By Jorge Casuso
June 2, 2025 -- Bay Cities Italian Market and Deli is working to address health issues that led to its temporary closure last month and "come back better" when it reopens, according to a message on social media.
In the message posted on Instagram Tuesday by Santa Monica's century-old iconic market, the Bay Cities team wrote, "We take full responsibility and understand the seriousness of this matter.
"This situation does not reflect the standards we uphold at Bay Cities, nor the level of care we’ve built our reputation on."
The message also addresses "some misinformation that has circulated online and in select media outlets."
"Specifically, some reports have claimed that rodents were found on-site," the message read. "This is false and not included in the official Health Department report."
"While we fully acknowledge the legitimate violations cited, we also believe in transparency and want to ensure our community receives accurate information."
The report for the routine inspection of the Market at 1517 Lincoln Boulevard, which includes a popular food counter that specializes in Italian sandwiches, and the accompanying Bay Cities Importing, Inc., lists ten standards that had not been met.
The deli, which was cited for four violations, received a score of 87 and a B grade, while Bay Cities Importing, Inc. was cited for 10 violations and given a score of 76 and a C grade, according to LA County's Public Health website.
Both the Deli and Importing business were cited for failing to meet the absence of "rodents, insects, birds, or animals," which constitutes a major violation.
A representative for the Los Angeles County Department of Health told the LA Times that the permit suspension was due to a cockroach infestation. “Vermin closures are consistently the number one reason for a permit suspension,” the representative said.
The Deli's three other violations were for failing to maintain five "good retail practices," according to the report posted on the Public Health website.
These include "floors, walls and ceilings" and equipment and utensils maintained clean and in good repair, as well as a permit suspension.
Bay Cities Importing received a second "major' violation for failing to maintain "proper hot and cold holding temperatures," according to the report.
The report for the importing business also cited minor violations for "equipment utensils," "hands clean and properly washed (and) gloves used properly" and food contact surfaces "clean and sanitized."
Since June 24, 2020 Bay Cities Market has had five previous routine inspections, and all received A grades, while Bay Cities Importing had six routine inspections that resulted in five A grades and one B grade.
Bay Cities -- which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year -- must correct all violations and be cleared by County Health inspectors before it can reopen.
"We are actively working with the Health Department and third-party professionals to address all issues and make meaningful improvements to our operations," the message to customers said.
"This is a difficult time for all of us at Bay Cities, but it is also a moment of reflection and recommitment. We are doing the work to come back better, and we are deeply grateful for your patience, trust, and continued support as we move forward."
Bay Cities has been a Santa Monica staple that draws faithful customers from the neighborhood and across the LA area with an extensive list of sandwiches, fresh baked bread and a wide variety of imported goods and wines ("Bay Cities Deli - Just Like the Godmother Ordered for 85 Years," February 17, 2011).
Earlier this year, as it began celebrating its centennial, Bay Cities became a meal hub for first responders fighting the devastating Palisades Fire, with vendors and customers pitching in ("Bay Cities' 100th Anniversary Showcases Civic Spirit," March 24, 2025).
