Shake Shack

249 Thayer St, Providence, RI 02906

American

License: Seats - 50 or More

Last inspected: Mar 31, 2026

Score

Medium Risk

Shake Shack appears in inspection records three times, starting in 2024. The newest entry in the record is dated Mar 31, 2026. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.

Things have moved in the wrong direction: violation counts went from four to eight.

Physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing four times across the record.

By comparison, the average Providence facility scores 80, putting Shake Shack on the weaker side. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Mar 31, 2026

Routine

1 critical violation. 7 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.

View 8 violations

Hot or cold food held at improper temperature

Inspector notes: Cut tomatoes, lettuce, and slaw (held overnight in the prep unit) observed at 46-60 degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling.

3-501.16(A)

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(A)

Thermometers provided & accurate (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Thermometers are lacking in the prep unit refrigeration unit. Cold holding equipment used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods must have at least one thermometer that is located to allow easy viewing of the temperature display.

4-204-112

Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the following have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris: counter along Thayer Street behind equipment cold hold unit beneath flattop grill prep unit.

4-602.13

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The walls have an accumulation of old tape and adhesive residue. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.

6-501.12

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The stairs and floors, especially in the basement, and basement freezer walk in have an accumulation of soil residue and/or 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: One light beneath the hood was nonfunctional during inspection. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.

6-501.11

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The fan covers in the walk in cooler have an accumulation of dust and debris. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.

6-501.12

Nov 6, 2024

Re-Inspection

1 major violation.

View 1 violation

Equipment or utensils not clean

Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of the ice machine were observed with an accumulation of black residue. 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.

4-601.11(A)

Oct 30, 2024

Environmental Complaint

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

View 7 violations

Backflow prevention air gap not adequate

Inspector notes: The pre-flush spray hose at the 3 bay sink is hanging below the flood rim. A plumbing system shall be installed to prevent backflow of a liquid or gas contaminant into the water supply by providing an air gap or installing an approved backflow prevention device.

5-202.13

Hot or cold food held at improper temperature (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Hot dogs and cheese observed held at 54-56 degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. Disposed.

3-501.16(A)

Equipment or utensils not clean (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (ice machine) were observed with an accumulation of biofilm and soil residue. 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.

4-601.11(A)

Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the cold hold unit beneath flattop grill have an accumulation of food residue, and other debris.

4-602.13

Sewage & waste water properly disposed

Inspector notes: Water from the soda machine at the soda syrup rack observed dripping into the trash can next to the hand wash sink.

5-403.12

Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency

Inspector notes: The walk in fan cover has an accumulation of 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 water faucet in the toilet room is in poor repair, unable to be turned off completely, with a puddle of water observed on the floor. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.

6-501.11

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Shake Shack last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Shake Shack on file is from Mar 31, 2026. The public record contains three inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Shake Shack?

Across the inspection record, physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Shake Shack.

How does Shake Shack compare to other restaurants in Providence?

Shake Shack most recently scored 61 out of 100, which is lower than the Providence average of 80.

Has Shake Shack's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Shake Shack have flagged more violations than earlier ones, ticking from about four per visit to around eight more recently.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Shake Shack 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

Den Den Korean Fried Chicken

182 Angell St

Score: 90 — Low Risk

Chipotle Mexican Grill

235 Thayer Street

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Moka and Co

190 Angell Street

Score: 100 — Low Risk

Explore More

→ All locations in Providence → American restaurants in Rhode Island → American restaurants in Providence