During a routine inspection on October 22, the officials found multiple health code violations at Happy Wok, leading to a score of 63 during the inspection. The restaurant was cited for violations like raw chicken being stored above soy sauce in the cooler, chemicals being improperly stored, and several other sanitation issues.
Please note that the scores mentioned here are from inspections conducted on October 22 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishments.
Happy Wok
- Where: 3685 N Watkins St, Memphis, TN 38127, United States
- When: October 22, 2025
- Score: 63
Located on Watkins St, Memphis, Happy Wok is a Chinese restaurant that serves a variety of Chinese dishes, including noodles, kung pao chicken, and egg fried rice.
On October 22, the Tennessee Department of Health conducted a routine inspection at the restaurant. Following the inspection, Happy Wok scored low due to several health code violations. The official report highlighted 16 major violations, including:
- The official inspection report mentioned in the beginning that the person in charge (PIC) was unaware of the approved pest control program to treat rodent infestation and did not understand the significance of keeping food contact surfaces clean. Excessive supplies, clutter, and broken equipment were contributing to the rodent infestation in the establishment.
- The officials also reported that the restaurant lacked an employee illness policy.
- According to the official inspection report, the restaurant stored raw chicken above soy sauce in the cooler. The inspectors instructed the restaurant that raw meats must always be stored on lower shelves to prevent cross-contamination.
- The inspection report noted that the cutting boards, ice machines, and can openers were left dirty and needed a thorough cleaning. Furthermore, PIC did not follow the system to date-mark foods held over 24 hours.
- The report mentioned that the restaurant was improperly storing cleaning chemicals on the drain board of the three-compartment sink. During the inspection, no thermometer was found in the deep freezer.
- During the inspection, officials noted an employee handling equipment and then returning to food preparation without washing hands.. The officials corrected the violation and advised washing hands properly while handling food preparation.
- Multiple food containers were not labeled, had dirty exterior surfaces, and were left uncovered. The inspection report overall highlighted that the restaurant was dirty, including damaged walls, floors, and ceilings.
- The restaurant had not posted its most recent inspection report as required by the guidelines, according to the official inspection report.
A detailed report is available here.
Follow-up Inspection
The restaurant is required to fix all the violations mentioned in the official report and take corrective measures accordingly before the reinspection. The recent inspection report highlighted that the PIC and all the employees are required to wash their hands when changing tasks. Furthermore, the restaurant needs to clean the establishment using an approved pest control program, clean all the surfaces, and store food properly to avoid cross-contamination.
The department will conduct a reinspection of the establishment within 10 days. Failure to comply will result in the suspension of the permit for the restaurant.
