Bronx, NY — Kennedy Fried Chicken at 638 East 169th Street received a score of 20 points during a health inspection conducted on March 2, 2026, placing the restaurant in the Grade B range. Inspectors documented one critical violation and one non-critical violation at the chicken restaurant located in the Morrisania section of the Bronx.
The inspection data was released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on March 5, 2026.
What Inspectors Found
The critical violation cited during the inspection involved the absence of a Food Protection Certificate (FPC) held by a manager or supervisor of food operations. Under NYC Health Code Article 81, every food service establishment is required to have at least one supervisory staff member on duty who holds a valid Food Protection Certificate. This certification ensures that someone on-site has demonstrated knowledge of proper food handling, temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, and other food safety principles.
Inspectors also documented a non-critical violation related to non-food contact surfaces and equipment. The citation noted that surfaces were either made of unacceptable material, not kept clean, or not properly sealed, raised, spaced, or movable to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above, and underneath the unit. While classified as non-critical, equipment cleanliness and maintenance are important components of an overall food safety program.
Food Safety Context
The Food Protection Certificate requirement is one of the most fundamental regulatory standards in New York City's food safety framework. The FDA Food Code, which informs local regulations, emphasizes the role of a certified person in charge as a key safeguard against foodborne illness. The certified manager is responsible for monitoring employee hygiene, verifying cooking temperatures, and ensuring proper food storage practices.
The absence of a certified manager does not necessarily mean food was handled unsafely during operations, but it does indicate a gap in the required oversight structure that the city mandates for all food establishments.
Inspection History
Kennedy Fried Chicken's recent inspection history shows a pattern of scores in the Grade B range:
- July 15, 2025: Score 26, Grade B
- June 5, 2025: Score 61, no grade assigned
- October 30, 2023: Score 12, Grade A
The restaurant previously held a Grade A following its October 2023 inspection with a score of 12. However, the two most recent graded inspections in 2025 and 2026 have both resulted in Grade B scores. The June 2025 inspection, which resulted in a score of 61, did not produce a posted grade, as initial inspections with high scores typically trigger a re-inspection before a grade is assigned.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on the total points accumulated during a health inspection. Points are assessed for each violation found, with more serious violations carrying higher point values:
- Grade A: 0 to 13 points
- Grade B: 14 to 27 points
- Grade C: 28 or more points
Lower scores indicate fewer or less serious violations. Kennedy Fried Chicken's score of 20 places it in the middle of the Grade B range.
Consumers can look up the full inspection history of any New York City restaurant through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, available online. The inspection results referenced in this article are part of the public record maintained by the City of New York.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Kennedy Fried Chicken including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.