Two Philadelphia eateries received citations from the Department of Public Health on May 20, 2025, upon routine inspections. Banh Mi Spot was cited for serious violations, including rodent infestation and was ordered to cease operations immediately. Human Robot Girard received multiple citations, yet still operates pending correction.
Highlights
- Banh Mi Spot received a cease operations order when inspectors reported extensive mouse droppings throughout the facility.
- Human Robot Girard was cited for live roach and small fly activity, but allowed to remain operational.
- Both facilities need to take mandatory corrective measures, with a follow-up inspection required.
Two Philadelphia Restaurants Cited for Significant Health Violations
On May 20, 2025, Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health conducted inspections at two local restaurants, each cited for several violations. The inspections revealed serious issues of health and safety that require immediate rectification.
Banh Mi Spot
- Where: 1425 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
- When: May 20, 2025 (12:40 PM – 3:00 PM)
Health inspectors registered seven risk factor violations, for which Banh Mi Spot received a Cease Operations Order. The most critical problems were prevalent rodent infestation, with mouse droppings found in most areas of the facility, including surfaces that are used for food preparation, cutting boards, lower shelves, and floor corners.
One dead mouse was found in the basement storage room, and mouse droppings were observed on equipment previously cleaned and sanitized in the basement. Inspectors also saw inappropriately stored rodent bait not held in an enclosed, tamper-resistant station.
Sanitation issues were alarming, with soap not present at handwashing stations and food workers failing to wash their hands properly. Food preparation surfaces and equipment contained mouse droppings, which posed significant contamination risks.
The inspection further reported improper date marking of potentially hazardous ready-to-eat foods, unlabeled bulk food containers, and food employees eating in food preparation areas.
The facility was ordered to be shut down for at least 48 hours and cannot reopen until the violations are corrected, required fees are paid, and the department sanctions the resumption of operations.
Human Robot Girard
- Where: 2711 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130
- When: May 20, 2025 (3:45 PM – 5:45 PM)
Human Robot Girard was cited for two risk factor infractions. Activity of live roaches on the basement floor and small flies at the chest freezer in the same area was found. A dead mouse and dead roaches on the basement floor were found, which indicates ongoing pest management issues.
Inspectors noted missing paper towels at a handwashing sink in the prep area and a non-functional hand dryer in one bathroom. Maintenance issues included water on the floor in the walk-in cooler, black residue and smell in the under-counter refrigerator, and other plumbing issues, including mop sink and beer drip pan leaks.
Human Robot Girard can continue to operate, but has to rectify all the violations. The company is operating who have suspended all beer brewing operations at the facility. The entire health inspection report is available online.
Follow-up Requirements
The two restaurants have to rectify all the violations under Section 6-502 of the Philadelphia Health Code. Failure to do so can lead to revocation of licenses as well as other legal actions.
For Banh Mi Spot, a reinspection is needed before reopening. The facility must pay the required fees and get department approval to reopen.
Human Robot Girard needs to correct all the infractions mentioned, although no date for the follow-up inspection was included in the report.
The inspections underscore required compliance with sanitation and pest control standards. Since Banh Mi Spot was forced to close down right away and Human Robot Girard had many necessary adjustments to be made, both restaurants must prioritize these violations to ensure public safety.
