Popular Old Pasadena Eatery Closed by City Health Inspectors

A popular Old Pasadena restaurant was temporarily closed December 22 by the Pasadena Public Health department for a cockroach infestation and, eight days later, remains closed, city records and an official said.

Wokcano, at 33 South Fair Oaks Avenue, remains closed but has applied for a reinspection in order to reopen, Pasadena Environmental Health Division Manager Liza Frias said Tuesday.

That reinspection could occur today, Frias said, and if the facilities pass examination the restaurant could reopen almost immediately.

“We’re here to ensure the public is protected,” she said. “That’s our goal, to make sure all our food facilities are compliant.”

Frias said she is glad the city recently initiated a new placard system.

“We have a lot more information available to the public so they can make good decisions when they are deciding where to eat,” she said.