Frank's Char Broiler closes in Janss Marketplace

After 50 years, Frank's Char Broiler, a small diner at the Janss Marketplace, has closed its doors.

The yummy smell of cheeseburgers and hot dogs no longer fills the air of the outdoor mall where Linens 'N Things, Pavilion Shoes and Mervyns, all major retailers, had previously closed.

The loss of those retailers may have affected foot-traffic customers at the diner.

The sign in front of Frank's that announced the burger joint at 215 N. Moorpark Road had closed gave no indication as to why. Perhaps people are watching their cholesterol.

The last Ventura County environmental health inspection listed issues the restaurant was cited for, such as raw food of animal origin stored above or next to other food products that may be contaminated by the raw animal product, and soiled, unsanitary wiping materials not stored in a sanitizing solution between uses.

Also noted in the report was that employees' personal items weren't stored separate from food and utensil storage and preparation areas.

The premises and/or floors, walls or ceiling were found in an unsanitary condition along with equipment.

—Nancy Needham