New York restaurants avoid letter grade by claiming they’re supermarkets, warehouses

Scores of city restaurants with expansive menus and sit-down service are, according to New York Daily News, escaping scrutiny by registering with the state as supermarkets or wholesalers.

The list of full-blown eateries too cool for school includes popular pizzerias in Brooklyn, a bagel store in Manhattan and a Dunkin’ Donuts in Queens.

Officially, the city Health Department is responsible for local restaurants, cafes and delis. The state Department of Agriculture and Markets oversees establishments that operate supermarkets, bodegas or wholesale markets as 50% or more of their business.

The line has blurred since the city changed its inspection system in July 2010.

Many restaurants that sell a few products to local groceries, or are attached to big supermarkets, often use this as a way to be placed under state control, records show. That has enabled them to avoid tough city reviews that could lead to a dreaded C grade — even though many operate full-scale restaurants.

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About Douglas Powell

A former professor of food safety and the publisher of barfblog.com, Powell is passionate about food, has five daughters, and is an OK goaltender in pickup hockey. Download Doug’s CV here. Dr. Douglas Powell editor, barfblog.com retired professor, food safety 3/289 Annerley Rd Annerley, Queensland 4103 dpowell29@gmail.com 61478222221 I am based in Brisbane, Australia, 15 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time