Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Last inspected: Aug 12, 2025
86
Score
Potbelly Sandwich Shop has been inspected 18 times since 2014. The latest inspection on file is from Aug 12, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around two violations each.
The pattern that stands out is “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, which has been cited six times.
The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting Potbelly Sandwich Shop on the better side of that line. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
18
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 12, 2025
Complaint
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NOTED NO ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED AT ALL TIMES AND ALSO THE PERSON IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE BY NEXT INSPECTION (UPON BEING INSPECTED) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: NOTED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST PROVIDE PROPER, RAISED SHELVING TO STORE FOOD CONTAINERS 6" OFF FLOOR.
39
86
Apr 3, 2025
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE VENT ATTACHMENT OVER THE UTILITY SINK IN THE REAR LOOSE AND HANGING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A SMALL BUILD UP OF DEBR, FOOD DEBRIS AND FOOD SPLATTER ON THE FLOOR AND WALL, FLOOR AND SHELVING AREA LOCATED AT THE SOUP WARMING UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE SHELVING UNDER THE LARGE TOASTER WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS WHERE ITEMS ARE STORED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT ACTIVITY.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLING UNIT UNDER SHELVING WITH A BUILD UP OF DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE SODA DISPENCING UNIT WITH A BUILD UP OF SODA SPLATTER AND DUST UNDER BASE ABOVE THE DISPENCING HOLES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION OF ITEMS DISPENSED.
49
78
Jul 25, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE DRAINS IN THE REAR DISH WASHING AREA WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND GRIME. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED THE FLOOR IN THE REAR DISH WASHING AREA WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND DEBRIS UNDER THE METAL SHELVING AND THE SINK AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED THE FLOOR IN THE FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND OTHER DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN UNDER AND AROUND ALL COOKING AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT FEEDING AND HARBORING.
55
95
Aug 23, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: SINGLE USE CUP WITHOUT A HANDLE USED AS A SEASONING SCOOP. FACILITY MUST REPLACE WITH A SCOOP THAT HAS A HANDLE ON IT.
39
95
Jun 2, 2022
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 CUTTING BOARDS IN FRONT PREP AREA COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.
47
95
Jan 5, 2021
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR BROKEN DOOR GASKET ON 2-DOOR COOLER IN REAR, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN WATER AND LOOSE FOOD DEBRIS FROM INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACE OF PREP COOLERS BEHIND FRONT SERVICE COUNTER, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE COVERED TRASH CANS IN BOTH GENDER NEUTRAL TOILET ROOMS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION FROM CEILING VENTS THROUGHOUT FACILITY, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN LOOSE FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND HEAVY EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
55
78
Mar 3, 2020
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER AT THE 2-DOOR PRE COOLER LOCATED NEXT TO HOT HOLDING UNIT.
36
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS IN REAR PREP/DISHEASHING AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS INSIDE CUSTOMERS WASHROOMS.MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
86
Nov 19, 2019
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: MINOR LEAK NOTED UNDER REAR HAND WASH SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
52
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: BAGS OF SLICED DELI MEAT NOT DATED, INSTRUCTED TO DATE AND MAINTAIN.NO CITATION ISSUED
23
90
Feb 6, 2019
Routine
4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED FOOD HANDLER THAT PERSON IN CHARGE SHOULD BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE(2:40 P.M.) WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (BEEF, CHICKEN, SOUP) 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.7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED .
2
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY WITH A CURRENT VOMIT AND DIARRHEA PROCEDURE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO ALSO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE CLEAN UP KIT THAT CORRESPONDS WITH PROCEDURE. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TCS FOODS (SLICED TURKEY, PREPARED TUNA, SLICED TOMATOES) HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITH OUT DISCARD DATE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE DISCARD DATE FOR ANY TCS FOODS HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
23
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED FOOD HANDLER TO PROVIDE.
36
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR COFFEE BREWER AND COCA COLA DISPENSER LOCATED IN SIT DOWN RESTAURANT AREA. A BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MUST BE LOCATED SO THAT IT MAY BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.
58
58
Mar 26, 2018
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAK AT FRONT PREP HAND SINK FAUCET. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
38
95
Apr 6, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND DIRTY FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT. MUST CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT PEST BREEDING. FOUND FOOD DEBRI UNDER REFRIGERATION UNITS AT THE SANDWICH PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN,SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
34
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRTY WASH CLOTHS ON A COUNTER TOP IN THE REAR. MUST ALWAYS HAVE WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION UNTIL USED.
43
90
Dec 8, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES STORED INSIDE THE 2 DOOR FOOD PREP COOLER. OBSERVED DELI MEAT AT 48.7F,DICED CHICKEN AT 50.1F.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MONITOR AND MAINTAIN ALL COLD FOODS AT 40F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
3
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN GASKET AT THE 2 DOOR FOOD PREP COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE GASKET AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN MANUAL CAN OPENER AND CUTTING BOARDS AT FRONT FOOD PREP LINE AND MAINTAIN.
33
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: ELEVATE STOCK ITEMS AT LEAST 6" INCHES OFF THE FLOOR AND AWAY FROM THE WALL AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND MAINTAIN.
41
82
Apr 12, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REMOVE ICE ACCUMULATION INSIDE THE ICE CREAM FREEZER AT PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REMOVE DUSTS ACCUMULATIONS ON HOOD ABOVE THE OVEN AND ON VENTILATION COVERS INSIDE THE TOILET ROOMS AND MAINTAIN.
35
90
Mar 13, 2015
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jun 19, 2014
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Jun 6, 2014
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 5, 2014
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Water source: safe, hot & cold under city pressure
Inspector notes: NO HOT WATER AVAILABLE ON PREMISES. MANAGEMENT IN PROCESS OF REPLACING THE HOT WATER HEATER. MUST PROVIDE HOT WATER ABOVE 110F FOR PROPER DISHWASHING. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
9
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE CONSTRUCTION DUST FROM ALL HORIZONTAL SURFACES AND CLEAN THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND DRAINBOARDS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE CONSTRUCTION DUST AND DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES.
34
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: NO PROBE THERMOMETER AVAILABLE ON PREMISES TO TAKE FOOD TEMPERATURES. MUST PROVIDE.
40
82
Jun 2, 2014
License
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Water source: safe, hot & cold under city pressure
Inspector notes: INADEQUATE HOT WATER PROVIDED TO THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED HOT WATER WITH A TEMPERATURE OF 97.8F AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HOT WATER ABOVE 110F AT ALL TIMES FOR PROPER WASHING OF DISHES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
9
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE CONSTRUCTION DUST FROM ALL HORIZONTAL SURFACES AND CLEAN THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND DRAINBOARDS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE CONSTRUCTION DUST AND DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES.
34
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: NO PROBE THERMOMETER AVAILABLE ON PREMISES TO TAKE FOOD TEMPERATURES. MUST PROVIDE.
40
No smoking regulations
Inspector notes: NO "NO SMOKING" SIGN PROVIDED AT THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR. MUST PROVIDE.
70
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Potbelly Sandwich Shop last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Potbelly Sandwich Shop on file is from Aug 12, 2025. The public record contains 18 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 six 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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