[Editor’s note: The report mentioned here is from inspections conducted on April 30 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishments.]
The Tennessee Department of Health conducted a routine health inspection at Horn of Africa Restaurant on April 30. The restaurant received a score of 79 due to multiple health code violations. The report noted blocked handwashing sink, black residue inside the ice machine, and a lack of sanitation practices.
WhatNow has reached out to the restaurant for comment and will update the story upon receiving a response.
Horn of Africa Restaurant
When: April 30, 2026
Where: 693 Avon Rd, Memphis, TN 38122, United States
Score: 79
Horn of Africa Restaurant is known for serving authentic Ethiopian and East African flavors. According to the inspection report, the violations noted:
- The inspection report stated that during the inspection, employees did not wash their hands. An employee was observed returning from outside and putting on gloves without washing hands.
- Another employee was observed putting on gloves after using their phone, without washing their hands. The employees were advised to wash their hands properly after coming in from outside, using the restroom, washing dishes, handling raw meat, or using their phones.
- The handwashing sink was blocked by tables, a mop bucket, and a fan. The staff was instructed to clear the area and keep the handwashing sink area accessible at all times.
- Black residue was found inside the ice machine. Staff were instructed to discard the ice and clean and sanitize the machine thoroughly.
- The cutting boards had grooves and cannot be cleaned properly. The report stated that the cutting boards should be replaced.
- Prepared food items were not properly date labeled. Staff were asked to mark the food with the preparation date and discard them within 7 days.
- The restaurant’s freezers did not have thermometers to monitor temperatures. Staff were instructed to provide thermometers for all freezers and ensure proper temperature are maintained.
- Staff stored the clean pots and pans incorrectly. Their utensils must be kept inverted to prevent contamination.
- The report noted broken kitchen floor tiles that require repair.
- An employee’s phone was kept on a food prep counter. The restaurant was advised to keep personal items away from food preparation areas.
A detailed inspection report is available online.
Follow-up Inspection
The restaurant received a low score of 79. The restaurant must correct the violations before requesting reinspection.
