Knead Doughnuts

139 Elmgrove Avenue, Providence, RI 02906

Café / Breakfast

License: Seats - Less than 50

Last inspected: Jul 23, 2025

Score

Medium Risk

Public records show three inspections at Knead Doughnuts stretching back to 2024. The most recent report on file is from Jul 23, 2025. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.

The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around four violations, down from roughly six violations earlier in the record.

Across the inspection history, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded four times.

The city-wide average sits at 80, which Knead Doughnuts' 70 doesn't quite reach. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Jul 23, 2025

Routine

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

View 4 violations

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

Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate

Inspector notes: The presence of insects is not controlled as evidenced by live small flies in the establishment. Pest control service unknown. The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests must be controlled by routinely inspecting the premises for evidence of pests, using acceptable methods to control pests, eliminating harborage conditions, and routinely inspecting incoming shipments of food and supplies.

6-501.111

Sanitizer test kit not available

Inspector notes: The facility is lacking test strips to measure the concentration of the quaternary ammonia sanitizing solution for the 3 bay sink.

4-302.14

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

Inspector notes: Ice scoop observed inside the ice machine with the handle in the ice. Utensils must be stored in the food item with their handles above the top of the food, or in a clean container.

3-304.12

Feb 5, 2024

Re-Inspection

1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.

View 6 violations

Hot or cold food held at improper temperature

Inspector notes: Self-service milk and cream were observed held at 47 and 48 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 removed from service.

3-501.16(A)

Food thermometer not available or accessible

Inspector notes: The establishment is lacking a thermometer to test food temperatures. Food temperature measuring devices shall be provided and be readily accessible for checking cooking, cooling, reheating, and hot/cold holding temperatures of time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods.

4-302.12

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 at the warewashing area.

4-302.13

Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

Inspector notes: The door to the toilet room is not self-closing.

6-501.19

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: The self-service beverage reach-in was not in good repair, not in operation during inspection, awaiting maintenance. Foods requiring refrigeration are not to be in this unit until serviced.

4-501.11

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: Dishwasher located in the warewashing area was not in good repair.

4-501.11

Jan 29, 2024

Routine

1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.

View 7 violations

Hot or cold food held at improper temperature

Inspector notes: Milk was observed held at 50-56 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 disposed and took unit out of service.

3-501.16(A)

Handwashing sink water not at required temperature (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the kitchen was blocked by mop bucket. A hand-washing sink shall be accessible at all times for employee use.

5-202.12

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

Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

Inspector notes: The door to the toilet room is not self-closing.

6-501.19

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 (the ledge by water dispenser).

4-903.11(A)

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: The self service beverage self service reach in refrigerator was not in good repair, not maintaining temperature of 41 degrees or below. Foods requiring refrigeration are not to be stored there until the unit is serviced.

4-501.11

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: Dishwasher located in the ware washing area was not in good repair.

4-501.11

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Knead Doughnuts last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Knead Doughnuts on file is from Jul 23, 2025. The public record contains three inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Knead Doughnuts?

Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Knead Doughnuts.

How does Knead Doughnuts compare to other restaurants in Providence?

Knead Doughnuts most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Providence average of 80.

Has Knead Doughnuts' inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Knead Doughnuts have averaged around four violations per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

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

Nearby Restaurants

Eastside Bagel

149 Elmgrove Avenue

Score: 67 — Medium Risk

Eastside Mart

422 Lloyd Avenue

Score: 74 — Medium Risk

Butcher Shop, Inc. the

157 Elmgrove Avenue

Score: 58 — Medium Risk

Explore More

→ All locations in Providence → Café / Breakfast restaurants in Rhode Island → Café / Breakfast restaurants in Providence