Bronx, NY — Martin's Foodz 2 Go, a Caribbean restaurant at 3836 Dyre Avenue in the Bronx, received a Grade B score of 24 following a New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) inspection conducted on March 3, 2026. The score places the establishment in the upper range of Grade B, just three points below the Grade C threshold of 28.
The inspection marked a notable departure from the restaurant's prior record. Martin's Foodz 2 Go had earned Grade A scores on each of its last three inspections dating back to 2022.
What Inspectors Found
Inspectors documented two violations during the March 3 inspection — one critical and one non-critical.
The critical violation involved hot time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food items not being held at or above 140 °F. TCS foods include items such as cooked meats, rice, beans, and stews that require specific temperature control to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. When these foods fall below the 140 °F threshold, they enter what food safety professionals refer to as the "danger zone" — temperatures between 41 °F and 140 °F where bacterial growth can accelerate rapidly.
The non-critical violation cited the establishment for not being free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects, or other pests. This violation indicates that inspectors identified environmental conditions that could attract or shelter pests, though it does not necessarily mean that active pest activity was observed during the inspection.
Food Safety Context
Temperature control requirements for hot-held foods are established under both NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code. These regulations mandate that hot TCS foods be maintained at 140 °F or above to limit bacterial proliferation. Violations of temperature holding requirements are classified as critical because of their direct relationship to foodborne illness risk.
Pest harborage conditions, while classified as non-critical, can contribute to contamination of food preparation surfaces and storage areas if left unaddressed. DOHMH regulations require food establishments to maintain premises that are free of conditions that could attract or harbor pests.
No closure action was taken as a result of this inspection. The restaurant was cited for the violations and remains open for business.
Inspection History
Martin's Foodz 2 Go had maintained a consistent Grade A record prior to this inspection:
- 2024-10-11: Score 10 (Grade A)
- 2023-06-20: Score 13 (Grade A)
- 2022-03-08: Score 9 (Grade A)
The jump from a score of 10 in October 2024 to a score of 24 in March 2026 represents a significant increase, though the restaurant remains within the Grade B range.
Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades
New York City's restaurant grading system assigns letter grades based on the total number of violation points recorded during an inspection:
- Grade A: 0–13 points
- Grade B: 14–27 points
- Grade C: 28 or more points
Lower scores indicate fewer or less severe violations. A score of 24 falls in the upper portion of the Grade B range, placing the establishment closer to Grade C territory than to Grade A.
Restaurants that receive a Grade B or C on an initial inspection have the option to request a re-inspection, during which they may improve their score and corresponding letter grade.
This inspection data was released by DOHMH on March 6, 2026. Residents can review the full inspection details and history for any New York City restaurant through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, available online at the NYC Open Data portal.
More About This Restaurant
View the full inspection history for Martin's Foodz 2 Go including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.