San Jose Topgolf employees forced to work in raw sewage, anonymous employee says

(KRON) – Employees at Topgolf in San Jose were forced to work around raw sewage while serving customers on Sunday, according to an employee at the business. Food runners at the golf and party venue walked through raw sewage “complete with fecal matter and toilet paper” while serving customers.

The sewage, according to the employee who wished to remain anonymous, was leaking from the ceiling, dripping through light fixtures, and pooling on floors.

“Every step these food runners took spread that contaminated water throughout the venue, touching tables, chairs, and surfaces that guests were eating on,” the anonymous employee said in a post on Reddit. 

Bartenders at the business were required to mix drinks in areas where the floor was “actively seeping sewage water” and “the air was thick with the smell of feces.” Bartenders reportedly tried to stand away from the sewage but were forced to enter contaminated spaces to get supplies needed to mix drinks.

In the venue’s kitchen, staff reportedly prepared food less than 15 feet away from the sewage leak. Food was reportedly prepared and served “to hundreds of customers” for hours, before management decided to shut down food service.

The stench of the sewage reportedly reached the building’s third floor. Despite employees “blowing up” the work chat, the employee alleges that management chose to keep the venue open.

It reportedly took management more than three hours to shut down food service, despite multiple employees raising health concerns. According to the anonymous employee, workers were told it was “fine,” even as raw sewage continued to leak from ceilings and light fixtures.

KRON4 obtained photos of what looks like sewage on the floor of a kitchen facility and of something dripping down from the ceiling and being caught in buckets.

The Santa Clara County Public Health Department told KRON4 that it received reports of sewage in the business and sent county officials to conduct an inspection at the property.

“Although it appears the sewer issues have been resolved, some areas of the facility affected have been temporarily closed to ensure proper cleanup has occurred prior to resuming operation,” the Santa Clara County Public Health Department told KRON4. “Cleanup consists of discarding all contaminated food and cleaning and sanitizing equipment, utensils, and food contact surfaces.”

The health department closed the food preparation areas of the restaurant and driving range until Topgolf provides documentation showing that the business was professionally cleaned and sterilized.

“Topgolf will be able to operate in a limited capacity by restricting service to areas that were not directly affected,” the county health department said. “DEH will conduct a follow-up inspection to confirm all corrective actions have been completed before the facility can resume full operation.”

Although the county permitted Topgolf to continue operating some areas of the business, the company decided to completely close the location for the rest of the day on Monday night.

“We are aware of the situation that occurred at our San Jose venue,” Topgolf told KRON4. “Topgolf has strict safety and cleanliness protocols that we immediately implemented in partnership with a professional, third-party restoration company that utilizes an EPA-registered disinfectant. Out of an abundance of caution, we have made the decision to close our venue tonight for additional sanitation efforts.”