Bronx, NY — Kennedy Chicken Pizza & Burger, located at 131 W Kingsbridge Rd in the Bronx, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following an inspection conducted May 26, 2026. The establishment received a score of 60, placing it firmly in Grade C range, and inspectors cited violations requiring immediate corrective action before the restaurant could resume operations.

The closure data was released by DOHMH on May 28, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

Inspectors documented two violations during the May 26 visit — one critical and one non-critical.

The critical violation, cited under Code 02B, recorded that hot temperature-controlled for safety (TCS) food was not held at or above 140°F. Under NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code, hot TCS foods — including cooked poultry products — must be maintained at 140°F or higher to prevent the growth of harmful pathogens such as Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, and Staphylococcus aureus. Failure to maintain proper holding temperatures is among the most directly actionable food safety violations, as it creates conditions that can allow bacterial growth to reach unsafe levels within a matter of hours.

The non-critical violation, cited under Code 10B, identified a deficiency related to anti-siphon or back-flow prevention equipment, improper drainage, or issues with liquid waste disposal. While classified as non-critical, plumbing and drainage deficiencies can contribute to unsanitary conditions and cross-contamination risks if left unaddressed.

According to DOHMH, violations requiring immediate action were addressed at the time of inspection. The closure order remained in effect pending a reinspection to confirm compliance.

Food Safety Context

NYC Health Code Article 81 governs food service establishment operations across the five boroughs. Temperature control for safety foods — a category that includes cooked chicken and other proteins — must be held at specific temperatures to remain safe for consumption. The 140°F threshold for hot-held foods is a standard established in the FDA Food Code and adopted by the city to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.

When a DOHMH inspector identifies a critical violation that poses an immediate public health risk and cannot be corrected on the spot, the agency is authorized to order an establishment closed until a reinspection confirms the hazard has been resolved. An establishment closed under these conditions must pass a follow-up inspection before it can reopen to the public.

A score of 60 is substantially above the Grade C threshold of 28 points. Each violation is assigned a point value based on its severity and scope, with critical violations carrying higher point penalties than non-critical ones.

Inspection History

Kennedy Chicken Pizza & Burger's prior inspection record shows variability in performance over recent years:

  • Nov 18, 2024: Score 9 (Grade A)
  • Jun 27, 2024: Score 26
  • Mar 3, 2023: Score 15 (Grade B)
  • Jun 9, 2022: Score 0

The restaurant had achieved a Grade A as recently as November 2024, indicating that the conditions documented in the May 2026 inspection represent a departure from its most recent performance. The June 2024 visit — which recorded a score of 26, just below the Grade B cutoff — was not accompanied by a grade designation in available records.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

The DOHMH grades restaurants based on the total points accumulated during an unannounced inspection. Points are assigned for each violation found, with more serious violations carrying higher point values. The grading scale is as follows:

  • A: 0 to 13 points (lowest risk)
  • B: 14 to 27 points
  • C: 28 or more points (highest risk)

A Grade C or a closure action does not necessarily indicate persistent noncompliance — restaurants may address violations and return to Grade A status following reinspection. However, a score of 60 reflects a significant number or severity of violations at the time of the inspection visit.

Consumers can look up any restaurant's full inspection history, including scores, violation details, and grade history, through the DOHMH's NYC Restaurant Inspection Results database, available at the city's open data portal. Inspection results are typically released publicly within a few days of the inspection date.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Kennedy Chicken Pizza & Burger including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.