Grassroots
Last inspected: Oct 9, 2019
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Score
Across the available record, Grassroots has 15 inspections on file, the first dated 2011. The most recent report on file is from Oct 9, 2019. High risk indicates the latest inspection turned up problems worth knowing about. Grassroots's record stops at Oct 9, 2019, more than two years back, so current conditions may differ.
Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around six violations lately compared to roughly two violations before.
“Variance obtained for specialized processing methods” comes up most often, recorded seven times in the inspection record.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting Grassroots on the weaker side. Taken together, the history suggests a facility that has struggled with consistency.
15
Inspections
0
Critical latest
6
Major latest
11
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 9, 2019
Routine
6 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 17 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO WRITTEN CLEANING PROCEDURE OR REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR A VOMITING OR DIARRHEA EVENT. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VARIOUS PREPARED TCS, READY TO EAT FOODS, HELD LONGER THAN 24 HOURS IN NUMEROUS COOLERS WITHOUT PROPER DATE LABELING. REVIEWED ALL SUCH FOODS MUST BE DATE LABELED WITH AND EXPIRATION DATE NO LONGER THAN 7 DAYS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: MENU DOES NOT DISCLOSE AND INFORM CONSUMERS THE SPECIFIC MENU ITEMS THAT ARE RAW OR UNDER COOKED AND A POTENTIAL HAZARD OF CONSUMING SUCH FOOD. MUST DISCLOSE AND INFORM ALL SUCH FOODS ON BOTH THE DINNER AND BRUNCH MENUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Compliance with variance/specialized process/haccp
Inspector notes: ESTABLISHMENT PREPARES TCS FOODS, THEN BY USING REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING STORES THE FOODS FROZEN LONGER THAN 48 HOURS. THIS SPECIALIZED FOOD PROCESS MUST BE PROVIDED WITH A HACCP PLAN FOR THE PROCESS FOR REVIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
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Variance obtained for specialized processing methods
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A HACCP PLAN FOR ALL REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGED TCS FOODS HELD LONGER THAN 48 HOURS. SEE VIOLATION #29. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
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Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOODS AND SPICE CONTAINERS MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED WITH PRODUCT COMMON NAME.
37
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD HANDLERS WITH BEARDS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE BEARD RESTRAINTS.
40
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTED METAL RACK SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE CLEAN DISH STORAGE IN THE DISH WASHING AREA. MUST REMOVE ALL RUST AND MAINTAIN.-----OBSERVED POROUS, NON-FOOD GRADE CONCRETE BRICKS BEING USED INSIDE THE OVEN TO CONDUCT HEAT WHILE COOKING/HOLDING HOT FOODS. MUST REMOVE FROM THE PREMISES, USE FOOD GRADE COOKING EQUIPMENT ONLY.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION. SHELVING MUST PROVIDE ACCESSIBLE FLOORS FOR CLEANING AND MONITORING.---- MUST NOT USE RAW WOODEN BLOCKS AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR SHELVING IN THE LIQUOR STORAGE ROOM. MUST USE NON-POROUS MATERIAL FOR SHELVING LEGS.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE DUCT TAPE AS A MEANS OF REPAIR ON THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT: SPRAY NOZZLE OF THE DISH MACHINE SCRAPER SINK, DOOR OF THE ICE MACHINE, METAL PREP DRY RACK ON THE ONE COMPARTMENT PREP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL.
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Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRTY TABLE TOP CAN OPENER. INSTRUCTED MUST CLEAN AFTER EACH USE.
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Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRTY EXTERIOR OF ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE CLOTH TOWELS AS LINER FOR SHELVING.
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Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPANDING SPRAY FOAM USED AS SEALANT IN VARIOUS WALLS AND FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE ESTABLISHMENT. MUST REMOVE TO MAKE SEALED OPENING SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.----OBSERVED DIRTY, PEELING DUCT TAPE ON WALLS FOR SIGNAGE AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REMOVE.----OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES ABOVE THE REAR MOP SINK. MUST REPLACE.----OBSERVED BLACKENED, MOLDY WALL CAULKING AT THE DISH AREA THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPLACE.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING/CERTIFICATES FOR ALL FOOD HANDLER AND RE-NEW ANY EXPIRED CERTIFICATES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. MUST PROVIDE.
58
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Jan 19, 2018
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: BROKEN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE REACH-IN COOLER DOOR ACROSS FROM THE EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE KITCHEN,REPAIR/REPLACE. BROKEN CAULKING AROUND WASH BOWL OF THE EXPOSED HAND SINK BEHIND BAR.REMOVE DIRTY BROKEN CAULKING BETWEEN THE WALL AND THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE. REMOVE DUCT TAPE AT SIDE OF COFFEE COUNTER.DUCT TAPE IS PROHIBITED
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Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: ICE AND DEBRIS BUILD-UP INSIDE THE WHITE CHEST FREEZER,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.GREASE AND DEBRIS AT INTERIOR OF COOKING ALL COOKING EQUIPMENTS,CLEAN AND MAINTAIN REMOVE BLACK SLIME AROUND EXPOSED HAND SINK BEHIND BAR. DEBRIS UNDER ON COUNTER UNDER COFFEE UNIT CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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90
Oct 25, 2017
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 18, 2017
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 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 RODENT ACTIVITY ON SITE. OBSERVED APPROX. 30 DROPPINGS IN LIQUOR ROOM, APPROX. 20 DROPPINGS IN THE OLD EMPLOYEE RESTROOM (NEAR SODA COMPRESSOR), APPROX. 20 ALONG WALL UNDER SODA COMPRESSOR, APPROX. 15 IN OFFICE UNDER DESK, APPROX. 50 BEHIND AND UNDER SHORTEST DINING ROOM BOOTH, APPROX. 75 DROPPINGS BEHIND/UNDER LONGEST DINING ROOM BOOTH, AND APPROX. 30 DROPPINGS BEHIND/UNDER MIDDLE LENGTH DINING ROOM BOOTH. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, AND RECOMMENDED SERVICE BY LICENSED PEST CONTROL. SERIOUS VIOLATION: 7-38-020
18
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MUST STORE ALL CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS WITH HANDLE PRESENTED TO USER.
31
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES NEAR ENTRANCE TO COOK LINE AND ABOVE MOP SINK.
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86
Jun 13, 2017
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 6, 2017
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: FOUND MOUSE DROPPING AT PREMISES. OBSERVED ABOUT 50 MOUSE DROPPINGS AT PREMISES AT REAR STORAGE AREAS AND OFFICE AREAS. SERIOUS VIOLATION. 7-38-020. MUST NOTIFY PEST CONTROL OPERATOR.
18
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY. MUST STORE INVERTED.
31
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN THROUGHOUT KITCHEN AREAS. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
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86
Jul 13, 2016
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL AND DATE BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IN REAR PREP AREA.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS WITH DARK OPEN SEEMS MUST SENDED BLEACHED OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CRACKED FLOOR TILES AT THE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
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Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BASEBOARD ON WALL BEHIND DISHWASING AREA IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
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Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN REAR STORAGE ROOMS. MUST REMOVE CLEAN AND ORGANIZE AREAS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.MUST ELEVATE ITEMS 6INCHES OFF FLOOR FOR THE EASY OF CLEANING AND PEST MONITORING.
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78
Jun 8, 2016
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL AND DATE BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IN REAR PREP AREA.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS WITH DARK OPEN SEEMS MUST SENDED BLEACHED OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CRACKED FLOOR TILES AT THE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BASEBOARD ON WALL BEHIND DISHWASING AREA IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
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Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN REAR STORAGE ROOMS. MUST REMOVE CLEAN AND ORGANIZE AREAS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.MUST ELEVATE ITEMS 6INCHES OFF FLOOR FOR THE EASY OF CLEANING AND PEST MONITORING.
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78
Sep 15, 2015
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOOR PAINT CHIPPING/MISSING AT DISHWASH AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER SURFACE OF FLOOR MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN THROUGHOUT PREP/DISHWASH AREA.
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95
Sep 10, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: PREP AREA REACH IN COOLER (BY ESPRESSO MACHINE) NOT MAINTAINED, AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE BETWEEN 43.4 F AND 46.6 F. FOUND CHEESE, WHIP CREAM, ETC. HELD INSIDE COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER COOLER AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE MUST BE 40 F OR BELOW. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND THE FOLLOWING POTENTAILLY HAZARDOUS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES- CHEESES AT BETWEEN 45.6 F AND 45.8 F AND CREAMS AT 48.0 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 40 F OR BELOW IF HELD COLD. ALL OUT OF TEMPERATURE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS VOLUNTARILLY DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
3
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR AT PREP AND DISHWASH AREA ALONG WALLS/CORNERS ALSO OBSERVED FLOOR PAINT CHIPPING/MISSING AT DISHWASH AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER FLOOR MUST BE CLEAN THROUGHOUT ALSO SURFACE OF FLOOR MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN THROUGHOUT PREP/DISHWASH AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST/FOOD DEBRIS ON WALLS/CEILING THROUGHOUT PREP AND DISHWASH AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN WALLS/CEILING THROUGHOUT AND MAINTAIN.
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82
Dec 17, 2014
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST THE TWO-DOOR REACH-IN FREEZER TO REMOVE HEAVY FROST BUILDUP ON THE TOP WALL OF FREEZER AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FOUND THE LOWER COMPARTMENT OF THE DEEP FRYER SOILED WITH GREASE, FOOD DEBRIS AND DISCOLORATION ON THE RUBBER GASKETS OF THE 4-DOOR REACH-IN COOLER, LIQUID SPLATTER AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR OF THE PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE ABOVE MENTIONED AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: THE BASEBOARD SURROUNDING THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IS PEELING AWAY FROM THE WALL WITH FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP IN BETWEEN THE BASEBOARD AND WALL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE BUILDUP AND RE-ATTACH BASEBOARD TO PROVIDE A SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FOUND DUST BUILDUP ON THE CEILING TILES ABOVE THE PREP COOLER, LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE THE FOOD LINE, AND ALL CEILING VENTS IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DUST BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS FROM THE FLOOR DRAINS UNDER THE ICE MACHINE, DISH MACHINE, AND PREP COOLERS. DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN TO ALLOW PROPER DRAINAGE.
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78
Jan 29, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE CUTTING BOARDS ARE STAINED, SCRUB AND SANITIZE THE BOARDS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE COOLER INTERIORS ARE DIRTY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE COOLERS IN DETAIL.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: THE KITCHEN FLOORS ARE DIRTY AND THE PAINT IS PEELING UP ON THE HOT LINE FLOOR, CLEAN AND RESEAL THE FLOORS SO THEY ARE SMOOTH AND SANITARY.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: THE DISHROOM BASEBOARDS ARE OPEN AND THE PANELING IS LOOSE. THE CEILINGS HAVE WATER DAMAGED TILES IN THE DISHROOM. CLEAN AND REPAIR THE WALLS AND CEILINGS SO THEY ARE SMOOTH AND SANITARY.
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82
Apr 9, 2013
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FANS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER WITH DUST ACCUMULATION. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. REAR FOOD STORAGE SHELVING WITH FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN.
33
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN LIGHT SHIELD INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: VENTILATION FANS IN KITCHEN PREP AREA NEED DETAIL CLEANING. MUST REMOVE DUST AND GRASE BUILD-UP. FLOOR DRAINS UNDERNEATH DISHMACHINE WITH DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTHES STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLE IN KITCHEN. MUST PROPERLY STORE IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
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82
Oct 24, 2011
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 20, 2011
License
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: Adequate and convenient hand washing facilities shall be provided for all employees. MUST PROVIDE SOAP/HAND DRYING DEVICE AT KITCHEN EXPOSED HAND SINK.
12
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: All dish washing machines must be of a type that complies with all requirements of the plumbing section of the Municipal Code of Chicago and Rules and Regulation of the Board of Health. INTERIOR DISH MACHINE WITH BROWN SLIME SUBSTANCE. MUST CLEAN. ALSO, ONE OF THREE CYCLES TESTED NOT PROPERLY RINSING.
24
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MUST INSTALL SPLASH GUARD ON BOTH SIDES OF KITCHEN EXPOSED HAND SINK.
32
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. INTERIOR COOKS LINE COOLER WITH ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS ON UPPER LEDGE. MUST CLEAN/REMOVE.
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.WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES AT REAR EXIT AND REAR ONE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPLACE.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. VENTILATION IN BOTH CUSTOMER WASHROOMS NOT OPERATING. MUST REPAIR. HOLES IN WALLS IN EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST SEAL.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was Grassroots last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Grassroots on file is from Oct 9, 2019. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Grassroots?
Across the inspection record, “variance obtained for specialized processing methods” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Grassroots.
Has Grassroots' inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Grassroots 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 Grassroots 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.
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