Knead Donuts

55 Cromwell St, Providence, RI 02907
Café / Breakfast
License: Caterer or Commissary
Last inspected: Feb 6, 2026
35
Score
High Risk

Public records currently show only two inspections for Knead Donuts. On Feb 6, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. High risk usually means inspectors flagged either critical violations or a stack of smaller ones.

The trend has not been favorable, with the count rising from eight to 12 between inspections.

Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible comes up most often, recorded two times in the inspection record.

Compared to other Providence restaurants (averaging 80), there's room to close the gap. The pattern in the record is worth a careful look.

2
Inspections
2
Critical latest
5
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 6, 2026
Routine
2 critical violations. 5 major violations. 5 minor violations. 5 corrected on site.
View 12 violations
Non-food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Inspector observed a clog in the mop sink.
5-402.13
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Milk was observed held at 50 degrees Fahrenheit. 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 in a cooler to actively cool.
3-501.16(A)
Insufficient number of handwashing sinks
Inspector notes: The kitchen (mixing room) lacks a handwashing sink. Hand-washing sinks must be located to allow convenient use by employees in food preparation, food dispensing, and ware-washing areas.
5-203.11
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The food-contact surfaces of equipment and utensils were not sanitized. The required utensil surface temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit was not achieved during the sanitizing cycle of the dishwasher as evidenced by the failure of the thermolabel (temperature indicator) affixed to the surface of a utensil to turn black. PIC took unit out of service and will sanitize via 3 bay sink.
4-501.112
Equipment or utensils not clean (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (bowls and mixer attachments) 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 during inspection.
4-601.11(A)
No hand drying provision at handwashing sink (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the men's restroom was lacking paper towels. PIC refilled.
6-301.12
Working containers of toxic materials not identified (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Working containers used for storing chemicals taken from bulk supplies were not marked with the common name of the chemical. PIC labeled chemical bottles.
7-102.11
Outer openings not protected against pests
Inspector notes: The doors to the outside, located in the back and front, are not tight-fitting. Outer openings of a food establishment must be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by tight-fitting doors.
6-202.15
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The following non-food contact surfaces have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris: - slicer - proofer - all lowboy units - knife rack container
4-602.13
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The floors in various locations throughout the kitchen areas are in poor repair (need resealing). The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.
6-501.11
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The floors, walls, and window ledges in various locations throughout the kitchen and storage areas have an accumulation of soil residue and/or food debris. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
6-501.12
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The wall in the frying area is in poor repair (wall is chipping). The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.
6-501.11
35
Jan 5, 2024
Routine
3 major violations. 5 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.
View 8 violations
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. RIDOH guidance provided during inspection.
2-501.11
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned and sanitized
Inspector notes: The food-contact surfaces of equipment and utensils were not sanitized. The required utensil surface temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit was not achieved during the sanitizing cycle of the dishwasher as evidenced by the failure of the thermolabel (temperature indicator) affixed to the surface of a utensil to turn black. All utensils and equipment must be sanitized in the 3-bay sink until dish machine has been serviced.
4-501.112
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained, & used; test strips
Inspector notes: The facility is lacking thermo labels or similar internal temperature indicating device for the dish machine.
4-302.13
Lighting not sufficient for food or utensil handling areas
Inspector notes: A light bulb was observed non-functional at the fry-room hood at the time of inspection.
6-303.11
Equipment or utensils not air-dried before storage
Inspector notes: Bus bins, sheet pans, and other equipment/utensils were observed stored without allow them to air dry.
4-901.11
Cleaned equipment or utensils stored improperly (corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Single service items are not being stored properly in their original protective package and/or are stored on a surface that is not clean in the service counter area. Take-out boxes were stored on a counter with food debris. Staff placed containers on clean/sanitized sheet pans and cleaned counter during inspection.
4-903.11(A)
Nonfood-contact surfaces not corrosion-resistant or cleanable
Inspector notes: Nonfood contact surfaces of the following were observed to have an accumulation of food and debris: working containers of fours, tracks of low boy doors, mixers.
4-101.19
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: The dumpster area has an accumulation of debris. Carboard boxes, bags of garbage observed on ground throughout the area. Per PIC, trash was from tenants residing in the building.
5-501.115
58

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Knead Donuts last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Knead Donuts on file is from Feb 6, 2026. The public record contains two inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Knead Donuts?

Across the inspection record, adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Knead Donuts.

How does Knead Donuts compare to other restaurants in Providence?

Knead Donuts most recently scored 35 out of 100, which is lower than the Providence average of 80.

Has Knead Donuts's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Knead Donuts have flagged more violations than earlier ones, ticking from about eight per visit to around 12 more recently.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at Knead Donuts means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.