Sams Food Store

981 Manton Ave, Providence, RI 02909
Grocery / Market
License: Cash Registers - 1-2
Last inspected: Jan 20, 2026
70
Score
Medium Risk

The inspection history at Sams Food Store is still short, with only two visits logged. The most recent report on file is from Jan 20, 2026. A medium risk rating points to a few notable findings at the last inspection, though nothing severe.

Recent visits have flagged additional issues, ticking from two violations up to five.

Warewashing facilities accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing two times across the record.

Compared to other Providence restaurants (averaging 80), there's room to close the gap. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.

2
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 20, 2026
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Warewashing sink compartments insufficient or improperly set up
Inspector notes: The facility is lacking test strips to measure the concentration of the chlorine sanitizing solution for the 2-bay sink. Establishment is to obtain test strips.
4-301.12
Warewashing sink compartments insufficient or improperly set up
Inspector notes: Establishment is lacking proper drain plugs for the 2-bay sink. Establishment is to obtain drain plugs.
4-301.12
Unnecessary items or litter present on premises
Inspector notes: Unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment or items were observed in the back storage area. Establishments shall be kept free of unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment and litter to prevent harborage conditions.
6-501.114
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the walk-in cooler shelves have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. Non-food contact surfaces must be cleaned to sight and touch.
4-602.13
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: The 2 door reach-in was observed turned off and in poor repair. Equipment must be maintained in good repair. Establishment is not to store any TCS foods in 2 door reach-in until it is able to hold an ambient temperature of 41 DF or less.
4-501.11
70
Jan 27, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the walk-in cooler shelving has an accumulation of dust, dirt and black residue. PIC informed.
4-602.13
Unnecessary items or litter present on premises
Inspector notes: Unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment or items were observed in the back storage area. Establishments shall be kept free of unnecessary and/or non-functional equipment and litter to prevent harborage conditions. PIC informed.
6-501.114
90

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Sams Food Store last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Sams Food Store on file is from Jan 20, 2026. The public record contains two inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Sams Food Store?

Across the inspection record, warewashing facilities has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Sams Food Store.

How does Sams Food Store compare to other restaurants in Providence?

Sams Food Store most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Providence average of 80.

Has Sams Food Store's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Sams Food Store 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 Sams Food Store means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.