Brooklyn, NY — Happy Sandwich & Drink, located at 43 Hicks Street in Brooklyn Heights, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following a health inspection conducted on May 6, 2026. The establishment received a score of 72, placing it in the C-grade range and triggering immediate closure. The inspection data was released by DOHMH on May 8, 2026.

According to public records, inspectors cited one critical violation during the inspection. Violations requiring immediate corrective action were addressed on site, but the establishment was nonetheless ordered closed pending compliance.

What Inspectors Found

Inspectors documented one critical violation during the May 6 inspection, recorded under Code 06C: food, supplies, or equipment not protected from potential sources of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display, or service. Specifically, inspectors noted that condiments were not stored in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor.

This type of violation is considered critical because improperly protected condiments can be exposed to cross-contamination from customers, surfaces, or other food items. Under NYC Health Code requirements, condiments available for customer use must be provided in sealed, single-use packaging or dispensed through a controlled mechanism operated by staff — not left open or self-served in a manner that allows repeated contact.

The single critical violation contributed significantly to the establishment's score of 72, which falls well into the C-grade range.

Food Safety Context

New York City's restaurant inspection program is administered under NYC Health Code Article 81, which establishes sanitation standards for all food service establishments operating within the five boroughs. The program uses a points-based scoring system in which higher scores indicate more serious or numerous violations.

The FDA Food Code, which forms the basis for many local health codes including New York City's, categorizes foodborne illness risk factors into priority violations — those most directly linked to contamination and illness — and general violations related to facility maintenance and broader hygiene practices. Code 06C falls into the priority category because inadequate protection of food and condiments from contamination is a recognized contributor to foodborne illness transmission.

When inspectors identify violations requiring immediate action during a routine inspection, establishments are expected to correct those conditions on site. However, DOHMH retains authority to order a closure when the totality of conditions — including the overall score — indicates a significant public health risk. In this case, the establishment was closed and will need to pass a reinspection before resuming normal operations.

Inspection History

Public records do not include any prior inspection history for Happy Sandwich & Drink at 43 Hicks Street. This may reflect that the establishment is newly opened, recently changed ownership or operating name, or has not yet accumulated a documented inspection record in the DOHMH database. The May 6, 2026 inspection appears to be the first on record for this location.

  • May 6, 2026: Score 72 (C grade), closed by DOHMH — one critical violation cited (Code 06C)

As additional inspection data becomes available, it will be reflected in DOHMH's public records.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City requires most food service establishments to post their letter grade prominently so that customers can make informed decisions. Grades are assigned based on the score received during an inspection:

  • A: Score of 0–13 points (lowest number of violations)
  • B: Score of 14–27 points
  • C: Score of 28 or more points

A score of 72 places Happy Sandwich & Drink significantly within C-grade territory. Establishments that receive a grade of B or C may request a reinspection, at which point they have the opportunity to improve their score before a final grade is posted. Closed establishments must pass a reinspection before they are permitted to reopen.

It is worth noting that a single inspection represents a snapshot in time. Scores can vary between visits depending on staffing, operational changes, and whether previously cited issues have been corrected.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Happy Sandwich & Drink including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.