right-side server station, five on the floor nearby, 10 inside a cabinet at the front reception area, and another 10 on the lobby floor.
- The restaurant staff were instructed to eliminate the vermin infestation using approved pest control methods and clean and sanitize the facility thoroughly.
- The report mentioned that at the cook’s line, an overfilled raw shell eggs cart was kept in an insufficient amount of ice for an ice bath. The top portion of the cart was measured at 49°F to 50 °F.
- The handle of an ice scoop was in direct contact with ice inside the ice machine. Staff were instructed to store the scoop properly.
- A hole measuring ¼ inches were observed on the ceiling on the left side of the server’s station, near the main entrance. The staff were instructed to seal the holes and gaps within 48 hours to prevent vermin entry or harborage.
A detailed inspection report is available online.
Follow-Up Inspection
The restaurant received a red placard and was ordered to close following the inspection. The restaurant is required to correct all the violations before reinspection. The restaurant’s health permit will be reinstated after the restaurant passes the follow-up inspection.
