Queens, NY — 101 Apizza, a pizza restaurant located at 127-26 101 Avenue in Queens, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following an inspection conducted on March 9, 2026. The establishment received a score of 45 points, resulting in a Grade C rating—more than triple the 13-point threshold required for a passing Grade A.

According to inspection data released by DOHMH on March 13, 2026, the restaurant's closure was initiated after violations were documented during the routine inspection. The agency noted that "violations were cited in the following area(s) and those requiring immediate action were addressed." The restaurant remains closed pending corrective actions and reinspection.

What Inspectors Found

During the March 9 inspection, DOHMH inspectors documented one non-critical violation related to single-service articles and sanitation practices. Specifically, inspectors cited violation code 10H, which addresses improper handling of single-use items.

The violation description indicates that single-service articles were not properly provided, protected, or dispensed. This category includes issues such as reusing items intended for single use, failure to protect these items from contamination during transport or storage, and improper dispensing methods. The inspection record also noted concerns regarding drinking straws that were not completely enclosed in protective wrappers or dispensed from sanitary devices.

While this violation was classified as non-critical—meaning it did not pose an immediate public health threat—the accumulation of points from this and potentially other sanitation deficiencies resulted in the restaurant's failing score and subsequent closure.

Food Safety Context

New York City's restaurant inspection system operates under NYC Health Code Article 81, which establishes minimum standards for food service establishments to protect public health. The inspection process focuses on identifying conditions that could contribute to foodborne illness, contamination, or other health hazards.

Single-service articles—items designed for one-time use such as disposable cups, plates, utensils, and drinking straws—play an important role in preventing cross-contamination in food service environments. According to FDA Food Code standards, which inform New York City's regulations, these items must be stored in a clean, dry location and protected from contamination until the point of use. They must never be reused, as doing so can transfer pathogens from one customer to another.

The requirement for proper dispensing of items like drinking straws exists to minimize hand contact and environmental exposure that could introduce bacteria or other contaminants. Straws must be individually wrapped or dispensed from covered, sanitary containers that prevent customer or staff hands from touching multiple straws.

Violations in this category, while not always critical, indicate gaps in sanitation protocols that can accumulate and reflect broader food safety management issues within an establishment.

Inspection History

101 Apizza had previously demonstrated compliance with health standards. The restaurant's inspection record shows:

  • July 23, 2024: Score 11 (Grade A)
  • March 9, 2026: Score 45 (Grade C), Closed by DOHMH

The establishment maintained a Grade A rating for approximately 20 months before the recent inspection. The significant increase in violation points—from 11 to 45—represents a notable decline in sanitation standards between inspections.

It is common for restaurants to experience fluctuations in inspection scores due to changes in management, staffing, operational procedures, or other factors. However, the magnitude of the increase in this case triggered regulatory action in the form of closure until violations are corrected.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's letter grading system provides consumers with an at-a-glance assessment of restaurant sanitation conditions based on points assigned during unannounced inspections. The grading scale works as follows:

  • Grade A: 0-13 points (good sanitation practices)
  • Grade B: 14-27 points (fair sanitation practices)
  • Grade C: 28 or more points (sanitation issues requiring attention)

Lower scores indicate better compliance with health standards. Restaurants that accumulate 28 or more points receive a Grade C and may face additional scrutiny, fines, or operational restrictions depending on the nature and severity of violations found.

Establishments that are closed by DOHMH must correct all cited violations and pass a reinspection before they can resume operations. The agency conducts follow-up inspections to verify that corrective actions have been implemented.

Data Freshness and Public Access

The inspection discussed in this article was conducted on March 9, 2026, with data released by DOHMH on March 13, 2026. Restaurant inspection records are public information and can be accessed through the NYC Health Department's online inspection database at www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/services/restaurant-grades.page.

Consumers can search for any food service establishment in New York City to view current grades, violation histories, and inspection dates. The department conducts unannounced inspections at least once per year for all permitted food service establishments, with additional inspections triggered by complaints, follow-ups, or compliance monitoring.

Resources for Consumers

New York City residents and visitors can stay informed about restaurant food safety through several resources:

The NYC Health Department maintains a comprehensive inspection database and grading guide at its official website. Consumers can report food safety concerns by calling 311 or submitting complaints online through the city's reporting portal.

For questions about food safety practices, the DOHMH provides educational materials and guidance documents that explain common violations and their public health significance.

Restaurant operators seeking to improve compliance can access training resources, webinars, and consultation services through the department's Food Safety Program.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for 101 Apizza including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.