Tonys Colonial Food

311 Atwells Avenue, Providence, RI 02903

Grocery / Market

License: Cash Registers - 1-2

Last inspected: Dec 4, 2025

Score

Medium Risk

Across the available record, Tonys Colonial Food has three inspections on file, the first dated 2024. The newest entry in the record is dated Dec 4, 2025. 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 five.

Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage, & display accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing three times across the record.

Restaurants in Providence average 80, so Tonys Colonial Food trails the local norm. The record is unremarkable in either direction.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Dec 4, 2025

Routine

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

View 5 violations

Restricted-use pesticide applied improperly

Inspector notes: Restricted pesticide (home insect spray) was observed in basement.

7-206.11

Equipment or utensils not clean

Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the 4-door freezer gaskets have an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.

4-601.11(B)

Food storage containers not labeled with contents (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Working containers of liquid ingredients are not labeled with the common name of the food. Working containers holding food or food ingredients that are removed from their original packages, such as flour, herbs, salt, sugar, and spices must be labeled with the common name of the food. Staff began labeling containers during inspection.

3-302.12

Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination

Inspector notes: Can of tomatoes and soda were observed stored on the floor in the prep area; food buckets were observed on the floor of the walk-in. Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor.

3-305.11

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

Inspector notes: Utensils were observed stored in stagnant water between uses. PIC and inspector discussed best practices.

3-304.12

Nov 4, 2024

Re-Inspection

1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.

View 3 violations

Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated

Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (eggs) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (vegetables) in the walk-in refrigerator. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage.

3-302.11

Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination

Inspector notes: Containers of food were observed stored on the floor in the walk-in. Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor.

3-305.11

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: -gaskets on 4-door freezer -door tracks of deli cases.

4-602.13

Oct 31, 2024

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations. 2 corrected on site.

View 5 violations

Food not cooled to safe temperature within required time (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Vodka sauce, which was prepared in advance, was not cooled to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in 2 hours and then to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 4 hours. PIC disposed.

3-501.14

Improper cooling methods used

Inspector notes: Proper cooling methods were not used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods. Per interview of staff and PIC, vodka sauce was placed hot in the refrigerator in plastic containers greater than four inches deep. Proper cooling methods were discussed during inspection.

3-501.15

Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination

Inspector notes: Several containers of food were observed stored on the floor in the walk-in, containers of vegetables were observed on the floor in the kitchen (near walk-in). Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor.

3-305.11

Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment (corrected on site)

Inspector notes: Deli cases and walk-in were not in good repair as evidenced by ambient temperatures ranging 46-58 degrees. Foods requiring refrigeration were moved from deli case. Technician arrived during inspection. First deli case observed at 40 degrees at tend of inspection.

4-501.11

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: -slicers -gaskets on 4 door freezer -doors and tracks on deli cases.

4-602.13

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Tonys Colonial Food last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Tonys Colonial Food on file is from Dec 4, 2025. The public record contains three inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Tonys Colonial Food?

Across the inspection record, contamination prevented during food preparation, storage, & display has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Tonys Colonial Food.

How does Tonys Colonial Food compare to other restaurants in Providence?

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

Has Tonys Colonial Food's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Tonys Colonial Food have flagged more violations than earlier ones, ticking from about four per visit to around five more recently.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Tonys Colonial Food 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

Harrys Bar Burger

301 Atwells Ave

Score: 70 — Medium Risk

Bae Lounge

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Score: 74 — Medium Risk

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Score: 95 — Low Risk

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