On October 7, public records show that health officials closed the Catamaran's main restaurant, Oceana Coastal Kitchen, along with its banquet and room service operations after San Diego County health officials found several areas of non-compliance, prompting the immediate closure of the restaurant. The list of violations included Improper Holding Temperatures (minor), Unclean Food Contact Surfaces (minor), Sewage Disposal Issues (minor), Vermin Presence (major), Improper Thawing Methods (out of compliance), Unclean Nonfood Contact Surfaces (out of compliance) ), Improper Equipment and Utensil Storage (out of compliance), and Compromised Floors, Walls, and Ceilings (out of compliance). Health inspectors returned for follow-up inspections over the next two days, and the restaurant was only allowed to resume service on October 10, reopening its main kitchen, banquet, and room service operations.
This October closure follows a similar incident in July when the restaurant was also shut down due to serious health violations. During that inspection, officials cited the restaurant for issues including inadequate temperature control for potentially hazardous foods, unsanitary food contact surfaces, an active vermin infestation, and a lack of cleanliness in non-food contact areas. Additional issues included deficient vermin-proofing, unsatisfactory conditions in floors, walls, and ceilings, and use of non-compliant equipment.
We reached out to the Catamaran Resort about the recent health violations. Although they did not respond to our inquiry in July, they provided the following statement regarding the latest closure:
"The well-being of our customers and staff is our highest priority at Evans Hotels," wrote Evans Hotels Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Ilsa Butler. "Maintaining optimal conditions requires ongoing surveillance as well as periodic upgrades to our facilities, policies, and practices. We have fully addressed the issues that led to Oceana's temporary closure, and we are pleased to confirm that the restaurant reopened on October 10, 2024, with a 100 rating. Evans Hotels is committed to continuous improvement and to delivering outstanding experiences for our guests."
The Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa is one of three properties owned by San Diego-based Evans Hotels, founded in 1953 by William D. and Anne Evans. The company also owns the Bahia Resort Hotel in Mission Beach and The Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla. Currently led by Bill L. Evans, the company has long been a staple of San Diego's hospitality industry. The Evans family gained additional media attention recently due to Bill L.'s son, Billy Evans, being married to Elizabeth Holmes, the former Theranos CEO now serving over a decadent sentence in federal prison.
The Catamaran Resort's prime location on Mission Bay has made it a popular choice for visitors and locals alike. However, these recent closures have put the spotlight on its health and safety practices, raising concerns about the quality standards at one of San Diego's most prominent beachside resorts. Oceana Coastal Kitchen at the Catamaran will be closed from November 18 through November 21, as they update and enhance their onsite kitchen.
Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa is located at 3999 Mission Boulevard in San Diego's Pacific Beach. For more information, visit catamaranresort.com .
Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa is located at 3999 Mission Boulevard in San Diego's Pacific Beach. For more information, visit catamaranresort.com .
Originally published on November 8, 2024.
