Papa John's Pizza
Last inspected: Apr 22, 2025
70
Score
Papa John's Pizza has been inspected 17 times since 2012. The most recent report on file is from Apr 22, 2025. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near four violations per visit across recent inspections.
When inspectors have written things up, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been the most frequent reason, cited five times.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting Papa John's Pizza on the weaker side. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
17
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 22, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE WHILE FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED FOR CUSTOMERS, PIZZA, WINGS ETC. INSTRUCTED THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE FACILITY IS OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATIONS 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING.
1
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE LOWER CORNER OF THE WALL TILE NEAR THE RED COMPUTER TABLE AND LEFT BOTTOM OF THE WALL THAT LEADS TO THE BASEMENT DAMANGED. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF MAKING AREAS EASY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINL FAUCET. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE WALL COVERING AT THE TOP OF THE WALK IN COOLING UNIT LOOSE AND GAP AT THE CEILING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT ACTIVITY.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF DIRT, DEBRIS AND STANDING WATER AROUND THE GREASE TRAP LOCATED UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
70
Sep 30, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE WHILE FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED FOR CUSTOMERS, PIZZA, WINGS ETC. INSTRUCTED THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE FACILITY IS OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATIONS 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A HEAVY BUILD UP OF DIRT, DEBRIS AND STANDING WATER AROUND AND BEHIND THE GREASE TRAP LOCATED AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. ALSO OBSERVED A HEAVY BUILD UP OF DIRT, FLOUR AND OTHER DEBRIS UNDER AND AROUND THE COOKING AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FOOD PREP AND SERVICE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
55
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING.
1
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ABOUT A 1/4 INCH GAP UNDER REAR EXIT DOOR. PEST CONTROL SERVICE NOTED THE SAME FINDING. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL GAP UNDER REAR DOOR AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECTS FROM ENTERING FACILITY.
38
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN THE EMPLOYEES RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A HOLE IN THE WALL LEFT OF THE ONE COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL HOLE IN WALL AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT ENTERING.
55
70
Nov 8, 2022
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT FROM 9/13/21 INSPECTION #2531283 NOT POSTED IN PLAIN VIEW OF ESTABLISHMENT FOR CUSTOMERS. INSTRUCTED THAT THE MOST CURRENT INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT MUST BE POSTED AND VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS ALL TIMES. MANAGER POSTED INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT FROM TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
61
90
Sep 13, 2021
Suspected Food Poisoning
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: MISSING THERMOMETER IN 2 PREP COOLERS, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
36
95
Apr 15, 2020
Routine
5 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT FROM 2/20/15 INSPECTION#1523125 NOT POSTED AT THE PLAIN VIEW OF ESTABLISHMENT CUSTOMERS. INSTRUCTED THAT THE MOST CURRENT INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT MUST BE POSTED AND VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS ALL TIMES. MANAGER POSTED INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT FROM TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010(B) NO CITATION ISSUED.
61
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (SAUSAGE PIZZA CHICKEN SANDWICHES SALADS ETC.) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. NOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED.INSTRUCTED ABOVE THAT CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER HAS TO BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.
2
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7.38.010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE FOR EMPLOYEE TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE WITH THE NECESSARY ITEMS GLOVES, MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND SOAP AT THE REAR EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA.MANAGER PROVIDED SOAP DURING INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE HAND SOAP AT THE HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C)
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: STOPPERS NEEDED AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP/DIH AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. -
53
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS IN EMPLOYEE WASHROOMS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
52
May 28, 2019
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (SAUSAGE PIZZA) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.
2
90
Apr 30, 2018
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Observed no splash guard on left of exposed, next to 1 comp sink. Instructed manager to install splash guard to prevent possible contamination. Maintain at all times.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Observed food and debris on exterior surface of front exposed hand sink. Instructed manager to detail clean and maintain at all times.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Observed raw exposed dry wall and missing coving along floor and wall junction, located on west hall way corner wall junction, leading to employee restrooms. Instructed manager to repair and maintain at all times.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Noted foul odor coming from grease trap in dish washing area. Instructed manager to service/clean grease trap. Maintain at all times.
38
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: Food handler requirements not met. Observed food handler washing dishes at time of inspection without food handler card. Food handler has worked for store for 5 years. Instructed of the IDPH requirements: any food handler working in the city of Chicago, unless that person has a valid food service sanitation manager certificate is required to meet the food handler training requirement. If someone working in a facility that is not a food handler on a regular basis, but fills in as a food handler when needed, they too must have food handler training.
45
78
Jan 12, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE WALLS.MUST REMOVE PIZZAS SAUCE STAINS AND SPLASHES FROM THE WALL AT THE PIZZA SAUCE PREP STATION AREA ABOVE AND AROUND COUNTER TOP SPACE.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A 3RD SINK STOPPER FOR THE 3-COMP SINK. AT THIS TIME ONLY FOUND 2 WORKING SINK STOPPERS.
38
90
Mar 21, 2016
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN FAN COVERS AND SHELVINGS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CIGARETTE BUTTS AT TOP OF STAIRS LEADING TO BASEMENT AND REPAIR LOOSE COVING AT LEFT ENTRANCE CORNER OF WALK-IN-COOLER AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REMOVE DUSTS ACCUMULATIONS AT CEILING INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER AND MAINTAIN TO SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES ALSO,CEILING VENTILATION COVER INSIDE TOILET ROOM MUST REMOVE DUST BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REMOVE CLUTTERED CONDITIONS INSIDE THE ELECTRICAL ROOM AND DETAIL CLEAN BASEMENT AREA AND MAINTAIN.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEE ON SITE WITH NO FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL EMPLOYEES MUST HAVE THE FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
45
78
Nov 20, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS ALONG CORNER WALL BASE BY THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED SLOW WATER DRAIN AT THE REAR HAND WASH SINK BY THE ONE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
90
Jul 25, 2014
License
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE LITTER ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM.
34
95
Feb 3, 2014
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST RECAULK HANDWASHING SINK TO PREVENT ANY GAPS BETWEEN THE HANDSINK AND WALL.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPLACE MISSING AND BROKEN BASEBOARD TILES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA UNDERNEATH THE HAND SINK.
35
90
Jan 27, 2014
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: 3 COMPARTMENT SINK NOT MAINTAINED. OBSERVED WATER BACKING UP INTO THE RIGHT COMPARTMENT OF THE SINK WHEN WATER IS RUN IN MIDDLE COMPARTMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR SO THE SINK DRAINS PROPERLY. SERI0OUS VIOLATION 7-38-030
24
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY NOT POSTED AT TIME OF INSPECTION. MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S SUMMARY REPORT AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POST IT IN VIEW OF ALL CUSTOMERS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-010(B)
28
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD LINER ON DRY FOOD STORAGE SHELF. MUST RECAULK HANDWASHING SINK TO PREVENT ANY GAPS BETWEEN THE HANDSINK AND WALL.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPLACE MISSING AND BROKEN BASEBOARD TILES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA UNDERNEATH THE HAND SINK.
35
82
Jul 23, 2013
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Jan 31, 2013
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: SLOW DRAINAGE AT 3-COMP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
95
Mar 26, 2012
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: A SPLASGUARD IS NEEDED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE HANDSINK (BESIDE A PREP SINK). All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: THE ROUND PILLAR/POST BY THE FRONT WALL INSIDE THE STORE MSUT BE SEALED, TO MAKE SMOOTH & EASILY CLEANABLE. The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.
35
90
Jan 30, 2012
License
No violations found.
100
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 Apr 22, 2025. The public record contains 17 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Papa John's Pizza?
Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been cited five 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 four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Papa John's Pizza means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
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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