A restaurant in South Russell Village is on the brink of closure due to serious health code violations. Geauga Public Health officials reported this on November 19. Hunan by the Falls, located at 508 Washington St., has a two-week window to correct issues or face suspension of its license.
Environmental Health Director Dan Lark addressed the Geauga County Board of Health, explaining that problems at the restaurant have persisted since January. Typically, restaurants resolve violations before reaching this critical stage. Lark noted that they would hold a hearing if the restaurant doesn’t show progress.
During a recent follow-up inspection, Hunan by the Falls failed again. Lark presented photos of several disturbing problems: a rack of ribs was found in the hand sink, chicken stored in cardboard boxes, and raw chicken above vegetables. “These are repeat violations,” he said, highlighting a lack of improvement.
According to Lark, unless there’s an immediate health threat, the board must provide a two-week notice before suspending a license. The full process can take about a month.
As the holiday season approaches, concerns grow about the restaurant’s future. GPH Administrator Adam Litke emphasized that closure just before Christmas could be devastating. He recalled a previous holiday shutdown that severely impacted a restaurant’s reputation.
Co-owner Aileen Chin insists they’re taking the violations seriously. They’re hiring professionals for cleaning and training staff on guidelines. “We’re committed to correcting these issues,” she said, noting that the kitchen manager is focused on improving operations.
Hunan by the Falls has been a cornerstone in the community for 35 years, earning accolades like Cleveland Magazine’s best Chinese restaurant in 2018 and 2025 and a Silver Spoon award in 2020. With its long-standing presence, the restaurant is determined to reclaim its good standing.
In recent surveys, nearly 70% of diners consider health and safety an essential factor when choosing a restaurant. With public health being a top priority, restaurants must adapt quickly to maintain trust. Failing to do so could lead to irreparable damage, especially during busy seasons.
For more insights on health regulations affecting restaurants, you can explore the Geauga Public Health website.
