Laugh Factory Chicago
Last inspected: Oct 26, 2023
95
Score
The health department has logged eight inspections at Laugh Factory Chicago, the earliest from 2012. On Oct 26, 2023, the health department conducted the most recent visit. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit. No fresh inspection data is available: the latest entry for Laugh Factory Chicago dates to Oct 26, 2023.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near four violations per visit.
“Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” comes up most often, recorded three times in the inspection record.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Laugh Factory Chicago is doing better than most peers. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 26, 2023
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 4-301.16 OBSERVED NO DUMP SINK AT THE 1ST-FLOOR BAR (ONLY A HAND SINK IS PROVIDED). MUST INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL SINK AT THIS BAR TO ACCOMMODATE DRINK DUMPING AND - OR RINSING.MUST PROVIDE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT SAID SINK
51
95
Oct 23, 2023
Reinspection
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Previous priority foundation violation corrected
Inspector notes: PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM8-31-2023,REPORT#2581066) #16) 4-601.11(A) WE OBSERVED ICE/FOOD NOT PROTECTED. INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE UPPER WATER RESERVOIR, ICE BIN, AND ALL ICE CONTACT SIDES AND INTERIOR OF THE MACHINE WITH EXCESSIVE BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE DRIPPING DOWN INTO THE ICE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE THROUGHOUT. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
59
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DUMP SINK AT THE 1ST-FLOOR BAR (ONLY A HAND SINK IS PROVIDED). MUST INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL SINK AT THIS BAR TO ACCOMMODATE DRINK DUMPING AND - OR RINSING.MUST PROVIDE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT SAID SINK
51
86
Aug 31, 2023
Complaint
5 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO ORIGINAL AND VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE WAS POSTED NOR PROVIDED ON SITE FOR THE PRESENT MANAGER ON DUTY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. AT LEAST ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE WHEN FOOD IS HANDLED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION: 7-38-012, CITATION ISSUED.
2
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING SYSTEM AND MAINTAIN VERIFIABLE DOCUMENTS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN AND KIT FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A PROCEDURE/PLAN AND TO MAINTAIN ANY APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
5
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: WE OBSERVED ICE/FOOD NOT PROTECTED. INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE UPPER WATER RESERVOIR, ICE BIN, AND ALL ICE CONTACT SIDES AND INTERIOR OF THE MACHINE WITH EXCESSIVE BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE DRIPPING DOWN INTO THE ICE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE THROUGHOUT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
16
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: THE BRICK WALL INSIDE THE LAST STALL OF THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM ON THE FIRST FLOOR IS NOT CLEAN. HOLES AND CRIVESES.REPAIR ISSUE. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE, AND NON-ABSORBENT MATERIAL
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: EXCESS BLACK SLIME AND WATER ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE BAR COUNTER ON THE FIRST FLOOR.CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
55
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DUMP SINK AT 1ST FLOOR BAR (ONLY A HAND SINK IS PROVIDED). MUST INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL SINK AT THIS BAR TO ACCOMMODATE DRINK DUMPING AND-OR RINSING.MUST PROVIDE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT SAID SINK
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE WASHROOM BY THE BAR AREA USED FOR STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FIXTURES: TOILET AND HANDWASHING SINK, ALSO MUST CAP ALL PIPING, OR RELOCATE ITEMS
51
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: DRAIN HOSES ATTACHED TO POP GUNS DISPENSERS AT BAR AREA DRAINING ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO RE-ROUTE IT TO A FLOOR DRAIN
52
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: COVERED IS REQUIRED AT RECEPTACLES INSIDE THE WOMEN'S AND GENDER WASHROOMS.
53
45
Dec 19, 2017
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATES POSTED. INSTRUCTED THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE HANDLED, AND ORIGINAL CERTIFICATES MUST BE POSTED IN PUBLIC VIEW AT ALL TIMES. SERIOUS VIOLATION: 7-38-012
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE MISSING DRAIN LINE FROM RIGHT SODA GUN DRIP TRAY.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN MINERAL DEPOSITS AND DARKISH STAINS FROM UPPER COMPARTMENT OF ICE MACHINE.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN WOMEN'S 1ST FLOOR RESTROOM AND 2ND FLOOR HALLWAY.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DUMP SINK AT 1ST FLOOR BAR (ONLY A HAND SINK IS PROVIDED). MUST INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL SINK AT THIS BAR TO ACCOMMODATE DRINK DUMPING AND/OR RINSING. OBSERVED A COFFEE MAKER IN SIDE SERVER'S ROOM BUT NO HAND SINK. MUST PROVIDE A HANDSINK, WITH HOT AND COLD WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE TO SERVE THIS FOOD HANDLING AREA. ALTERNATIVELY, OPERATOR MAY RELOCATE COFFEE PREP TO AN AREA SERVED BY A HANDSINK.
38
78
Sep 24, 2014
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE BOTTOM SHELF OF THE REFRIGERATOR AND THE GASKETS TO REMOME FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP.
33
95
Oct 24, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK NOT CLEAN.
32
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: FOUND BROKEN THERMOMETER INSIDE REACH IN COOLER.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND CLUTTER AT MAIN KITCHEN. MUST BE DECLUTTERED.
41
86
Feb 21, 2012
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units. MUST PROVIDE A METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR TAKING FOOD TEMPERATURES.
40
95
Feb 16, 2012
License
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous food shall have adequate refrigerated food storage facilities. MUST TURN ON PREP COOLER AND FREEZER AND MAINTAIN COOLER BELOW 40F AND FREEZER BELOW 0F. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
2
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: LOW TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE IS NOT INSTALLED AT THIS TIME. MUST MAINTAIN CHEMICAL SANITIZER LEVEL AT 100PPM CHLORINE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
8
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 PAPER TOWELS AND SOAP AT THE HANDSINK IN THE KITCHEN AND AT THE BAR HANDSINK AND ALL RESTROOMS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
12
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK PROVIDED ONSITE. MUST PROVIDE A PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK FROM A LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY OR A SIGNED CONTRACT FROM A LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: The area outside of the establishment used for the storage of garbage shall be clean at all times and shall not constitute a nuisance. OBSERVED LID FOR GARBAGE DUMPSTER UNABLE TO BE CLOSED DUE TO A LARGE CABINET PLACED IN THE DUMPSTER. MUST KEEP GARBAGE LID CLOSED AND HAVE ADEQUATE PICKUP SO THAT GARBAGE IS NOT OVERFLOWING ABOVE THE TOP OF THE DUMPSTER. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
19
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served. NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED ON PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD IS BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
21
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 PROVIDE ICE BIN COVERS FOR THE BAR ICE BINS.
32
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. OBSERVED WATER LEAKING FROM THE MIDDLE AND RIGHT COMPARTMENTS OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units. MUST PROVIDE A METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR TAKING FOOD TEMPERATURES.
40
64
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Laugh Factory Chicago last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Laugh Factory Chicago on file is from Oct 26, 2023. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Laugh Factory Chicago?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Laugh Factory Chicago.
Has Laugh Factory Chicago's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Laugh Factory Chicago have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Laugh Factory Chicago means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
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