The Counter at Santana Row Permanently Closed After Cockroach Infestation

The popular burger restaurant will not be reopening after health inspectors found multiple violations.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:12am

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The Counter at Santana Row in San Jose, California was ordered to immediately cease operations after a health inspection uncovered a cockroach infestation throughout the restaurant, including in the ice machine area and near food preparation surfaces. The restaurant's Google listing now indicates it is permanently closed, suggesting it will not be reopening.

Why it matters

The closure of a high-profile restaurant like The Counter at a premier shopping destination like Santana Row highlights the ongoing challenges restaurants face in maintaining proper health and sanitation standards, especially in the face of pest infestations. This incident raises questions about food safety oversight and consumer confidence in dining out.

The details

According to the health inspection report, five live and dead cockroaches were found in various areas of the restaurant, including near the women's restroom handwash sink, the ice machine, and under equipment. Inspectors also noted other violations like a gap under the back door, accumulation of grime and debris, and broken coving. The Counter was ordered to cease operations immediately and cannot reopen until it completes a full cleaning, sanitization, pest control treatment, and receives approval from the health department.

  • On March 13, 2026, a health inspector visited The Counter at Santana Row and documented the cockroach infestation.
  • The restaurant was ordered to immediately cease operations on March 13, 2026.

The players

The Counter

A build-your-own burger restaurant chain that had operated a location at Santana Row in San Jose, California for nearly 20 years.

Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health

The local health department that conducted the inspection and ordered The Counter to shut down due to the cockroach infestation.

Komal

The person in charge at The Counter during the health inspection.

Suzanne Lew

A supervisor at The Counter who was notified of the closure order.

Ricky Singh

The franchise operator who took over ownership of the Santana Row location of The Counter in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“You'd think things would be spotless considering burgers are over $20.”

— San Jose Reviewer (Yelp)

What’s next

The Counter must submit a signed reopening checklist and a pest control report from a licensed provider before the health department will consider allowing the restaurant to reopen.

The takeaway

This closure highlights the importance of strict health and sanitation standards in the restaurant industry, especially at high-profile locations. Consumers expect cleanliness and food safety, and repeated violations can quickly erode public trust and lead to permanent shutdowns.