Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Last inspected: May 12, 2025
90
Score
Public records show 14 inspections at Potbelly Sandwich Shop stretching back to 2017. The most recent visit was on May 12, 2025. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near three violations per visit across recent inspections.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, showing up 11 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.
14
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 12, 2025
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: 2-402.11 OBSERVED SOME FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT PROPER HAIR RESTRAINTS SUCH AS A CAP OR A HAIRNET. OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLERS WITH BEARDS AND WITHOUT BEARD GUARDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES.
40
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 OBSERVED FLOORS WITH ACCUMULATED DEBRIS UNDER THE PREP TABLE IN THE REAR AND IN THE CABINET UNDER THE DRINK DISPENSER IN THE CUSTOMER DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS.
55
90
May 5, 2025
Complaint
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: 3-501.16(A:2,&B) OBSERVED TCS FOODS AT INADEQUATE COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES LOCATED IN A PREP COOLER; ABOUT 3 LBS OF SLICED TOMATOES AT 50F AND ABOUT 2 LBS OF CHICKEN SALAD AT 64F. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID TCS FOODS AND ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL COLD TCS FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. MANAGER DISCARDED SAID TCS FOODS DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: 4-301.11 OBSERVED A PREP COOLER, WITH TCS FOODS INSIDE, AT AN INADEQUATE COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 60F DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW AT ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
33
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON SITE. OBSERVED ABOUT 50 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON THE BOXES, CEILING, WALLS AND FLYING AROUND THE REAR DISH WAHSING AREA AND OBSERVED ABOUT 50 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON THE CABINETS WALLS AND FLYING AROUND THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LIVE SMALL FLIES ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).
38
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE NOR ADEQUATE SUPPLIES ON SITE TO PROPERLY RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
5
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: 2-402.11 OBSERVED SOME FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT PROPER HAIR RESTRAINTS SUCH AS A CAP OR A HAIRNET. OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLERS WITH BEARDS AND WITHOUT BEARD GUARDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES.
40
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 OBSERVED FLOORS WITH ACCUMULATED DEBRIS UNDER THE PREP TABLE IN THE REAR AND IN THE CABINET UNDER THE DRINK DISPENSER IN THE CUSTOMER DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS.
55
55
Oct 4, 2024
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN SOUTH UNISEX WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLE IN ALL UNISEX WASHROOMS.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS, DEBRIS ON FLOORS INSIDE CABINET UNDER BEVERAGE MACHINES AND FLOOR DRAINS IN DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
90
Sep 27, 2024
Complaint
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HOT WATER (71.8F) AT HAND WASHING SINK IN SANDWICH PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT LEAST 100F WATER AT HAND WASHING SINK. PRIORITY 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINK IN DISH WASHING AREA AND NORTH WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.
10
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RESIDUE ON INTERIOR SURFACE OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
16
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN SOUTH UNISEX WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLE IN ALL UNISEX WASHROOMS.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS, DEBRIS ON FLOORS INSIDE CABINET UNDER BEVERAGE MACHINES AND FLOOR DRAINS IN DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
70
Sep 29, 2023
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND THE INTERIOR OF THE FLOOR DRAINS, FLOORS IN THE CORNERS, UNDER THE BEVERAGE STATION AND UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND SINKS WITH FOOD AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAINS AND FLOORS. -WALLS AROUND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND SINKS WITH FOOD AND DIRT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS. - Repeat
55
95
Sep 22, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: FOUND 40 LIVE SMALL FLIES IN THE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS ON THE STORAGE RACKS, WALLS AND CEILING. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE ALL FLIES, CLEAN THE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR ASSISTANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
38
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND THE INTERIOR OF THE FLOOR DRAINS, FLOORS IN THE CORNERS, UNDER THE BEVERAGE STATION AND UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND SINKS WITH FOOD AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAINS AND FLOORS. -WALLS AROUND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND SINKS WITH FOOD AND DIRT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS.
55
86
Apr 1, 2022
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP IN FRONT DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL IN ORDER TO AVOID PEST ENTRY.
38
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON PREP TABLES AND COOLERS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND REMOVE DEBRIS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON FLOOR IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
Mar 23, 2022
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper hot holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MEATBALLS IN HOT HOLDING UNIT HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE 100.6F INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD APPROXIMATELY 3LBS AND $10 OF PRODUCT. ALL HOT TCS FOODS MUST MAINTAIN 135F OR ABOVE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
21
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK IN MILKSHAKE STATION WITH HOT WATER MEASURING 84.3 F. INSTRICTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HOT WATER MEASURING AT LEAST 100 F. TO HAND WASHING SINK. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2531795 ON 9-22-21:53-OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN SECOND ALL GENDER TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED
60
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OUTSIDE DUMPSTER RECEPTACLES NOT COVERED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLOSE ALL OUTSIDE DUMPSTER RECEPTACLES WITH TIGHT-FITTING LIDS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020 (B)
54
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP IN FRONT DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL IN ORDER TO AVOID PEST ENTRY.
38
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON PREP TABLES AND COOLERS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND REMOVE DEBRIS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON FLOOR IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
52
Sep 22, 2021
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES)
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN SECOND ALL GENDER TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SPILLED FOOD AND DEBRIS ON FLOORS IN MAIN FOOD PREP/SERVING AREA AND UNDERNEATH COOLING AND HEATING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
Sep 14, 2021
Complaint
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH PROPER CREDENTIALS ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (DELI MEATS, TUNA, SOUP, ETC) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)
2
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE RECEPTACLE LID NOT TIGHT FITTING PER CITY CODE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DUMPSTER LID, TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B) CITATION ISSUED. ?
54
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES)
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN SECOND ALL GENDER TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SPILLED FOOD AND DEBRIS ON FLOORS IN MAIN FOOD PREP/SERVING AREA AND UNDERNEATH COOLING AND HEATING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Miscellaneous / public health orders
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOUR EMPLOYEES IMPROPERLY WEARING THEIR MASKS. 1 FEMALE AND 3 MALE EMPLOYEES WERE WEARING THEIR MASKS WITH NOSES EXPOSED AND ON THEIR CHINS. MANAGER INSTRUCTED EMPLOYEES TO PROPERLY WEAR FACE COVERINGS. 7-28-060 CITATION ISSUED.
64
67
Feb 24, 2021
Complaint
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD TEMPERATURE OF 45.0F OF HUMMUS INSIDE PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COLD ( TCS) FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. FOOD REMOVED AND DISCARDED BY PIC-COS AT COST APPROX $8.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
22
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EPLOYEE PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING EVENTS. HOWEVER SUPPLIES NOT PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALL THE NECESSARY ITEMS OUTLINED IN PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION NO CITATION
5
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN 2ND UNISEX WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
53
74
Feb 25, 2020
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN: COUNTER TOPS, PREP TABLE/STATION AND EXTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLERS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. ALSO DEFROST AND CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE WALK IN FREEZER.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED DETAIL CLEANING THROUGH OUT ESP. ALONG WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS.
55
90
Jan 8, 2019
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN WARNING LABELS FOR THE PREPACKAGED COOKIES LOCATED AT THE FRONT CUSTOMER SERVICE COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN LABELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
37
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME PREP COOLERS WITHOUT THERMOMETERS LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
36
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREPACKAGED COOKIES WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING INGREDIENTS LOCATED AT THE CUSTOMER SERVICE COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
37
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE.
51
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO MOST RECENT INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT POSTED. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS POST MOST RECENT INSPECTION SUMMARY IN PLAIN VIEW OF CONSUMERS.
61
74
Oct 16, 2017
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 May 12, 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 11 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 three 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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