Brooklyn, NY — John's Donut & Coffee Shop, located at 481 Myrtle Avenue in Brooklyn, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following an inspection conducted on May 5, 2026. Inspectors recorded a score of 56, placing the establishment in C-grade territory under the city's restaurant grading system. Inspection data was released by DOHMH on May 7, 2026.

The closure followed the identification of a critical violation requiring immediate action. According to DOHMH records, inspectors required violations to be addressed before the establishment could resume operations.

What Inspectors Found

Inspectors cited one critical violation during the May 5 inspection:

Code 04L — Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas. This violation indicates that inspectors observed physical signs of rodent activity within the facility. Under NYC Health Code Article 81, evidence of rodent presence in areas where food is stored, prepared, or served constitutes a critical violation due to the potential for contamination and foodborne illness transmission.

DOHMH records indicate that violations requiring immediate action were addressed at the time of inspection, a standard condition of the closure and reopening process. The establishment may not reopen until it passes a re-inspection conducted by the department.

Food Safety Context

Rodent activity in food service establishments poses direct risks to public health. Mice can contaminate food contact surfaces, utensils, and food supplies through droppings, urine, and direct contact. The FDA Food Code identifies rodent contamination as a significant contributing factor to foodborne illness outbreaks.

NYC Health Code Article 81 governs food service establishment operations in New York City and sets the standards inspectors use when evaluating restaurants. Under this framework, critical violations are defined as those most likely to contribute to foodborne illness if not corrected. Evidence of rodent presence (Code 04L) is classified as a critical violation and can trigger immediate closure when inspectors determine conditions warrant it.

The city's inspection program operates on an unannounced basis. Restaurants are inspected at least once per year, with higher-risk establishments inspected more frequently. When a closure is ordered, the establishment must pass a reinspection before it can legally reopen to the public.

Inspection History

John's Donut & Coffee Shop has a mixed inspection record over the past several years. The May 2026 closure follows a pattern of variable scores:

  • May 5, 2026: Score 56 — Closed by DOHMH
  • March 25, 2026: Score 23 (B-grade range)
  • May 1, 2025: Score 13 — Grade A
  • March 18, 2025: Score 30 (C-grade range)
  • August 13, 2024: Score 13 — Grade A
  • May 7, 2024: Score 57
  • December 16, 2022: Score 12 — Grade A

The record shows the establishment has previously earned Grade A scores on multiple occasions, including consecutive A grades in mid-2024 and mid-2025. However, the most recent inspection cycle reflects elevated scores. The March 2026 inspection produced a score of 23, followed by the May 2026 inspection that resulted in closure with a score of 56. A score of 57 was also recorded in May 2024, suggesting recurring compliance challenges during certain inspection cycles.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City uses a letter grading system based on scores assigned during health inspections. Points are added for each violation found, with more serious violations carrying higher point values. Lower scores reflect better compliance:

  • Grade A: Score of 0–13 points
  • Grade B: Score of 14–27 points
  • Grade C: Score of 28 or more points

A score of 56 falls well above the C-grade threshold. When a restaurant is closed by DOHMH, it does not receive a letter grade until it passes a subsequent inspection. Closed establishments are required to post a notice of closure visible to the public.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for John's Donut & Coffee Shop including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.