Coffee Connection
Last inspected: Mar 4, 2026
82
Score
Coffee Connection has been inspected four times since 2024. Coffee Connection was last inspected on Mar 4, 2026. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Recent inspections show fewer violations than earlier ones, with the latest at four versus 10 before.
The most common issue across all inspections has been personal cleanliness, showing up four times.
Compared to the broader Providence restaurant scene, this is about average. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
4
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 4, 2026
Re-Inspection
4 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 4 violations
Employee not wearing required hair restraint
Inspector notes: Staff were observed not wearing hair restraints. Food employees must wear hair restraints such as hats, hair coverings, or nets that are worn to effectively keep their hair from contacting exposed food, clean equipment/utensils, linens, and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles. Staff informed inspector that hair nets have been ordered.
2-402.11
Wiping cloths used or stored improperly
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The concentration of the sanitizer solution for the wet wiping cloths was 0 parts per million (ppm). The required concentration for quaternary ammonium sanitizer is 200-400 ppm. Staff emptied and refilled sanitizer to proper concentration.
3-304.14
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: Refrigerator door gaskets of the open prep unit were observed in poor repair. PIC stated gaskets have been ordered.
4-501.11
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. Staff are enrolled in class.
2-102.12(A)
82
Feb 18, 2026
Routine
3 critical violations. 6 major violations. 4 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.
View 13 violations
Expired or improperly marked ready-to-eat food not discarded
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: A container of hummus was observed with date mark exceeding 7 days. PIC disposed.
3-501.18
Food-contact surfaces not cleaned and sanitized at required frequency
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Per interview of PIC, blenders and utensils are only washed, rinsed, and sanitized at the end of the day. The surfaces of equipment that contacts time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods such as meats and cheeses and dairy must be washed, rinsed, and sanitized at least every four hours.
4-602.11
Warewashing facilities; installed maintained, & used; test strips
Inspector notes: The floor drain under the dish machine was observed to be clogged, with water backing-up when machine is running. PIC called for service.
5-402.13
Food label missing or inaccurate
Inspector notes: Yogurt and banana parfaits packaged in the food establishment's commissary kitchen are lacking complete labels. Sub ingredients of yogurt (yogurt parfait) and grahams (banana parfait), common allergens were missing. Food packaged in a food establishment must be labeled with the common name of the food, a list of ingredients, the quantity of the contents, and the business name/address.
3-602.11
Food-contact surfaces; cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: Establishment is heat-sealing banana cream parfaits without approval. Establishment to cease practice until detailed process and request is submitted and approved. Items were removed from sale, PIC to return to main commissary.
8-103.11
Person in charge not controlling unsafe operations
Inspector notes: The Person in charge did not assure compliance with critical code requirements.
2-103.11
Equipment or utensils not clean
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (can opener, ice machine) were observed with an accumulation of food and debris. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. Ice machine was taken out of service to be cleaned and sanitized. Ice disposed.
4-601.11(A)
Sanitizer test kit not available
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The facility is lacking test strips to measure the concentration of the quaternary ammonium sanitizing solution for the 3-bay sinks and sani buckets. Inspector provided during inspection.
4-302.14
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed, & used
Inspector notes: The facility is lacking thermo labels or similar internal temperature indicating device for the dish machine at the dish machine.
4-302.13
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. Two staff members are presently registered for class.
2-102.12(A)
Employee not wearing required hair restraint
Inspector notes: Staff were observed not wearing hair restraints. Food employees must wear hair restraints such as hats, hair coverings, or nets that are worn to effectively keep their hair from contacting exposed food, clean equipment/utensils, linens, and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles.
2-402.11
Wiping cloths used or stored improperly
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The concentration of the sanitizer solution for the wet wiping cloths was 0 parts per million (ppm). The required concentration for quaternary ammonium sanitizer is 200-300 ppm. Sani buckets were refilled to proper concentration.
3-304.14
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: Refrigerator door gaskets of the open air prep unit were observed in poor repair.
4-501.11
29
Nov 20, 2024
Re-Inspection
2 major violations. 5 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 7 violations
No soap available at handwashing sink
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Soap was not available at the hand-washing sink in the service area. Hand-washing sinks must be provided with a supply of hand cleaning liquid, powder, or bar soap. PIC obtained soap during inspection.
6-301.11
Food label missing or inaccurate
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Yogurt parfaits packaged in the food establishment are lacking labels; overnight oats were observed with incomplete labels. Food packaged in a food establishment must be labeled with the common name of the food, a list of ingredients, the quantity of the contents, and the business name/address. PIC took parfaits from self-service case to behind the counter. Inspector provided guidance on labeling.
3-602.11
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: The establishment does not employ a full-time, on-site manager certified in food safety licensed with RIDOH. PIC stated manager is in process of completing course. Inspector provided application.
2-102.12
Employee not wearing required hair restraint
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Staff were observed not wearing hair restraints. Food employees must wear hair restraints such as hats, hair coverings, or nets that are worn to effectively keep their hair from contacting exposed food, clean equipment/utensils, linens, and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles. PIC gave staff hairnets to wear.
2-402.11
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: Dessert prep unit located in the service area was not in good repair. Inspector observed a loose handle during inspection.
4-501.11
Equipment or utensils not clean
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the following have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris: -stand mixer -prep unit gaskets (schedules for replacement today).
4-601.11(B)
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: A leak was observed at the grease trap.
5-403.12
64
Nov 7, 2024
Routine
4 critical violations. 5 major violations. 8 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 17 violations
Hands not washed when required
Inspector notes: Employees were observed donning gloves without washing their hands. Food employees must wash their hands before putting on gloves. PIC informed.
2-301.14
Cleaned equipment or utensils stored improperly
Inspector notes: Cases of single service items are being stored on the floor in the storage areas.
4-903.11(A)
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated
Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (liquid eggs) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (milk, 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
Sewage backflow not prevented
Inspector notes: The sink used for food preparation is lacking an air gap. A direct connection must not exist between the sewage system and a drain originating from equipment in which food is placed. Inspector discussed alternative methods for rinsing produce until an air gap can be installed.
5-402.11
Food thawed using improper method
Inspector notes: Frozen sauce was observed thawing in standing water in the 3-bay sink. 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. PIC informed.
3-501.13
Approved thawing methods used
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The facility is lacking thermo labels or similar internal temperature indicating device for the dish machine. Inspector provided during inspection.
4-302.13
Ready-to-eat food not date marked
Inspector notes: Multiple containers in the walk-in refrigerator 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
No written procedures for vomiting or diarrheal events
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The establishment does not have a written procedure for cleaning vomit and diarrhea. Inspector provided RIDOH guidance.
2-501.11
Equipment or utensils not clean
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (ice machine) were observed with an accumulation of biofilm. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. Ice machine taken out of service to be cleaned and sanitized; ice disposed.
4-601.11(A)
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: A leak was observed at the grease trap.
5-403.12
In-use utensils stored improperly between uses
Inspector notes: Utensils were observed stored in stagnant water between uses.
3-304.12
Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination
Inspector notes: Various containers of food were observed stored on the floor in the walk-in refrigerator and freezer, on the floor in the kitchen. Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor.
3-305.11
No certified food protection manager
Inspector notes: The establishment does not employ a full-time, on-site manager certified in food safety licensed with RIDOH. Inspector provided application.
2-102.12
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Milk was observed held at 50 degrees Fahrenheit on the counter. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. PIC placed milk containers in refrigeration.
3-501.16(A)
Employee not wearing required hair restraint
Inspector notes: Staff were observed not wearing hair restraints. Food employees must wear hair restraints such as hats, hair coverings, or nets that are worn to effectively keep their hair from contacting exposed food, clean equipment/utensils, linens, and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles.
2-402.11
In-use utensils stored improperly between uses
Inspector notes: The ice scoop is stored on an unclean surface (top of the ice bin) between uses. Knives were observed stored between a prep unit and table. During pauses in food preparation, utensils must be stored on a clean surface or in a clean, protected location.
3-304.12
Equipment or utensils not clean
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the following have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris: -ice bin (COS) -gaskets of prep units -stand mixer.
4-601.11(B)
22
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Coffee Connection last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Coffee Connection on file is from Mar 4, 2026. The public record contains four inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Coffee Connection?
Across the inspection record, personal cleanliness has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Coffee Connection.
How does Coffee Connection compare to other restaurants in Providence?
Coffee Connection most recently scored 82 out of 100, which is about the same as the Providence average of 80.
Has Coffee Connection's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Coffee Connection have turned up fewer violations than earlier ones, with the latest finding around four violations compared to about 10 previously.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Coffee Connection means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
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