Bronx, NY — Little Caesars, a pizza restaurant located at 15 East 167 Street in the Bronx, was closed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) following an inspection conducted on March 16, 2026. The establishment received a score of 45, well above the 28-point threshold for a Grade C rating. Inspectors documented one critical violation and one non-critical violation during the visit.

The closure represents a significant departure from the restaurant's prior inspection history, which included three consecutive Grade A scores dating back to 2023.

What Inspectors Found

During the March 16 inspection, DOHMH inspectors identified two violations at the location.

The critical violation, cited under Code 06D, documented that food contact surfaces were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred. Food contact surfaces include any equipment, countertops, utensils, or other items that come into direct contact with food during preparation and service. When these surfaces are not properly sanitized between uses, there is an increased risk of cross-contamination and the potential spread of foodborne pathogens.

The non-critical violation, cited under Code 08A, noted that the establishment was not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects, or other pests. This violation indicates that inspectors observed environmental conditions — such as gaps, cracks, clutter, or improper waste storage — that could attract or shelter pests, even if active pest activity was not necessarily documented at the time of the inspection.

The combination of these violations resulted in the establishment being closed by DOHMH, with the agency noting that violations requiring immediate action were addressed.

Food Safety Context

The proper washing, rinsing, and sanitizing of food contact surfaces is a foundational requirement of food safety operations. NYC Health Code Article 81 requires that all food service establishments maintain sanitary conditions throughout food preparation and service areas. The FDA Food Code, which serves as the model for many local health regulations, specifies that food contact surfaces must be cleaned and sanitized between uses, particularly when switching between different food types or after any interruption during which contamination may occur.

The three-step process — washing with soap and water, rinsing with clean water, and sanitizing with an approved chemical solution or hot water — is designed to eliminate bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause foodborne illness. Common pathogens of concern include Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, all of which can survive on improperly cleaned surfaces.

Pest harborage conditions, while cited as a non-critical violation, are also addressed under NYC Health Code Article 81. Establishments are required to maintain their premises in a condition that does not attract or harbor pests. Rodents and insects can carry and transmit disease-causing organisms and can contaminate food, food preparation surfaces, and storage areas.

Inspection History

The March 2026 closure marks a notable shift in the restaurant's inspection record. Prior inspections at this location had consistently resulted in Grade A scores:

  • March 16, 2026: Score 45, closed by DOHMH
  • Oct. 17, 2025: Score 12, Grade A
  • July 2, 2024: Score 5, Grade A
  • April 17, 2023: Score 13, Grade A

The previous three inspections produced scores ranging from 5 to 13, all within the Grade A range. The jump to a score of 45 represents a significant increase and resulted in the first recorded closure action at this location within the available inspection history.

It should be noted that inspection data was released by DOHMH on March 18, 2026, two days after the inspection was conducted. Conditions at the establishment may have changed between the inspection date and the publication of this report.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City's restaurant grading system, administered by DOHMH, assigns letter grades based on the total number of violation points recorded during an inspection. Each violation carries a specific point value based on its severity and the conditions observed:

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

A score of 45 falls within the Grade C range. Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C on an initial inspection are offered a re-inspection, typically within a defined timeframe, during which they have the opportunity to correct violations and achieve a lower score.

When DOHMH closes an establishment, the restaurant must correct the conditions that led to the closure and pass a re-inspection before being permitted to reopen to the public.

Consumers can look up the inspection history of any New York City restaurant through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, available online at the NYC Open Data portal. Inspection reports provide detailed information about each violation cited, the associated point values, and any enforcement actions taken.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Little Caesars including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.