Carolina Family Restaurant
Last inspected: Jan 6, 2026
78
Score
Inspectors have visited Carolina Family Restaurant four times, with records going back to 2023. The most recent report on file is from Jan 6, 2026. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near three violations per visit.
The pattern that stands out is “approved thawing methods used”, which has been cited two times.
The city-wide average is 80, putting Carolina Family Restaurant squarely in typical territory. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
4
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 6, 2026
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation. 2 corrected on site.
View 3 violations
Equipment or utensils not clean
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (blender and ice machine) were observed with an accumulation of food and debris. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. PIC washed/sanitized blender and took ice machine out of service to be washed/sanitized.
4-601.11(A)
Food thawed using improper method
Inspector notes: Various raw proteins were observed thawing/soaking in water in several large bins on the basement floor. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods must be thawed in one of the following manners: 1) under refrigeration (41 degrees Fahrenheit or less); 2) completely submerged under running water; 3) as part of the cooking process; OR 4) in the microwave if cooked immediately after thawing.
3-501.13
Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Various food items were observed stored on the floor in the basement. Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor. PIC relocated items.
3-305.11
78
Dec 30, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Backflow prevention air gap not adequate
Inspector notes: Inspector observed drain tubes going directly into a drain. An air gap is needed.
5-202.13
Food thawed using improper method
Inspector notes: ( ) was observed thawing on the counter. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods must be thawed in one of the following manners: under refrigeration (41 degrees Fahrenheit or less); completely submerged under running water; as part of the cooking process; or in the microwave if cooked immediately after thawing.
3-501.13
Nonfood-contact surfaces not corrosion-resistant or cleanable
Inspector notes: The storage shelves located in the basement were not in good repair. Inspector observed exposed wood and tile separation from shelves.
4-101.19
Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination
Inspector notes: Various food items were observed stored on the floor in the walk-in cooler. Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor. PIC informed.
3-305.11
70
Nov 29, 2023
Re-Inspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, & used
Inspector notes: Wood is used in the construction of shelving in the kitchen area. Non-food contact surfaces of equipment that are exposed to splash, spillage, or other food soiling or that require frequent cleaning must be constructed of a nonabsorbent and smooth material.
4-101.17
95
Nov 16, 2023
Routine
3 critical violations. 5 major violations. 6 minor violations. 6 corrected on site.
View 14 violations
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Pork, plantains, sausage and onions were observed held at 102 to 123 degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be maintained at 135 degrees Fahrenheit or above except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. PIC reheated to 165 or above.
3-501.16(A)
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (eggs) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (vegetables) in the walk-in refrigerator. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage.
3-302.11
Backflow prevention air gap not adequate
Inspector notes: The three bay sink (basement), prep sink (kitchen) and condensate line (basement) are lacking a proper air gap. A plumbing system shall be installed to prevent backflow of a liquid or gas contaminant into the water supply by providing an air gap or installing an approved backflow prevention device.
5-202.13
Person in charge lacks food safety knowledge
Inspector notes: The Person in charge did not assure compliance with critical code requirements.
2-102.11
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the kitchen was blocked by dirty dishes. A hand-washing sink shall be accessible at all times for employee use. PIC removed dishes.
5-204.11
Ready-to-eat food not date marked
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Potato Salad and Macaroni Salad 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. PIC dated.
3-501.17
Consumer advisory not provided for raw or undercooked food
Inspector notes: Eggs are served raw or undercooked to the customer's request. A written consumer advisory (on the menu, table tent, or placard) is not provided to the consumer informing them of the significantly increased risk associated with certain vulnerable consumers eating such food in a raw or undercooked form. PIC informed.
3-603.11
Cleaned equipment or utensils stored improperly
Inspector notes: Cleaned and sanitized equipment and utensils are not stored inverted. PIC informed and will reinstruct all staff of proper equipment storage after wash, rinse and sanitizing.
4-903.11(A)
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: Wood is used in the construction of shelving in the kitchen area and walk-in cooler outer walls. Non-food contact surfaces of equipment that are exposed to splash, spillage, or other food soiling or that require frequent cleaning must be constructed of a nonabsorbent and smooth material. PIC informed.
4-101.17
Outer openings not protected against pests
Inspector notes: The door to the outside, located in the back kitchen area was not tight-fitting. Outer openings of a food establishment must be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by tight-fitting doors. PIC informed and will address the problem immediately.
6-202.15
Food contaminated by miscellaneous source
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Inspector observed condensate line dripping in walk in cooler (basement) onto raw covered meat products. PIC moved.
3-307.11
Person in charge lacks food safety knowledge
Inspector notes: There was no evidence that employees are required to report to the person in charge information about their health (illnesses, symptoms) as they relate to diseases that are transmissible through food.
2-102.11(C)
Employee eating, drinking, or using tobacco in food area
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Inspector observed employee tasting food before bringing it to hot-hold unit. Employees shall eat, drink, or use any form of tobacco only in designated areas where the contamination of exposed food cannot result. PIC informed.
2-401.11
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: The door to the employee restroom toilet room is not self-closing.
6-501.19
29
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Carolina Family Restaurant last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Carolina Family Restaurant on file is from Jan 6, 2026. The public record contains four inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Carolina Family Restaurant?
Across the inspection record, “approved thawing methods used” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Carolina Family Restaurant.
How does Carolina Family Restaurant compare to other restaurants in Providence?
Carolina Family Restaurant most recently scored 78 out of 100, which is about the same as the Providence average of 80.
Has Carolina Family Restaurant's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Carolina Family Restaurant have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Carolina Family Restaurant 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 Carolina Family Restaurant inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Carolina Family Restaurant is inspected around two times per year on average.
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