Franco's Ristorante
Last inspected: Jul 17, 2025
95
Score
Going back to 2010, Franco's Ristorante has 19 inspections in the public record. The most recent report on file is from Jul 17, 2025. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near three violations per visit.
Across the inspection history, “approved thawing methods used” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded eight times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
19
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 17, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN THE REAR PREP KITCHEN IN FRONT OF HAND SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO CREATE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
95
May 16, 2024
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND THE COOKING/COOLING EQUIPMENT WITH FOOD AND DIRT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOOD HANDLERS ON SITE WITH NO FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HAVE EMPLOYEES OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN CURRENT FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CFM ON SITE WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
58
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HAND WASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SIGNAGE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE BASE OF THE 3-COMPARTMENT FAUCET IN THE REAR (ACROSS FROM THE DISH MACHINE). INSTRUCTED THE MANAGER TO FIX AND MAINTAIN LEAK.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE TRASH RECEPTACLE IN THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM WITH NO LID. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A TRASH RECEPTACLE WITH A LID AND MAINTAIN.
53
74
Nov 21, 2023
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ROLLING BINS OF BULK INGREDIENTS (FLOUR, BREADCRUMBS) NOT LABELED WITH COMMON NAME. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL BULK CONTAINERS OF INGREDIENTS NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME AND MAINTAINED.
37
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN'S RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL RESTROOMS FOR FEMALE USE MUST HAVE COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR SANITARY PRODUCTS.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER IN CORNERS OF KITCHEN AREA(CARDBOARD). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ALL CLUTTER AND MAINTAIN AREAS FOR THE PREVENTION OF PEST HARBORAGE.
55
86
Nov 14, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 10LBS OF GROUND PORK AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 63F. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL COLD HELD FOODS MUST BE MAINTAINED AT 41F AND BELOW AT ALL TIMES. PERSON IN CHARGE VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 10LBS OF GROUND PORK AT A COST OF $40. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLACK MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE ON INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE DRIPPING ONTO ICE STORED IN BIN BELOW (ICE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE AND DISCARD ICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
16
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD (PORK SAUSAGE) BEING THAWED AT ROOM TEMPERATURE ON RACK IN KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL THAWING MUST OCCUR UNDER REFRIDGERATION OR POTABLE COLD RUNNING WATER AT ALL TIMES.
35
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ROLLING BINS OF BULK INGREDIENTS (FLOUR, BREADCRUMBS) NOT LABELED WITH COMMON NAME. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL BULK CONTAINERS OF INGREDIENTS NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME AND MAINTAINED.
37
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN'S RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL RESTROOMS FOR FEMALE USE MUST HAVE COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR SANITARY PRODUCTS.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER IN CORNERS OF KITCHEN AREA(CARDBOARD). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ALL CLUTTER AND MAINTAIN AREAS FOR THE PREVENTION OF PEST HARBORAGE.
55
64
Feb 4, 2022
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: ALL WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE KEPT IN A CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: ALL CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF REPLACING WHERE WORN. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
47
90
Mar 4, 2020
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: LARGE BULK INGREDIENT CONTAINERS IN THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL THE BULK INGREDIENT CONTAINERS AND MAINTAIN.
37
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MOPS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO STORE HANGING UP TO PROPERLY DRY WHEN NOT IN USE.
55
90
Mar 12, 2019
Routine
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEAN UP PROCEDURE ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PIC THAT A VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEAN UP PROCEDURE MUST BE DOCUMENTED AND THE NECESSARY SUPPLIES ON HAND IN THE EVENT OF A VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PIC TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
3
82
Jan 17, 2018
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPLATTER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: SEPARATIOIN NEEDED BETWEEN CUSTOMER RESRTROOMS AND DISHWASHING AREA. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN
37
86
Feb 23, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR BOTTOM OF 3-DR REFRIGERATOR OF FOOD SPILLS IN REAR PREP AREA.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPLACE WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN REAR PREP AREA.
35
90
Mar 30, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: TOILET ROOM DOORS NOT SELF CLOSING; MUST INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICES FOR TOILET ROOM DOOR.
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND NO UTILITY SINK ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A UTILITY SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AND A BACKFLOW PREVENTOR DEVICE.
38
90
Jan 21, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO DRAIN BOARD NOR SHELF FOR CLEAN UTENSILS, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR SURFACES OF PREP COOLER AND SHELVES NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS IN POOR REPAIR BEHIND PREP COOLER IN FRONT KITCHEN AND BEHIND 2-COMP SINK IN REAR SIDE, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
35
86
Feb 18, 2014
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT AND SLICER ON REAR PREP TABLE. CAN OPENER ON REAR PREP TABLE RUSTY; CLEAN OR REPLACE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS AROUND, BEHIND AND UNDER KITCHEN AND STORAGE EQUIPMENT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN CEILING VENTS IN REAR PREP AREA, VENT ON WALL IN DISHWASHING AREA AND WHERE EVER NEEDED TO REMOVE DUST NOTED.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: REPLACE BULBS IN REAR PREP AREA WHERE NEEDED.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET NECK AT TWO COMP SINK IN DISHWASHING AREA.
38
78
Mar 26, 2013
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST SAND OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS IN PREP AREA WITH DEEP DARK GROOVES.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS/FREEZERS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS IN ALL CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND SINKS IN PREP AREA.
35
82
Apr 27, 2012
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CAN OPENER.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN FRONT OF DISH MACHINE.
34
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS IN ALL CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND HEAVY EQUIPMENT.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE END CAPS TO REAR PREP AREA.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAK NOTED AT THE CORNER UNDER THE DISH MACHINE, INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN IT.
38
78
Apr 19, 2011
Tag Removal
No violations found.
100
Apr 7, 2011
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage.OBSERVED THE SLICER NOT CLEAN INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE. ALSO CLEAN FRONT COOLER FAN GUARD COVERS.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.OBSERVED TWO CEILING TILES MISSING IN THE REAR KITCHEN INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: Cleaning equipment shall be properly stored away from food, utensils, equipment, and clean linens.OBSERVED UNUSED DISH MACHINE IN POOR REPAIR INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REMOVE. MACHINE TAGGED INSTRUCTED TO FAX LETTER TO REMOVE TAG 1-312-746-4240
41
86
Jun 18, 2010
Special Events (Festivals)
No violations found.
100
Jun 15, 2010
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FOLLOWING: INTERIOR CABINET OF DEEP FRYER, INTERIORS(SHELVES) OF COOLERS EXTERIORS OF COOKING EQUIPMENT AND HOOD ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN FRONT FOOD PREP AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASES, IN CORNERS AND BEHIND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT WHERE NEEDED.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPAIR WALLS WHERE CHIPPED SURFACES ARE PRESENT, CLEAN AND/OR PAINT WALLS & CEILING IN FOOD PREP AREAS IF NO LONGER EASILY CLEANABLE.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD AND END CAPS ON LIGHTS IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LARGE COOKING STOVE IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA IS NOT PROPERLY VENTED, THIS STOVE MUST HAVE A HOOD ABOVE IT THAT EXTENDS COMPLETELY OVER THIS UNIT OR IT MUST BE REMOVED.
38
78
Feb 25, 2010
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. MUST CLEAN THE FOLLOWING AND MAINTAIN: HOODED CANOPY ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE DUST, CLEAN BETWEEN STOVE AND GRILL, CLEAN BOTTOM CABINET OF DEEP FRYER.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT IN BOTH PREP AREAS. ALSO CLEAN IN AREA WHERE ICE MACHINE LOCATED.
34
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL SELF-CLOSING DEVICES TO WASHROOM DOORS.
37
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Franco's Ristorante last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Franco's Ristorante on file is from Jul 17, 2025. The public record contains 19 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Franco's Ristorante?
Across the inspection record, “approved thawing methods used” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Franco's Ristorante.
Has Franco's Ristorante's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Franco's Ristorante have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Franco's Ristorante 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 Franco's Ristorante inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Franco's Ristorante is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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