Brown Sugar Bakery & Cafe
Last inspected: Aug 12, 2024
78
Score
The health department has logged seven inspections at Brown Sugar Bakery & Cafe, the earliest from 2015. Brown Sugar Bakery & Cafe was last inspected on Aug 12, 2024. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around nine violations to closer to six violations per visit over the last few inspections.
“Thermometers provided & accurate” comes up most often, recorded five times in the inspection record.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
7
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 12, 2024
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: TWO BURNER AND COOKING EQUIPMENT IS NOT COMPLETELY UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PLACE ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS ON SITE WITH NO FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE.
57
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION(MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM OF THE SANITIZER USED) WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE TRASH RECEPTACLES IN THE TOILET ROOMS WITH NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIDS TO THE TRASH RECEPTACLES AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND THE FLOOR TILES IN THE FOOD PREP AND STORAGE AREAS DAMAGED/MISSING. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL BROKEN/DAMAGED FLOOR TILES AND MAINTAIN. -DAMAGED WALLS, CEILING AND CEILING TILES IN THE FOOD PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN ALL WALLS AND CEILING.
55
78
Nov 7, 2019
Complaint
3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR EMPLOYYE HEALTH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE WITH ALL THE NECESSARY ITEMS IN POLICY INCLUDING DISPOSABLE GLOVES, FACE MASK, DISPOSABLE MOP AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER TO KILL THE NOROVIRUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION.
5
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: PIC ON DUTY HAS NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED PIC MUST PROVIDE A VAILD CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. BAKERY PREPARING ( TCS FOODS) CHEESECAKES, BANANA PUDDINGS)PRIORITY FOUNDATION ISSUED 7-38-012.
2
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO METAL STEM FOOD TEMPERATURE THERMOMETER DEVICE. MUST PROVIDE.
36
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING THERMOMETERS INSIDE4 COOLERS CAKE DECORATING ROOM, FRONT COOLERS BEHIND COUNTER AND CHEESECAKE COOLER IN STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
36
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREPACKAGED COOKIES TO GO ON FRONT COUNTER FOR CUSTOMERS NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LABELS WITH NAME AND ADDRESS OF BUSINESS WITH INGREDIENTS, AND WEIGHT OF COOKIES.
37
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: UNABLE TO LOCATE BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE ON WATER LINE OF ICE MACHINE. MUST BE LOCATED TO BE SEVICED AND MAINTAINED.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OB SERVED 5 SOILED, DAMAGED AND MISSING CEILING TILES IN MAIN KITCHEN STORAGE AREA AND 4 IN CAKE DECORATING PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE.
55
58
Apr 2, 2018
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR/REPLACE LOOSE GASKET ON TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER NEAR WALK-IN COOLER IN WEST STORAGE AREA.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: SEAL ALL OPENINGS IN WALL BEHIND REACH-IN FREEZER, ALONG BASEBOARDS NEAR REAR WEST DOOR. REPAIR CEILING IN WEST WASHROOM AND STORAGE AREAS. REPAIR CEILING ABOVE REAR EAST DOOR. SEAL ALL OPENINGS IN WALLS AND CEILINGS IN ALL AREAS.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: ELEVATE ALL STOCK AND BULK CONTAINERS OFF FLOOR IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
45
82
Mar 20, 2018
Complaint
11 minor violations.
View 11 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 10 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR IN EAST FURNACE ROOM AND 10 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR IN WEST FURNACE ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AND EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN SANITIZE ALL AREAS. REAR DOOR(EAST) NOT RODENT PROOFED, 1" GAP ON BOTTOM OF DOOR. SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOOR TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
18
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2129227 ON 12-14-17: 32-OBSERVED LOOSE RUBBER GASKETS AT THE TWO DOOR FREEZER IN THE DECORATING AREA OF THE BAKERY. REPLACE/REPAIR GASKETS AT THE TWO DOOR FREEZER. 34-OBSERVED CRACKED/DAMAGED FLOOR TILE IN THE COOKING AREA OF THE BAKERY UNDERNEATH AND BEHIND THE LARGE FLOOR MIXERS ALSO UNDER THE FLOOR MAT IN FRONT OF THE THREE COMP SINK, MUST REPLACE/REPAIR ALL DAMAGED FLOOR TILE. 35-FOUND PEELING PAINT ON THE WALL IN THE HALLWAY BETWEEN THE STORAGE AREA AND THE DECORATION AREA. REPAINT WALL.OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE BAKERY, REPLACE TILE. OBSERVED PEELING AND CRACKED PAINT IN THE STORAGE ROOM ON THE STORAGE SIDE OF THE BAKERY, REMOVE AND REPAINT WHERE NEEDED AND PROVIDE MISSING CEILING TILE WHERE NEEDED IN THAT ROOM AS WELL. 37-ALL WASHROOM DOORS MUST BE SELF-CLOSING. PROVIDE SELF-CLOSING DEVICES FOR ALL WASHROOM DOORS. 38-A BACK FLOW DEVICE IS NEEDED AT THE NEWLY INSTALLED UTILITY SINK IN THE REAR AREA OF THE DECORATING SECTION, INSTALL BACK FLOW PREVENTER TO THIS UTILITY SINK. 41-MUST ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN ALL STORAGE CLOSETS. REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO AVOID CLUTTER FROM ALL CLOSETS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090
29
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR/REPLACE LOOSE GASKET ON TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER NEAR WALK-IN COOLER IN WEST STORAGE AREA. SEAL/PAINT RAW WOOD SURFACES ABOVE PREP TABLE IN MIDDLE PREP AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS, FREEZERS, PREP TABLES, MIXERS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN FURNACE ROOMS, PREP, STORAGE, AND WASHROOM AREAS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: SEAL ALL OPENINGS AROUND WINDOW IN WASHROOM, IN WALL BEHIND REACH-IN FREEZER, ALONG BASEBOARDS NEAR REAR WEST DOOR. REPAIR CEILING IN WEST WASHROOM AND STORAGE AREAS. REPAIR CEILING ABOVE REAR EAST DOOR. SEAL ALL OPENINGS IN WALLS AND CEILINGS IN ALL AREAS.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: PROVIDE MECHANICAL VENTILATION OR OPEN WINDOW IN WASHROOMS.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: PROVIDE THERMOMETERS IN ALL COOLERS.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: ELEVATE ALL STOCK AND BULK CONTAINERS OFF FLOOR IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
45
58
Dec 14, 2017
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOOSE RUBBER GASKETS AT THE TWO DOOR FREEZER IN THE DECORATING AREA OF THE BAKERY; REPLACE/REPAIR GASKETS AT THE TWO DOOR FREEZER.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CRACKED/DAMAGED FLOOR TILE IN THE COOKING AREA OF THE BAKERY UNDERNEATH AND BEHIND THE LARGE FLOOR MIXERS. ALSO UNDER THE FLOOR MAT IN FRONT OF THE THREE COMP SINK; MUST REPLACE/REPAIR ALL DAMAGED FLOOR TILE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FOUND PEELING PAINT ON THE WALL IN THE HALLWAY BETWEEN THE STORAGE AREA AND THE DECORATING AREA; REPAINT WALL. OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILE IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE BAKERY; REPLACE TILE. OBSERVED PEELING AND CRACKED PAINT IN THE STORAGE ROOM ON THE STORAGE SIDE OF THE BAKERY; REMOVE AND REPAINT WHERE NEEDED AND PROVIDE MISSING CEILING TILE WHERE NEEDED IN THAT ROOM AS WELL.
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: ALL WASHROOM DOORS MUST BE SELF CLOSING; PROVIDE SELF CLOSING DEVICES FOR ALL WASHROOM DOORS.
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND ONE TOILET IN THE WASHROOM ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE BAKERY INOPERABLE; MUST REPAIR TOILET. FOUND NO COLD RUNNING WATER IN THE WASHROOM AT THE HAND SINK ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE BAKERY; RESTORE COLD RUNNING WATER THE THE HAND SINK. A BACK FLOW DEVICE IS NEEDED AT THE NEWLY INSTALLED UTILITY SINK IN THE REAR AREA OF THE DECORATING SECTION; INSTALL A BACK FLOW PREVENTER TO THIS UTILITY SINK.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN ALL STORAGE CLOSETS; REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO AVOID CLUTTER FROM ALL CLOSETS.
41
74
Mar 12, 2015
Reinspection
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST LABEL AND DATE ALL COOKED CAKES IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 3- DOOR REACH IN COOLER,FRONT SERVICE COUNTER LOWER SHELF OF VANITY IN POOR REPAIR,BROKEN DOOR HANDLE ON REACH IN FREEZER.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM PREP TABLES AND SHELVING UNITS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST DEFROST REACH IN FREEZER.MUST CLEAN ALL WALK IN COOLER AND FREEZER SHELVING UNITS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN FLOOR TILES ,LOOSE FLOOR TRIM UNDER COOLER
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON WALLS THROUGHOUT.MUST PROVIDE A ACCESS PANEL IN REAR TOILET ROOM.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES,LOOSE WALL BASES.MUST SEAL ALL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES AND WIRES LEADING INTO WALLS AND CEILINGS.MUST CLEAN WALLS.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE LIGHTS AND LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA AND WALK IN COOLER AND SHATTER PROOF BULBS AT SERVICE COUNTER.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE A BACK FLOW DEVICE ON MOP SINK,VENTILATION IN TOILET ROOMS.MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR BROKEN TOILET TANK LID,LEAKY FAUCET AT HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST ELEVATE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS THROUGHOUT PREMISES
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS NOT MET
45
64
Mar 5, 2015
License
11 minor violations.
View 11 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF NUMEROUS RODENT DROPPINGS SCATTERED IN VARIOUS AREAS SUCH AS IN BOTH FURNANCE ROOMS,REAR STORAGE CLOSET AREA,WINDOW SILL NEAR REAR DOOR,FRONT SERVICE DISPLAY UNIT,REAR STORAGE AREA,LEDGE OF OVEN.ALSO RODENT POISON ON FLOOR UNDER VANITY AT FRONT SERVICE HAND SINK.ALSO REAR NORTH EAST DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS,CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS.RODENT PROOF DOORS.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 3/5/15.(SERIOUS 7-38-020).
18
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VALID CERTIFIED FOOD MANGERS CERTIFICATE POSTED TO VIEW ONLY A PHOTO COPY PRESENTED.WHILE READY TO EAT FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH A (CAKES,CUP CAKES,ETC).MUST PROVIDE AND POST .(SERIOUS 7-38-012)
21
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL AND DATE ALL COOKED CAKES IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 3- DOOR REACH IN COOLER,FRONT SERVICE COUNTER LOWER SHELF OF VANITY IN POOR REPAIR,BROKEN DOOR HANDLE ON REACH IN FREEZER.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM PREP TABLES AND SHELVING UNITS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DEFROST REACH IN FREEZER.MUST CLEAN ALL WALK IN COOLER AND FREEZER SHELVING UNITS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN FLOOR TILES ,LOOSE FLOOR TRIM UNDER COOLER.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON WALLS THROUGHOUT.MUST PROVIDE A ACCESS PANEL IN REAR TOILET ROOM.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES,LOOSE WALL BASES.MUST SEAL ALL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES AND WIRES LEADING INTO WALLS AND CEILINGS.MUST CLEAN WALLS.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE LIGHTS AND LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA AND WALK IN COOLER AND SHATTER PROOF BULBS AT SERVICE COUNTER.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A BACK FLOW DEVICE ON MOP SINK,VENTILATION IN TOILET ROOMS.MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR BROKEN TOILET TANK LID,LEAKY FAUCET AT HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS THROUGHOUT PREMISES
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS NOT MET.
45
58
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Brown Sugar Bakery & Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Brown Sugar Bakery & Cafe on file is from Aug 12, 2024. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Brown Sugar Bakery & Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “thermometers provided & accurate” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Brown Sugar Bakery & Cafe.
Has Brown Sugar Bakery & Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Brown Sugar Bakery & Cafe have averaged around six violations per visit, down from roughly nine earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Brown Sugar Bakery & Cafe means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Brown Sugar Bakery & Cafe inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Brown Sugar Bakery & Cafe is inspected about once every two years on average.
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