Popeyes
Last inspected: Mar 5, 2026
95
Score
Going back to 2018, Popeyes has 18 inspections in the public record. The latest inspection on file is from Mar 5, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near one violation per visit.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, showing up seven times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
18
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 5, 2026
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: FRYER SURFACE WITH FOOD, GREASE AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FRYERS.
49
95
Feb 26, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: RODENT DROPPINGS FOUND ON THE PREMISES. 30 IN THE CORNER AND ON THE EQUIPMENT SURFACE IN THE DRIVE THROUGH; 10 BY THE REAR DOOR; 10 UNDER THE SHELF BY THE MOP SINK AREA AND 10 IN THE CORNER UNDER THE STORAGE RACKS BY THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DROPPINGS AND CLEAN/SANITIZE THE AFFECTED AREAS. PEST CONTROL ON SITE DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
38
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: FRYER SURFACE WITH FOOD, GREASE AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FRYERS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS UNDER THE FRYERS WITH A THICK BUILD UP OF GREASE, FOOD AND DIRT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS UNDER FRYERS AND FLOORS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT.
55
78
Aug 18, 2025
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Aug 6, 2025
Reinspection
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-501.111 UPON RE-INSPECTION INSPECTOR OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY ON SITE. OBSERVED ABOUT 3 LIVE LARGE FLIES FLYING AROUND THE FOOD PREP AREA AND ABOUT 15 LIVE LARGE FLIES FLYING AROUND THE CUSTOMER DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).
38
90
Jul 28, 2025
Complaint
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON SITE. OBSERVED ABOUT 50 RODENT DROPPINGS SCATTERED IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE CLOSET UNDER ALL SHELVES, OBSERVED ABOUT 10 RODENT DROPPINGS UNDER THE FRONT CUSTOMER SERVICE COUNTER. ALSO OBSERVED ONE LARGE FLY FLYING AROUND IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).
38
90
Jun 13, 2025
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: 2-402.11 OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLERS WITH BEARDS AND WITHOUT BEARD GUARDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
40
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11 OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP UNDER FRYERS AND ALONG PIPING BEHIND FRYERS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
49
90
Jun 5, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure
Inspector notes: 5-103.11 (B) OBSERVED 3-COMPARTMENT SINK ONLY REACHING 94.4F AND WOMAN'S TOILET ROOM HANDWASHING SINK ONLY REACHING 90F DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS MAINTAIN HOT WATER AT HANDWASHING SINKS AT 100F AND HOTWATER AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AT 110F OR ABOVE AT ALL TIMES. BY END OF INSPECTION, HOT WATER REACHED 113F AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND 100F AT THE HANDWASHING SINK. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030 (C).
50
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: 8-304.11 OBSERVED NO PREVIOUS SUMMARY POSTED. AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION, MANAGER HAD THE SUMMARY STORED IN BINDER. INSTRUCTED TO POST SUMMARY FOR PUBLIC VIEW AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED. 7-42-010 (b).
61
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON SITE. OBSERVED ABOUT 25 RODENT DROPPINGS IN CORNER OF THE DRY STORAGE ROOM LOCATED IN THE REAR. ALSO OBSERVED ABOUT 20 RODENT DROPPINGS UNDER THE CUSTOMER SERVICE COUNTER IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORTIY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).
38
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: 2-402.11 OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLERS WITH BEARDS AND WITHOUT BEARD GUARDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
40
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11 OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP UNDER FRYERS AND ALONG PIPING BEHIND FRYERS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
49
67
Nov 15, 2024
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEADS STORED ON FLOOR NEAR REAR DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY HANG MOP HEADS TO DRY TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INOPERABLE LIGHT BULB IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
56
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES STORED ON FLOOR IN STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES OFF FLOOR
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKET ON WALK-IN FREEZER DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED/MISSING GROUT ON WALL TILES AND BASEBOARDS NEAR HAND WASHING SINKS IN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS, OPENINGS AROUND PIPE FITTINGS UNDER HAND WASHING SINK IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55
78
Mar 3, 2021
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOTTOM OF REAR ENTRY DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
38
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RIGHT FAUCET AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK LEAKY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOOR AREA NEED RE-GROUTING UNDER 1 COMP SINK IN DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
55
86
May 28, 2020
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: PREMISES COULD NOT PROVIDE THE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINATIN UPON INSPECTIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: PREMISES HAS NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEA EVENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.
5
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN WORKING THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLERS.
36
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR OF THE OUTSIDE GARBAGE CORRAL. MUST REMOVE LITTER AND DEBRIS TO PREVENT A POSSIBLE FOOD SOURCE FOR PESTS.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED FLOORS IN POOR REPAIR: MUST REGROUT AND DETAIL CLEAN TO REMOVE DEBRIS AND STANDING WATER.
55
70
Dec 17, 2019
Complaint
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEES PROCEDURE IN PLACE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. HOWEVER MUST PROVIDE ALL THE NECESSARY ITEMS INCLUDING DISPOSABLE GLOVES, DISPOSABLE MOP AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER TO KILL THE NOROVIRUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
5
90
Apr 8, 2019
Complaint
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE KIT ITEMS,( GLOVES, FACE MASK,DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPIATE SANITIZER TO KILL THE NOROVIRUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
5
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE AND COFFEE WATER LINE. INSTRUCTED THAT BACKFLOW DEVICE MUST BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.11 OBSERVED FLOORS NOT MAINTAINED AT FRYER STATION AREA. FLOOR AREAS NEED RE-GROUTING AND 4 MISSING FLOOR TILES . INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE MISSING FLOOR TILES AND RE-GROUT.
55
82
Feb 14, 2019
Complaint
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE KIT ITEMS,( GLOVES, FACE MASK,DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPIATE SANITIZER TO KILL THE NOROVIRUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
5
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: UNABLE TO LOCATE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE AND COFFEE WATER LINE. INSTRUCTED THAT BACKFLOW DEVICE MUST BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS NOT MAINTAINED AT FRYER STATION AREA. FLOOR AREAS NEED RE-GROUTING AND 4 MISSING FLOOR TILES . INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE MISSING FLOOR TILES AND RE-GROUT.
55
82
Dec 5, 2018
Complaint
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE,(PIC) ON SITE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHEN ( TCS) FOODS, CHICKEN,ETC IS BEING PREPARED AND HANDLED/ SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION ISSUED 7-38-012
2
90
Jun 8, 2018
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
May 17, 2018
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON DUTY OR CERTIFICATE POSTED WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS(CHICKEN 150.9F) ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012A
21
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2150663 ON 3-20-18: 35-SEAL OPENINGS ALONG BASEBOARD IN CORNER UNDER EXPOSED SINK, ALONG WALL NEAR UTILITY SINK. SEAL ALL OPENINGS, CRACKS, CREVICES IN WALLS AND CEILINGS, AROUND PIPE FITTINGS, ALONG BASEBOARDS, ETC IN ALL AREAS. 36-REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLE/UTENSIL STORAGE AREA. 41-REMOVE UNUSED ITEM SLON WALL NEAR ICE MACHINE FOR EASY CLEANING. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090
29
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL DRAWER GASKETS, COOLERS, FREEZERS, PREP TABLES, FRYERS, HOLDING UNITS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE, AND DISH WASHING AREAS(EXCESS FLOUR, FOOD DEBRIS, DIRT, GRIME, DUST BUILDUP). CLEAN FLOORS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER(SPILLS).
34
82
Mar 20, 2018
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL DRAWER GASKETS, COOLERS, FREEZERS, PREP TABLES, FRYERS, HOLDING UNITS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE, AND DISH WASHING AREAS(EXCESS FLOUR, FOOD DEBRIS, DIRT, GRIME, DUST BUILDUP).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: SEAL OPENINGS ALONG BASEBOARD IN CORNER UNDER EXPOSED SINK, ALONG WALL NEAR UTILITY SINK. SEAL ALL OPENINGS, CRACKS, CREVICES IN WALLS AND CEILINGS, AROUND PIPE FITTINGS, ALONG BASEBOARDS, ETC IN ALL AREAS.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLE/UTENSIL STORAGE AREA.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER, FREEZER AND STORAGE AREAS. REMOVE UNUSED ITEMS ALONG WALL NEAR ICE MACHINE FOR EASY CLEANING.
41
78
Feb 2, 2018
License
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EXPOSED SINK IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL AN EXPOSED SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER, SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
11
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL DRAWER GASKETS, COOLERS, FREEZERS, PREP TABLES, FRYERS, HOLDING UNITS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE, AND DISH WASHING AREAS(EXCESS FLOUR, FOOD DEBRIS, DIRT, GRIME, DUST BUILDUP). REMOVE EXCESS WATER OFF FLOOR UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: SEAL OPENINGS ALONG BASEBOARD IN CORNER UNDER EXPOSED SINK, ALONG WALL NEAR UTILITY SINK. REPLACE MISSING WALL TILE AND SEAL OPENING AROUND PIPE FITTING ABOVE UTILITY SINK. SEAL ALL OPENINGS, CRACKS, CREVICES IN WALLS AND CEILINGS, AROUND PIPE FITTINGS, ALONG BASEBOARDS, ETC IN ALL AREAS.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: PROVIDE LIGHT IN WALK-IN FREEZER AND ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN WALK-IN COOLER. REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLE/UTENSIL STORAGE AREA.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: PROVIDE THERMOMETER IN REACH-IN COOLER IN DRIVE THRU AREA.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER, FREEZER AND STORAGE AREAS. REMOVE UNUSED ITEMS ALONG WALL NEAR ICE MACHINE FOR EASY CLEANING.
41
67
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Popeyes last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Popeyes on file is from Mar 5, 2026. The public record contains 18 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Popeyes?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Popeyes.
Has Popeyes' inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Popeyes have averaged around one violation per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Popeyes 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 Popeyes inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Popeyes is inspected around two times per year on average.
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