Papa John's Pizza
Last inspected: Dec 5, 2025
95
Score
Across the available record, Papa John's Pizza has 15 inspections on file, the first dated 2010. The latest inspection on file is from Dec 5, 2025. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around three violations each.
Looking across the full record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” is the recurring theme, flagged seven times.
That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Chicago restaurant scores 81. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
15
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 5, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLER IN THE FOOD PREP AREA WITH A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN WHILE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
40
95
Aug 16, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: REPAIR THE WALL NEXT TO THE HAND WASHING SINK IN THE WASHROOM.
55
95
Nov 17, 2022
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE PREPARING FOOD WITHOUT A HAIR RESTRAINT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE PREPARING FOOD.
40
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: FOUND NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE INSIDE THE UNISEX WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED NEAR THE UTILITY SINK. MUST REMOVE ALL ITEMS THAT ARE UNNECESSARY TO THE OPERATION, DETAIL CLEAN AREA, AND RE-ORGANIZE ALL REMAINING ARTICLES.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STANDING WATER AND DIRT ON THE FLOOR INSIDE THE TOILET ROOM. MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOOR INSIDE THE WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED BASE COVING TILES DAMAGED/MISSING BENEATH THE DISH AREA HANDWASHING SINK. MUST REPAIR BASE COVING AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY DUST BUILD UP ON THE VENTILATION FAN COVER INSIDE THE UNISEX WASHROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
74
Dec 2, 2019
Complaint
No violations found.
100
May 30, 2019
Routine
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES ON THE PREMISES TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BOTH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
82
Jun 16, 2017
Reinspection
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED INTERIOR DOOR PANEL ON WALK IN COOLER
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DUST FROM WALK IN COOLER FAN GUARDS
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT AND IN WALK IN COOLER
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE THRESHOLD ON REAR DOOR,MISSING WALL BASES AT SERVICE COUNTER.MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FILTERS AT HOOD.
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE A COMPLETE SEPERATION OF LIVING AND SLEEPING QUARTERS FROM FOOD PREP AREA IN REAR PREP AREA(COUCH,TOYS,GAMES,BOXING EQUIPMENT)ETC.MUST REMOVE ARTICLES AND MAINTAIN
37
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION
43
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS ARE NOT MET.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.
45
70
Jun 9, 2017
Routine
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION FROM REPORT #1948356 7/28/16 NOT CORRECTED #32-OBSERVED REAR TOILET NOT MAINTAINED WATER KEEPS RUNNING INTO TOILET AND IS NOW BEING SHUT OFF BY HAND AT SHUT OFF VALVE TO KEEP TOILET FROM RUNNING AND FLUSHING AT THIS TIME.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE TOILET AND MAINTAIN.(SERIOUS 7-42-090)
29
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED INTERIOR DOOR PANEL ON WALK IN COOLER.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DUST FROM WALK IN COOLER FAN GUARDS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT AND IN WALK IN COOLER.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE THRESHOLD ON REAR DOOR,MISSING WALL BASES AT SERVICE COUNTER.MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FILTERS AT HOOD
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A COMPLETE SEPERATION OF LIVING AND SLEEPING QUARTERS FROM FOOD PREP AREA IN REAR PREP AREA(COUCH,TOYS,GAMES,BOXING EQUIPMENT)ETC.MUST REMOVE ARTICLES AND MAINTAIN.
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPE AT HAND SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA.
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION.
43
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS ARE NOT MET.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.
45
64
Jul 28, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REAR TOILET NOT MAINTAINED, WATER KEEPS RUNNING INTO TOILET, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE REAR CUTTING BOARD, AND #10 CAN OPENER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER UNDER STORAGE SHELVES NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE REAR CEILING VENT DUSTY, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
35
82
Oct 2, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND LARGE SOFA AND WORKOUT EQUIPMENT AT REAR OF PREMISES. MUST REMOVE. FOUND MOPS AND BROOMS NOT STORED APPROPRIATELY.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER AT PREMISES WITH NO FOODHANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE.
45
90
Sep 18, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Cooler shelving/racks that had peeling paint/rust, shall be repaired/replaced.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Non food contact surfaces of cooler shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices). prep table lower shelving not clean, needs detailed cleaning(crevices).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors under 3 compartment sink, rear storage areas not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Walls in kitchen front prep area not clean, need cleaning(detailed).
35
82
Sep 4, 2012
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Front counter not properly designed. Instructed to extend front counter or install door to prevent any possible customer contamination.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Can opener and slicer not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize after each use.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Ventilation covers in rear not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean.
35
86
Aug 27, 2012
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: Dish washing facilities not maintained or operated. While running and draining water in right side of three compartment sink, water coming up left amd middle of sink with food debris and foul smell. Instructed to detail clean drainline and grease trap to prevent inadequate disposable of waste water. Serious citation issued 7-38-030.
24
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Front counter not properly designed. Instructed to extend front counter or install door to prevent any possible customer contamination.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Can opener and slicer not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize after each use.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Ventilation covers in rear not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean.
35
82
Dec 7, 2011
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Nov 30, 2011
Routine
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. FOUND NO SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICE OR PAPER TOWEL AT ALL HAND SINK (2 EXPOSED HAND SINK, TOILET ROOM HAND SINK) ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MUST BE CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO ALL EMPLOYEE. (MANAGER PROVIDED PAPER TOWEL) CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030.
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. FOUND DISH WASHING FACILITIES (3 COMPARTMENT SINK) NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED. NOTED WASTE WATER BACKING UP FROM 1ST COMPARTMENT AND 3RD COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO FIX. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030
24
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED KNIFE STORED HANGING IN BETWEEN DRAIN RACKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD GRADE KNIFE RACK FOR PROPER KNIFE STORAGE.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE WORKING DRAIN STOPPERS AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED BEHIND/NEXT TO HOT WATER TANK TO PREVENT RODENT AND INSECT HARBORAGE.
41
74
Sep 28, 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. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF PIZZA PREP COOLER DOOR (TOP PART) AND HINGES WITH FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN REAR STORAGE AREA (BY HOT WATER TANK) ESPECIALLY UNDER SHELVES.
34
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. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE SMALL PREP COOLER.
40
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Papa John's Pizza last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Papa John's Pizza on file is from Dec 5, 2025. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Papa John's Pizza?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Papa John's Pizza.
Has Papa John's Pizza's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Papa John's Pizza have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Papa John's Pizza 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 Papa John's Pizza inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Papa John's Pizza is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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