During a September 16 routine inspection, American Deli in Memphis received a 66 after inspectors cited several health violations, including spoiled chicken wings and fly activity, and ordered a temporary closure due to a broken air conditioner.
Please note that the score mentioned here is from an inspection conducted on September 16 and may not represent the future health inspection status of the food establishment.
Highlights
- American Deli was inspected on September 16 and ordered to close after receiving an unsatisfactory score.
- Health code violations included foul-smelling chicken wings, improper food storage temperature, and fly activity.
- The restaurant has been instructed to correct the violations within five days to reopen.
American Deli
- When: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
- Where: 3850 Austin Peay Hwy, Suite 3, Memphis, TN 38128
- Score: 66
Inspectors reported the cook was not following proper cold-holding procedures. The facility did not have an employee illness policy posted. Inspectors noted no paper towels at the handwashing sink.
Inspectors said the manager could not identify the food source. The chicken wings kept in the facility were observed to be slimy and had a bad smell. Raw fish was seen stored next to mushrooms in the walk-in cooler.
Raw chicken wings were found at 60°F inside both the deep freezer and the walk-in cooler, which is above the safe temperature range for cold food storage. Cooked rice was not labeled with a date mark.
All prepared, ready-to-eat foods must be labeled and used within 7 days to ensure food safety, the inspectors noted. The front door was left open because the air conditioning was out. The report mentioned the presence of flies at the mop sink.
Raw chicken wings were seen stored in a container placed directly on the floor. Wiping cloths were found stored on countertops and food preparation surfaces, which can lead to cross-contamination.
A knife was found stored in the crevice between sections of the prep cooler, which is an unsanitary practice and can lead to contamination.
The report mentioned that the vent hood had built-up grease. Inspectors ordered the facility to close because the air conditioning was not working.
Follow-up Inspection
Health inspectors have directed American Deli to correct all violations listed in the inspection report within five days to avoid receiving an official closure notice. Continued non-compliance or repeated violations could lead to the revocation of the restaurant’s food service permit.
