Popeyes Louisiana Chicken

539 Smith St, Providence, RI 02908

American

License: Seats - Less than 50

Last inspected: Mar 26, 2026

Score

Medium Risk

Inspectors have visited Popeyes Louisiana Chicken four times, with records going back to 2024. The latest inspection on file is from Mar 26, 2026. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.

The most recent inspection turned up five violations, more than the two found previously.

Insects, rodents & animals not present accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing two times across the record.

That's lower than the typical Providence restaurant, which scores around 80. The record is unremarkable in either direction.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Mar 26, 2026

Environmental Complaint

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

View 5 violations

No hand drying provision at handwashing sink

Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the kitchen(near 3 bay sink) was lacking paper towels.

6-301.12

Physical facilities not in good repair

Inspector notes: The (wall ) in the (walk in cooler ) area is in poor repair. Observed metal detached from wall. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.

6-501.11

Outer openings not protected against pests

Inspector notes: The door to the outside, located in the (front entrance ), is 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

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.

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) sanitizer is (200-400) ppm.

3-304.14

Feb 10, 2025

Environmental Complaint

1 major violation. 2 minor violations.

View 3 violations

Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate

Inspector notes: The presence of (rodents) is not controlled as evidenced by (small accumulation of droppings in back storage room). 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

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.

2-102.12

Outer openings not protected against pests

Inspector notes: The door to the outside, located in the (front of store ), is 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

Aug 8, 2024

Environmental Complaint

No violations found.

100

Jun 26, 2024

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.

View 7 violations

Plumbing system not maintained in good repair

Inspector notes: Prep sink is in poor repair. Leak observed at the pipes under the sink.

5-205.15

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. English Responding to Vomiting and Diarrhea

2-501.11

Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained

Inspector notes: Dumpster located in back outside area is in poor repair. Observed a missing door.PIC informed.

5-501.111

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The floors throughout kitchen area(under equipment) and walk in freezer 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

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

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

3-304.12

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment

Inspector notes: 1 dr refrigerator located in the (kitchen/front counter ) area was not in good repair. Ambient temperatures 48df. Establishment not allowed to store any TCS foods in unit until repaired and/or replaced.

4-501.11

Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the bakers storage rack have an accumulation of food residue and/or other debris.

4-602.13

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Popeyes Louisiana Chicken last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Popeyes Louisiana Chicken on file is from Mar 26, 2026. The public record contains four inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Popeyes Louisiana Chicken?

Across the inspection record, insects, rodents & animals not present has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Popeyes Louisiana Chicken.

How does Popeyes Louisiana Chicken compare to other restaurants in Providence?

Popeyes Louisiana Chicken most recently scored 74 out of 100, which is lower than the Providence average of 80.

Has Popeyes Louisiana Chicken's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Popeyes Louisiana Chicken have flagged more violations than earlier ones, ticking from about two per visit to around five more recently.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Popeyes Louisiana Chicken 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 Popeyes Louisiana Chicken inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Popeyes Louisiana Chicken is inspected around two times per year on average.

Nearby Restaurants

Aldi Food Market No 41

Score: 32 — High Risk

Family Dollar #28177

541 Smith Street

Score: 70 — Medium Risk

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