Reno Health Inspectors Close Westside Cafe For Violations
The restaurant faced closure after failing to maintain safe food storage temperatures and sanitary conditions.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Nutrition
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Health inspectors in Reno closed Westside Cafe on Oct. 1, 2026, due to multiple food safety violations, including improper food storage temperatures and sewage backups. The establishment has since reopened following an office hearing with local health officials.
Why it matters
Improper storage temperatures for perishables can lead to rapid bacterial growth, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. Maintaining a cold chain at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below is critical for consumer safety in any dining establishment.
Official health inspection records from Washoe County indicate that 85% of establishments pass their inspections, with closures representing less than 3% of total activity. Westside Cafe triggered a closure after receiving a third repeat violation regarding inadequate cooling methods.
The players
Northern Nevada Public Health
The local agency responsible for conducting food safety inspections and enforcing health regulations in Reno.
Westside Cafe
A local food establishment in Reno that was closed temporarily due to multiple public health violations.
The details
Inspectors found that gray water backed up into floor sinks whenever the dishwasher or sinks were drained, posing a significant contamination risk. Additionally, temperature-controlled items were stored well above the safe threshold of 41 degrees Fahrenheit, with eggs and cheese reaching up to 52 degrees and milk products hitting 57 degrees. Inspectors also noted an absence of date markings on food inventory and the presence of mold on prepared melon.
Timeline
Sept. 28-Oct. 4, 2026: Health inspectors cited violations at local restaurants.
Oct. 1, 2026: Inspectors closed Westside Cafe.
Fiscal year 2025: Closures accounted for less than 3% of inspections.
Health Landscape
This incident occurs within a broader local environment where 85% of food establishments successfully pass their health inspections. It highlights the role of systematic oversight in identifying risks that fall well outside standard safety parameters.
When dining out, observing general cleanliness and the temperature of self-serve items can offer clues about a facility's commitment to safety. If you are concerned about food safety at a local business, you can report observations to Northern Nevada Public Health.
The takeaway
Food safety depends on maintaining strict temperature controls and sanitation to prevent bacterial contamination. When choosing where to eat, look for posted health grades or official inspection summaries to stay informed about local dining conditions.
Further reading
For more on how to identify safe food practices, explore our Nutrition section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Reno Gazette Journal.
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