Potbelly Sandwich Shop

200 Terminal Rd, East Boston, MA 02128

American

Last inspected: May 1, 2026

Score

High Risk

Inspectors have visited Potbelly Sandwich Shop six times, with records going back to 2022. The latest inspection on file is from May 1, 2026. Diners may want to take note: high risk reflects issues that a health inspector considered important.

Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around six violations lately compared to roughly two violations before.

Looking across the full record, “cutting surfaces” is the recurring theme, flagged four times.

Compared to other East Boston restaurants (averaging 91), there's room to close the gap. There are enough flags in the record to merit a second thought.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

May 1, 2026

Routine

2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.

View 9 violations

(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)

Inspector notes: Observed cooked eggs patty and sausage patty 119F in the hot holding unit- PIC to reheated the the food itmes to 165F and up. train staff on monitoring temperature

590.003/3-501.16-P1

(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)

Inspector notes: Observed Cooked diced chicken cucumber pulled pork in the sandwich prep station unit with elevated temperature @ 45-50F. Discontinue and ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at below 41

590.003/3-501.16-P

(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)

Inspector notes: Interior of the sandwich reach in and 2 door unit observed visible soiled. Clean & sanitize to remove

590.004/4-601.11-PF

(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)

Inspector notes: Violations noted on the inspection report. PIC to train staff on violations noted on the inspection report

590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF

Cutting surfaces (c)

Inspector notes: Several cutting boards observed stained and heavily scored. Repalce/resurface

590.004/4-501.12-C

Wiping cloths use limitation (c)

Inspector notes: observed soiled wiping cloths on the counter/properly store all wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution at the required 200ppm( corrected on site)

590.003/3-304.14-C

Nonfood contact surfaces (c)

Inspector notes: Gasket of the far left sandwich station unit observed damaged. Repair

590.004/4-602.13-C

Controlling pests (c)

Inspector notes: Small amount of mice activity observed in storage room/warewashing room behing the freezer. Clean to remove/ Pest control service report was provided during the inspection with no catch no activity

590.006/6-501.111-C

Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)

Inspector notes: Front service area under cooler cooking equipment Dry storage room floor observed in need of cleaning due to visible loose debris./Clean to remove

590.006/6-201.11-C

Jun 2, 2025

Routine

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

View 4 violations

Manual and mechanical warewashing equipment chemical sanitization-temperature ph concentration and hardness (p)

Inspector notes: Three Bay Sink- Sanitizer dispenser at three bay sink not working. Repair to mantain 200-400ppm QUATs.

590.004/4-501.114-P

Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)

Inspector notes: Handsink at prep area without soap. provide.

590.006/6-301.11-PF

Hand drying provision (pf)

Inspector notes: Handsink at prep area without soap. provide.

590.006/6-301.12-PF

Wiping cloths use limitation (c)

Inspector notes: Wiping cloths stored soiled on counters. Store properly in sanitizer solution.

590.003/3-304.14-C

Jun 21, 2024

Routine

1 major violation. 3 minor violations.

View 4 violations

Cooling heating and holding capacities-equipment (pf)

Inspector notes: Refrigerating unit at serving line leaking water inside (within). Repair and clean properly.

590.004/4-301.11-PF

Cutting surfaces (c)

Inspector notes: Cutting board at serving line sandwich unit heavily scored. Resurface or replace.

590.004/4-501.12-C

System maintained in good repair (c)

Inspector notes: Prep sink at serving line leaking from the bottom. Repair. Refrigerating unit at serving line leaking water inside (within). Repair.

590.005/5-205.15-C

(a) certified food protection manager (c)

Inspector notes: CFPM certification expired no other CFPM certificate on site. Provide a current one.

590.002(C)/2-102.12-C

May 28, 2024

Routine

1 major violation. 3 minor violations.

View 4 violations

Cooling heating and holding capacities-equipment (pf)

Inspector notes: Refrigerating unit at serving line leaking water inside (within). Repair and clean properly.

590.004/4-301.11-PF

(a) certified food protection manager (c)

Inspector notes: CFPM certification expired no other CFPM certificate on site. Provide a current one.

590.002(C)/2-102.12-C

Cutting surfaces (c)

Inspector notes: Cutting board at serving line sandwich unit heavily scored. Resurface or replace.

590.004/4-501.12-C

System maintained in good repair (c)

Inspector notes: Prep sink at serving line leaking from the bottom. Repair.

590.005/5-205.15-C

Jan 9, 2023

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

System maintained in good repair (c)

Inspector notes: Hand sink in front leaking underneath / Repair

590.005/5-205.15-C

Jul 28, 2022

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Cutting surfaces (c)

Inspector notes: Cutting boards worn and heavily scored / Resurface or replace

590.004/4-501.12-C

Show all 6 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Potbelly Sandwich Shop last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Potbelly Sandwich Shop on file is from May 1, 2026. The public record contains six inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Potbelly Sandwich Shop?

Across the inspection record, “cutting surfaces” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Potbelly Sandwich Shop.

How does Potbelly Sandwich Shop compare to other restaurants in East Boston?

Potbelly Sandwich Shop most recently scored 47 out of 100, which is lower than the East Boston average of 91.

Has Potbelly Sandwich Shop's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Potbelly Sandwich Shop have averaged around six violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at Potbelly Sandwich Shop means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.

How often is Potbelly Sandwich Shop inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Potbelly Sandwich Shop is inspected around two times per year on average.

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