Benjamins Poor Richards

254 Thames St, Newport, RI 02840

License: Caterer or Commissary

Last inspected: Feb 17, 2026

Score

Medium Risk

Inspectors have visited Benjamins Poor Richards three times, with records going back to 2023. On Feb 17, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.

There hasn't been much movement either way: results have stayed near four violations per visit.

Across the inspection history, food separated and protected is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded one time.

By comparison, the average Newport facility scores 84, putting Benjamins Poor Richards on the weaker side. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Feb 17, 2026

Routine

1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation. 2 corrected on site.

View 4 violations

Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (such as fish and shrimp) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (such as rice and risotto) in the grill cooler drawer. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage. Food items were rearranged during the time of inspection.

3-302.11

Required records available; molluscan shellfish identification, parasite destruction

Inspector notes: Molluscan shellfish tags must be maintained for 90 days in chronological order and the date when the last shellfish was used from the bag must be noted on the shellfish tag.

3-402.12

Handwashing sink blocked, inaccessible, or used improperly (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the kitchen was blocked by a plastic container in the sink basin. A hand-washing sink shall be accessible at all times for employee use. Equipment was removed from the sink basin during the time of inspection.

5-205.11

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The floor in the basement storage area has an accumulation of droppings, soil residue and food debris under the storage shelves. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.

6-501.12

Aug 22, 2024

Re-Inspection

1 major violation. 2 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.

View 3 violations

Improper cooling methods used (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Proper cooling methods were not used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods. At time of inspection lobster was observed placed hot in the refrigerator in plastic lobster crates. Lobsters were divided onto sheet pans and smaller containers during time of inspection.

3-501.15

Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Plastic lobster crates containing cooked lobsters were observed in contact with stagnant water on ground at exterior of establishment. Adulterated foods were voluntarily disposed of.

3-305.11

In-use utensils stored improperly between uses (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Utensils were observed stored in stagnant water between uses.

3-304.12

May 2, 2023

Routine

2 major violations. 2 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.

View 4 violations

Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Shellstock located in the Walk-in did not have the proper identification tags. Shellstock tags must remain attached to the container in which the shellstock are received until the container is empty. Tags were located and placed with items during inspection.

3-203.12

Ready-to-eat food not date marked

Inspector notes: Soft Cheeses slices and wrapped in walk-in were observed not marked with the date of preparation. Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods prepared in the establishment and held for more than 24 hours must be marked with the date of preparation.

3-501.17

Floor, wall, or ceiling surface not smooth or cleanable

Inspector notes: The painted flooring in the kitchen at cook line, dish machine were observed in poor repair. Concrete was exposed where paint has worn off The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.

6-101.11

No certified food protection manager

Inspector notes: The establishment does not employ a full-time, on-site manager certified in food safety at all times when time temperature control for safety (TCS) food is being prepared, handled, and/or served. Person in Charge needs to apply for Food Safety Manager License. Application was provided.

2-102.12

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Benjamins Poor Richards last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Benjamins Poor Richards on file is from Feb 17, 2026. The public record contains three inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Benjamins Poor Richards?

Across the inspection record, food separated and protected has been cited one time, more than any other issue at Benjamins Poor Richards.

How does Benjamins Poor Richards compare to other restaurants in Newport?

Benjamins Poor Richards most recently scored 67 out of 100, which is lower than the Newport average of 84.

Has Benjamins Poor Richards's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Recent inspections at Benjamins Poor Richards have produced about the same number of violations as earlier ones, holding around four per visit.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Benjamins Poor Richards means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.

How often is Benjamins Poor Richards inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Benjamins Poor Richards is inspected roughly once per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Speak Easy Bar and Grill

250 Thames Street

Score: 52 — High Risk

Newport Chowder Company

262 Thames Street

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Kilwins Chocolates and Ice Cream

262 Thames St

Score: 90 — Low Risk

Explore More

→ All locations in Newport