Hemenway Variety
Last inspected: Aug 5, 2025
86
Score
Hemenway Variety appears in inspection records nine times, starting in 2022. On Aug 5, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near four violations each time.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “controlling pests”, showing up seven times.
Hemenway Variety's latest score is in line with the Boston average of 86. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 5, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed holes and voids in basement not filled to prevent pest entry; provide door sweep at basement door leading to building to prevent pest entry; provide updated detailed pest control report to damien.yee@boston.gov 7/23/2025: In basement near three-bay sink area observed live large cockroach walking on floor.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Service sink (c)
Inspector notes: Please provide enclosed mop sink make sure licensed plumber applies for proper permits with ISD.
590.005/5-203.13-C
86
Jul 23, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed holes and voids in basement not filled to prevent pest entry; provide door sweep at basement door leading to building to prevent pest entry; provide updated detailed pest control report to damien.yee@boston.gov 7/23/2025: In basement near three-bay sink area observed live large cockroach walking on floor.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: In the basement there is no signage for the handwashing sink.
590.006/6-301.14-C
Service sink (c)
Inspector notes: Please provide enclosed mop sink make sure licensed plumber applies for proper permits with ISD.
590.005/5-203.13-C
82
Jul 16, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Safe unadulterated and honestly presented (p)
Inspector notes: In single door refrigerator observed sour cream expired 6-7-25 roast beef cold cuts expired 6-16-25 and a package of dozen cage free eggs expired 7-1-25. PIC discarded expired items.
590.003/3-101.11-P
Where to wash (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink in basement does not turn on either hot or cold water; the only sink that functions is a 3-bay sink directly next to the handwashing sink.
590.002/2-301.15-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: In basement at handwashing sink there were no paper towels or air blower to properly dry hands after hand washing.
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed rodent droppings under chips packages and under displays to the right of the cashier station; observed a dead cockroach in basement under wood shelving; observed rodent droppings throughout basement; observed a live mouse on second floor underneath Redbull drinks. Please send a detailed IPM report from a licensed pest control operator to damien.yee@boston.gov with the reports from the beginning of June to 7-9-2025. 7-16-25: Noted old used traps in basement; noted rodent droppings on floor on second floor; noted rodent droppings in basement along walls and noted holes and voids in basement not filled to prevent pest entry; provide door sweep at basement door leading to building to prevent pest entry; provide updated detailed pest control report to damien.yee@boston.gov
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: In the basement there is no signage for the handwashing sink.
590.006/6-301.14-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Observed light from under front door due to holes in the bottom of door repair holes so no light is observable. Repair holes in basement to prevent pest entry.
590.006/6-501.11-C
Service sink (c)
Inspector notes: Please provide enclosed mop sink make sure licensed plumber applies for proper permits with ISD.
590.005/5-203.13-C
55
Jul 9, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Safe unadulterated and honestly presented (p)
Inspector notes: In single door refrigerator observed sour cream expired 6-7-25 roast beef cold cuts expired 6-16-25 and a package of dozen cage free eggs expired 7-1-25. PIC discarded expired items.
590.003/3-101.11-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed rodent droppings under chips packages and under displays to the right of the cashier station; observed a dead cockroach in basement under wood shelving; observed rodent droppings throughout basement; observed a live mouse on second floor underneath Redbull drinks. Please send a detailed IPM report from a licensed pest control operator to damien.yee@boston.gov with the reports from the beginning of June to 7-9-2025.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: In basement at handwashing sink there were no paper towels or air blower to properly dry hands after hand washing.
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Where to wash (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink in basement does not turn on either hot or cold water; the only sink that functions is a 3-bay sink directly next to the handwashing sink.
590.002/2-301.15-PF
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Observed light from under front door due to holes in the bottom of door repair holes so no light is observable. Repair holes in basement to prevent pest entry.
590.006/6-501.11-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: In the basement there is no signage for the handwashing sink.
590.006/6-301.14-C
58
Jul 8, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
Inspector notes: No written procedures and kit I reviewed with the PIC during inspection
590.002/2-501.11-PF
Handwashing sinks installation (pf)
Inspector notes: Per PIC the hand sink for the bathroom has been removed - Install a hand sink for hand washing only A three bay sink in basement is being used for mop sink and hand washing per PIC
590.005/5-202.12-PF
Intensity-lighting (c)
Inspector notes: No lighting in stairway to basement and in basement throughout
590.006/6-303.11-C
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Using crates for shelving - Raise all items 6" above the floor throughout retail
590.003/3-307.11-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Stained ceiling tiles in retail Ceiling in disrepair in back/side retail Walls to basement and in basment have openings and are in disrepair
590.006/6-501.11-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Remove all unused and unnecessary articles from basement
590.006/6-501.114-C
67
Apr 11, 2023
Routine
No violations found.
100
Sep 2, 2022
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of mice activity observed multiple locations with droppings.Provide full pest report upon re-inspection Provide most recent pest reports to the Health Division via Email
590.006/6-501.111-PF
90
Aug 16, 2022
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Segregation and location-distressed merchandise (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of rodent activity observed at retail shelving & chip rack.PIC instructed to check items and remove/discard all damaged packages. PIC to monitor on a daily basis
590.006/6-404.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of mice activity observed multiple locations with droppings.Provide full pest report upon re-inspection Provide most recent pest reports to the Health Division via Email
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Single-service and single-use articles-use limitations (c)
Inspector notes: Remove all cardboard lining the chip rack shelving units.
590.004/4-502.13-C
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Evidence of rodent droppings & debris located throughout the retail shelving.PIC instructed to remove all kick plates clean under/around all shelving units to remove droppings & debris. Address with pest control company
590.006/6-501.12-C
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple Lower shelving units observed with evidence of mouse droppings.Remove product clean & sanitize throughout.Monitor daily
590.004/4-601.11-C
70
Jul 12, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of rodent activity at the packaged chip shelving unit.Provide pest report upon re-inspection. Discussed with PIC to check for compromised items and remove
590.006/6-501.111-PF
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the chip shelving units to remove evidence of mouse droppings.
590.004/4-601.11-C
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Hemenway Variety last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Hemenway Variety on file is from Aug 5, 2025. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Hemenway Variety?
Across the inspection record, “controlling pests” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Hemenway Variety.
How does Hemenway Variety compare to other restaurants in Boston?
Hemenway Variety most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is about the same as the Boston average of 86.
Has Hemenway Variety's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Hemenway Variety have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Hemenway Variety means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Hemenway Variety inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Hemenway Variety is inspected around three times per year on average.
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