The Counter's Santana Row location in San Jose was ordered to temporarily close this week after a county health inspector found live cockroaches during an inspection prompted by a customer complaint. Management says the restaurant has engaged pest-control companies and plans to request a follow-up inspection before reopening.
Inspector Ordered Immediate Shutdown
According to NBC Bay Area, a Santa Clara County Environmental Health inspector reported spotting six live cockroaches and ordered The Counter at Santana Row closed on the spot. One customer said, "That's a little worrisome to think about and reflect back, the possibility of ingestion," while other diners said they were surprised a Santana Row burger spot was dealing with a vermin problem.
County officials told NBC that the facility had not yet requested a follow-up inspection. Under county procedure, restaurants can only reopen after an inspector verifies that the problem has been fully resolved.
Inspection History At The Santana Row Location
County inspection records show The Counter's Santana Row site has been checked multiple times. A June 2023 follow-up report notes live cockroaches in a back area and orders emergency pest control, while a July 2025 routine inspection resulted in a green placard. Those findings are documented with the Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health (June 2023) and the department's July 2025 inspection.
County files indicate that in previous vermin cases at the site, inspectors have required pest-control invoices and re-inspections before clearing violations.
Owner Response And Next Steps
Manager Ricky Singh told NBC Bay Area the restaurant has hired two separate pest-control companies and hopes to reopen after a follow-up inspection. The county maintains that a facility may reopen only after an inspector confirms the issue has been resolved, and officials told NBC the restaurant had not yet requested that reinspection.
Some regulars interviewed by NBC said they would return once the cleanup is complete, while others indicated they plan to wait for official confirmation before eating there again.
Why Roach Sightings Trigger Health Concerns
Public-health guidance notes that cockroach droppings, shed skins and saliva can trigger asthma and contaminate food or surfaces, which is why live infestations in food facilities are treated as serious health risks. That approach is reflected in the EPA's guidance on pests.
The California Health and Safety Code authorizes enforcement officers to suspend a food facility's permit when they find an imminent health hazard, and it spells out reinspection procedures and hearing rights for operators. For now, county records and the restaurant indicate that The Counter at Santana Row will stay closed until the department signs off on a follow-up inspection.
