Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Last inspected: Mar 13, 2025
86
Score
Inspectors have visited Potbelly Sandwich Shop 14 times, with records going back to 2015. The newest entry in the record is dated Mar 13, 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 two violations each.
“Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” comes up most often, recorded seven times in the inspection record.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Potbelly Sandwich Shop is comfortably above that bar. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
14
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 13, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD TEMPERATURE PROBE THERMOMETER IN POOR REPAIR, PROBE SEVERELY BENT AND SCREEN UNREADABLE. FACILITY HAS OTHER FOOD TEMPERATURE PROBE THERMOMETERS IN GOOD REPAIR FOR MEASURING FOOD TEMPERATURES AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FOOD TEMPERATURE PROBE THERMOMETER AND MAINTAIN ALL UTENSILS AND TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICES IN GOOD REPAIR.
47
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF LITTER IN SHARED OUTDOOR REFUSE ENCLOSURE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE LITTER AND MAINTAIN SHARED OUTDOOR REFUSE ENCLOSURE FREE FROM LITTER OR OTHER ITEMS UNNECESSARY TO FOOD OPERATIONS.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALL AND BASE COVING BEHIND 3-COMPARTMENT AND 1-COMPARTMENT SINKS IN THE REAR PREP AREA TO BE SOILED WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND OTHER SOILS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALL AND BASE COVING IN REAR PREP AREA AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND OTHER SOILS AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
Aug 13, 2024
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTIPLE BOXED FOOD ITEMS BEING STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRCUTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS AND MAINTAIN.
39
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES)
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. INSTRCUTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN FLOORS AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
Jan 25, 2023
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jan 17, 2023
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROX. 25 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON THE WALLS AND CEILING OF THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA AROUND THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND MOP SINK. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
90
May 6, 2022
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ONE ON SITE WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE, NO CERTIFICATE POSTED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012
2
90
May 6, 2021
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST ACCUMULATION IN EXHAUST HOOD AT FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INOPERABLE VENTILATION IN BOTH WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
56
90
Feb 20, 2020
Complaint
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZED ALL THE CARTS WITH BREAD(WITH FOOD CRUMBS)AND MAINTAIN.
47
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL THE HAND WASHING SINKS AND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND MAINTAIN.
48
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE INTERIOR BOTTOM OF ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOOR ALONG THE WALL BASE, ALL CORNER,UNDERNEATH ALL COOLERS AND FREEZER WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND DIRT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE BURNT-OUT LIGHT BULB IN THE DINING AREA CLOSE TO THE ENTRANCE DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
56
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST DEFROST THE ICE CREAM FREEZER WITH HEAVY ICE ACCUMULATED AND MAINTAIN.
47
74
Jun 14, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: FOOD THERMOMETER MUST BE EASILY READABLE AND ACCURATE IN FAHRENHEIT TAKING FOOD TEMPERATURES AND TO MAINTAIN.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED.
36
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER NOT MAINTAINED OVERFLOWING WITH FOOD WASTE BAGS AND CONTAINER NOT COVERED.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT LIDS MUST BE TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT PEST FEED/HARBORAGE AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(b),CITATION ISSUED - COS.
54
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR GASKETS OF REFRIGERATION UNITS WITH ACCUMULATION OF FOOD DEBRIS AND EXTERIOR OF SOUP HOT HOLDING UNIT IN FOOD PREP AREA TO REMOVE DRIED UP FOOD DEBRIS AND TO MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE WALLS IN FRONT FOOD PREP AREA TO REMOVE FOOD SPLASHED DEBRIS AND TO MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVER IN FRONT FOOD PREP AREA AND TO MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BURNT-OUT LIGHT BULBS AT EXHAUST HOODS FRONT FOOD PREP AREA AND TO MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN TO REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF DUSTS AT EXHAUST HOODS AT FRONT FOOD PREP AREA AND TO MAINTAIN.
56
64
Aug 2, 2018
Reinspection
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL COOLERS, INTERIOR STORAGE CABINET UNDERNEATH BEVERAGE DISPENSER MACHINE, INTERIOR SURFACES OF DISPLAY BEVERAGE COOLER WITH EXCESSIVE DRIED FOOD DEBRIS, FRONT COUNTER WITH DUST BUILD-UP, LIGHT SHIELDS, HOOD AND VENTS ABOVE FRONT AREA. PREP COOLER GLASS COVER, WINDOWS AND DOORS.
49
86
Jul 26, 2018
Complaint
4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 (a) NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NOT CLEAN WITH EXCESSIVE GARBAGE UNDER AND AROUND GARBAGE DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (B) CITATION ISSUED
54
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA 100-0367 ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION PA 100-0367 NO CITATION ISSUED
58
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL COOLERS, INTERIOR STORAGE CABINET UNDERNEATH BEVERAGE DISPENSER MACHINE, INTERIOR SURFACES OF DISPLAY BEVERAGE COOLER WITH EXCESSIVE DRIED FOOD DEBRIS, FRONT COUNTER WITH DUST BUILD-UP, LIGHT SHIELDS, HOOD AND VENTS ABOVE FRONT AREA. PREP COOLER GLASS COVER, WINDOWS AND DOORS.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR WATER LEAK FROM DRAINPIPE UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP AREA.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND DIRT ACCUMULATION ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN FRONT AND IN REAR PREP AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WATER DRIPPAGE ON FLOOR FROM CEILING (AIR CONDITIONING LINE) IN FRONT COUNTER AREA.
55
55
Mar 10, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN IN DETAIL INSIDE THE CABINETS IN THE FRONT AREA AND UNDERNEATH THE SODA MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FLOOR THRU-OUT REAR PREP AND FRONT AREA WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND USED PLASTIC GLOVES ON THE FLOOR. MUST CLEAN ALONG THE WALL BASE ALL CORNER AND UNDER AND BEHIND ALL COOLER AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CEILING VENT COVER IN BOTH WASHROOMS AND IN THE FRONT SERVING AREA WITH DUST BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN,REMOVE DUST AND MAINTAIN.
35
86
Jun 15, 2016
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Found spoon with handle laying in the lettuce in cold hold unit. Instructed to properly store all utensils in a separate, clean container.
31
95
Mar 9, 2016
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE ACCUMULATION IN FREEZER IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST ON AIR FILTER ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE/SODA MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR OF WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VENTILATION NOT WORKING IN MEN'S AND WOMEN'S RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
Linen: clean and soiled properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED SHIRTS AND WASH CLOTHS PILED UP IN REAR CORNER OF PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LINEN BAG TO STORE ITEMS IN (AND TO MONITOR LEVEL OF SOILED LINENS PILED UP IN PREP AREA).
39
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REAR PREP AREA NEAR OFFICE WITH MUCH CLUTTER PILED AGAINST WALLS AND ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND ORGANIZE. ALL ITEMS MUST BE AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT KITCHEN AREA AND WALKIN.
41
74
Dec 15, 2015
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Potbelly Sandwich Shop last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Potbelly Sandwich Shop on file is from Mar 13, 2025. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Potbelly Sandwich Shop?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Potbelly Sandwich Shop.
Has Potbelly Sandwich Shop's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Potbelly Sandwich Shop have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Potbelly Sandwich Shop 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 Potbelly Sandwich Shop inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Potbelly Sandwich Shop is inspected around two times per year on average.
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