Why restaurants post Grade Pending
When a re-inspection score would earn a B or C, the restaurant has the right to dispute the violations at an OATH hearing. Until the hearing is resolved, it may post a Grade Pending card instead of the letter.
Grade Pending also appears for new restaurants that have not completed their first graded inspection cycle.
What the codes in the data mean
- Z: Grade Pending. The restaurant is contesting or awaiting a final grade.
- P: Grade Pending issued on re-opening after a closure.
- N: Not yet graded.
Should you worry?
Grade Pending is not a grade in itself. It usually means the most recent inspection found enough violations to score 14 points or more. Look up the restaurant to see the actual score and the violations behind it before deciding.