Two Humboldt County Food Spots Temporarily Closed Following Health Inspections

Two North Coast restaurants have temporarily closed after routine inspections by Humboldt County’s Division of Environmental Health uncovered conditions that led to the suspension of their permits.

According to official inspection reports, both facilities must correct the cited violations and pass reinspection before they are allowed to reopen.

Guatemayan Yum Yums — Eureka

Guatemayan Yum Yums, located at 534 Fifth Street in Eureka, was inspected on February 18, 2026. The report documents the presence of live cockroaches in the food preparation area, including on a counter adjacent to a microwave, underneath a three-compartment sink, and in areas near plumbing. Inspectors also noted several dead cockroach bodies and droppings.

The report states that California Retail Food Code requires food facilities to be kept free of vermin and describes the situation as an imminent health hazard. As a result, the permit to operate was suspended pending correction of the violations.

The inspection also found that the mechanical dishwasher was registering 0 ppm chlorine. The machine is required to provide at least 50 ppm chlorine for proper sanitization. Inspectors noted that the dishwasher was splashing water onto surrounding areas, creating both contamination and slip hazards.

To reopen, the restaurant must:

• Contract with pest control services, with services occurring at least twice per month and following all recommendations.
• Thoroughly deep clean the facility and sanitize all surfaces.
• Store all food in tightly covered containers.
• Repair the dishwasher so it provides at least 50 ppm chlorine and no longer splashes water.
• Contact Environmental Health to schedule a reopening inspection once corrections are complete.

The report indicates the facility will remain closed until reinspected and approved.

Subway — Arcata

A Subway restaurant located at 686 I Street, Suite D in Arcata was inspected the same day.

Inspectors documented sewage backing up from floor sinks and drains throughout the facility. The report notes that sewage overflow can result in contamination of food contact surfaces and adulteration of food.

The facility was ordered to cease operations immediately due to the sewage disposal issue. The permit was suspended, and the restaurant may not reopen until the problem is repaired and the facility is cleaned and sanitized.

According to the report, before reopening:

• All drains must be unclogged or fully functional.
• Impacted surfaces must be washed, cleaned and sanitized.
• Waste lines for the soda machine must be replaced.
• Any contaminated food products must be discarded.
• A follow-up inspection will be conducted once the restaurant calls Environmental Health to confirm corrections.

Both reports note that the permit holders have the right to request a hearing within 15 calendar days.

Environmental Health officials did not specify a reopening timeline, stating that both facilities must correct violations and pass reinspection before being allowed to resume operations.

UPDATE:

• Arcata Subway Reopens
• Guatemayan Yum Yums Cleared to Reopen After Health Department Suspension