Pizza Nova Express
Last inspected: Oct 20, 2025
86
Score
Pizza Nova Express appears in inspection records 19 times, starting in 2010. The most recent report on file is from Oct 20, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near three violations each time.
The pattern that stands out is “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, which has been cited 10 times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Pizza Nova Express is doing better than most peers. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
19
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 20, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A CLUTTER OF ITEMS UNDER THE STAIRS IN THE BASEMENT JUST LEFT OF THE HOT WATER UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAR AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST HARBORING.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE REAR FLOOR OF THE PREP AREA UNDER AND AROUND EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF A DETAIL CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON ALL VENTS IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AND SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION OF FOOD CONTACT SURFACES OR FOODS PREPARED IN AREAS.
56
86
Feb 27, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: INTEGRAL PERMANENTLY AFFIXED THERMOMETER AT PIZZA HOT HOLDING UNIT IN POOR REPAIR, UNABLE TO DISPLAY TEMPERATURE OF UNIT. INSTD TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THERMOMETER AND MAINTAIN AT UNIT
36
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STOED ON PREP TABLES/COUNTERS. INSTD TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE
41
90
Apr 24, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PLASTIC BOWL USED AS A SCOOP IN SAUCE CONTAINER IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE BOWL AND REPLACE WITH UTENSIL WITH A HANDLE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION AND MAINTAIN.
39
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IN-USE UTENSILS STORED IN CONTAINER WITH STILL WATER AT THE HOT HOLDING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UTENSILS FROM STILL WATER AND RELOCATE TO DRY, CLEAN AND SANITIZED SURFACE AND MAINTAIN.
43
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS BENEATH THE STAIRWELL IN THE BASEMENT AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN BENEATH STAIRWELL AND DISCARD ANY ITEMS OR EQUIPMENT UNNECESSARY TO FOOD OPERATIONS AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
Mar 1, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE SPRAYER AT THE 3 COMP SINK WITH LEAKS. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE AIR VENT AND CEILING TILE AROUND THEM DIRTY IN THE PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHES LAYING ON PREP STATIONS AND CARTS. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHES IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
86
Apr 14, 2022
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CEILING BY THE VENT AND THE LIGHT SHEILD IN THE FRONT AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
55
95
May 27, 2021
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF REACH IN FREEZER IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CLEAN.
16
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: NO THERMOMETER IN REACH IN NEED OF INSTALLING. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN A THERMOMETER FOR ALL REACH IN COOLERS.
36
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: LARGE CAN OPENER IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST DETAIL CLEAN TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN CLEAN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS UNDER FRYERS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE AND WATER BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CEILING ABOVE PIZZA TABLE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
78
Jun 10, 2020
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
No discharge from eyes, nose, and mouth
7
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES STORED UNDER SEWER LINES THAT ARE NOT SHEILDED TO INTERCEPT POTENTIAL DRIPS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENCASE ALL SEWER LINES ABOVE SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA
39
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
53
86
Dec 6, 2019
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER AND WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL STOCK SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
39
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE SPOONS NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT ALL SINGLE SERVICE UTENSILS TO PROTECT LIP CONTACT SURFACES FROM CONTAMINATION.
45
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES STORED UNDER SEWER LINES THAT ARE NOT SHEILDED TO INTERCEPT POTENTIAL DRIPS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENCASE ALL SEWER LINES ABOVE SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.
45
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING VENTS AND LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA, FOOD AND GREASE SPILLS ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
78
Feb 21, 2019
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Feb 11, 2019
Routine
4 major violations.
View 4 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION FROM ALL MANAGERS WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL MANAGERS WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. 3-302.12 OBSERVED NO LABELS ON FOOD IN WALK-IN COOLER WHICH ARE NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. 4-501.12 OBSERVED A SMALL CUTTING BOARD STAINED AND PITTED, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE. 4-501.11 (A) OBSERVED RUSTY COOLER STORAGE RACKS IN UPRIGHT COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE RUST. ALSO OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE HOT HOLDING/STEAM TABLE NOT CLEAN,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. 6-201.13 OBSERVED THE WALL COVING COMING OF THE WALL UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REATTACH WALL COVING. 6-101.11 (A) OBSERVED THE CEILING VENT DUSTY/NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED. 7-42-090
60
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION,7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEANING PROCEDURES FOR VOMIT/DIARRHEA EVENTS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DATE MARKING ON TCS FOODS HELD IN WALK-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED SAID FOOD ITEMS (ITALIAN BEEF MEAT, HAM, AND RIBS). APPROX. 30 LBS, AND $150 FOOD VALUE.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
23
67
Jul 18, 2018
Routine
5 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION,7-38-012. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEANING PROCEDURES FOR VOMIT/DIARRHEA EVENTS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGENT TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
58
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DATE MARKING ON TCS FOODS HELD IN WALK-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE STATEMENT ON THE MENUS AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LABELS ON FOOD IN WALK-IN COOLER WHICH ARE NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. CORE VIOLATION.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A SMALL CUTING BOARD STAINED AND PITTED, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE. CORE VIOLATION.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTY COOLER STORAGE RACKS IN UPRIGHT COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE RUST. ALSO OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE HOT HOLDING/STEAM TABLE NOT CLEAN,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. CORE VIOLATION.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE WALL COVING COMMING OF THE WALL UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REATTACH WALL COVING. CORE VIOLATION.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CEILING VENST DUSTY/NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. CORE VIOLATION.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE LIGHT SHIELDS NOT CLEAN THRU- OUT PREMISES, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. CORE VIOLATION.
56
45
Mar 30, 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: VENTS IN FRONT PREP AREA WITH DUST ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: CLEANING EQUIPMENT IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE IN DESGINATED AREA.
41
90
Jan 5, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN EXPOSED WASTE PIPE OVER DRY STORAGE (PAPER CUPS, CARDBOARD PIZZA ROUNDS) IN THE BASEMENT WITH NO ACTIVE LEAKING. INSTRUCTED TO COVER THE EXPOSED WASTE PIPE OR REMOVE ALL DRY STORAGE ITEMS FROM UNDERNEATH THE EXPOSED WASTE PIPE.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CEILING VENTS IN THE RESTROOMS, AT THE BACK DOOR AND IN FRONT OF THE HOOD IN THE PREP AREA WITH ACCUMULATED DUST. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL CEILING VENTS.
35
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLER WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A HAIR RESTRAINT AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING HANDLED.
42
86
Feb 23, 2015
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: OBSERVED THE LIGHT SHIELDS UNDER THE HOOD DUSTY, NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1 CRACKED LIGHT SHIELD OVER REAR PREP TABLE, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
36
90
Apr 29, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FOUND THE CAN OPENER IN THE PREP AREA IN NEED OF SOME CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IT.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FOUND WALL ON THE SIDE OF THE FRONT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK AND THE VENTS/CEILING TILES IN THE PREP AND TOILET AREAS IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND THE MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN BOTH OF THE TOILET ROOMS NOT WORKING. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN.
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST STORE ALL WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (WITH THE CORRECT PPM OF SOLUTION) WHEN NOT IN USE.
43
82
Jan 25, 2013
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: NEED TO INVERT (HANDLE UP) FORKS, SPOONS ETC. SO EMPLOYEES ARE NOT TOUCHING THE EATING PART OF THE UTENSILS. AT REAR CARRY-OUT SECTION.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: SEATS IN DINING AREA IN POOR REPAIR NEED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOOR IN BASEMENT STORAGE UNDER AND AROUND SHELVES.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN WALL BEHIND SODA/ICE MACHINE ( DUSTY)
35
82
Mar 26, 2012
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 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.NEED TO CLEAN HOOD AND FILTERS FRONT COOKING AREA.
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.CLEAN FLOOR UNDER STORAGE IN REAR DOUGH ROOM.
34
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. Use dustless cleaning methods.CLEAN ALL CEILING VENT'S DUSTY
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities.CLEAN ALL LIGHT SHIELDS.
36
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 3 COMP. SINK NOZZLE LEAKING INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
38
78
Jun 24, 2011
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
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. CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF REPLACING, WORN, DISCOLORED. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
32
95
Feb 22, 2010
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: LABEL AND DATE ALL COOKED FOODS IN COOLERS.
30
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN LIGHTSHIELDS AT FRONT COUNTER AREA.
35
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pizza Nova Express last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Pizza Nova Express on file is from Oct 20, 2025. The public record contains 19 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Pizza Nova Express?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 10 times, more than any other issue at Pizza Nova Express.
Has Pizza Nova Express' inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Pizza Nova Express have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Pizza Nova Express 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 Pizza Nova Express inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Pizza Nova Express is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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