Grade B Scores Issued to 2 Bronx Restaurants on March 12

New York, NY — Two restaurants in the Bronx received Grade B scores during inspections conducted on March 12, 2026, with violations centered on management certification and equipment sanitation practices. The establishments, representing Middle Eastern and chicken cuisines, averaged 18 points each, placing them in the moderate violation category under New York City's restaurant grading system.

The Inspections

Halal Munchies, located at 79 East Gun Hill Road in the Bronx, received a score of 19 points during its March 12 inspection. The establishment's primary violation involved a critical food safety requirement: the facility lacked a Food Protection Certificate holder in a managerial or supervisory role overseeing food operations. Under NYC Health Code Article 81, Section 81.49, all food service establishments must have at least one supervisor or manager who has successfully completed an approved food protection course and holds a valid certificate. This requirement ensures that someone with formal training in food safety principles is actively overseeing daily operations, from receiving and storing food to preparation and service.

Wingstop, situated at 3821 East Tremont Avenue in the Bronx, was cited with a score of 17 points on the same inspection date. The primary violation documented at this location involved improper use or storage of sanitized equipment and utensils, including in-use food dispensing utensils. According to FDA Food Code Section 4-904.11, utensils used for dispensing food must be stored in the food with handles above the surface, on a clean portion of the serving counter, or in running water. When not properly stored between uses, utensils can become contaminated and transfer harmful bacteria to ready-to-eat foods.

Common Patterns

Both establishments cited on March 12 fell within the 14-27 point range that defines Grade B status, indicating moderate violations that require correction but do not constitute immediate public health emergencies. The violations documented—management certification gaps and equipment handling issues—represent two distinct categories in NYC's inspection framework: administrative compliance and operational food safety practices.

The cuisine diversity among the cited establishments reflects the Bronx's varied food landscape, with Middle Eastern and chicken-focused concepts both appearing in the day's inspection results. Geographically, both facilities operate in different Bronx neighborhoods, suggesting no concentration pattern in specific commercial corridors on this inspection date.

Critical violations formed the basis of both inspection scores. NYC categorizes violations as critical (directly related to foodborne illness transmission) or general (related to facility maintenance and operational practices). The absence of a certified food protection manager and improper utensil storage both fall under critical categories because they directly impact food safety.

What This Means for Diners

Restaurant letter grades provide consumers with a snapshot of recent inspection performance. A Grade B indicates the establishment had violations totaling between 14 and 27 points during its most recent inspection. These violations require correction, and establishments typically undergo re-inspection to verify compliance improvements.

Diners can access detailed inspection records for any NYC restaurant through the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's online inspection database. Each facility page shows violation history, scores over time, and specific citations documented during inspections. For the restaurants cited on March 12, consumers can review whether subsequent inspections show improved compliance.

The violations documented at these establishments—while requiring correction—differ significantly from those that trigger immediate closure or permit suspension. The Department of Health issues closure orders when inspectors identify conditions that pose an imminent health hazard, such as evidence of active rodent infestation in food preparation areas, sewage backup, or complete loss of refrigeration with perishable foods at unsafe temperatures.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system assigns letter grades based on violation points accumulated during unannounced inspections. Grade A establishments score 0-13 points, indicating minimal violations. Grade B facilities score 14-27 points, representing moderate violations requiring correction. Grade C establishments score 28 or more points, indicating substantial violations that demand immediate remediation.

Inspectors assess approximately 50 different compliance areas during routine inspections, with violation points ranging from 2 to 7 depending on severity. Critical violations receive higher point values because they relate directly to factors that can cause foodborne illness: temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, worker hygiene, and pest management.

The two Bronx establishments inspected on March 12 will have opportunities to address documented violations and request re-inspection. Once violations are corrected and verified during follow-up inspection, scores can improve and grade cards updated accordingly.

For current inspection information on any NYC restaurant, consumers can visit the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's restaurant inspection database or check posted grade cards at establishment entrances. The system provides transparency into food safety compliance across the city's more than 24,000 permitted food service establishments.