Potbelly Sandwich Works
Last inspected: Oct 29, 2025
95
Score
Going back to 2010, Potbelly Sandwich Works has 19 inspections in the public record. The latest inspection on file is from Oct 29, 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.
Looking across the full record, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” is the recurring theme, flagged eight times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Potbelly Sandwich Works is doing better than most peers. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
19
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 29, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE WALK IN COOLERS IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN.
49
95
Oct 18, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PRE-PACKAGED COOKED CHICKEN AND CHILI THAWING AT THE REAR KITCHEN AREA PREP TABLE AT AMBIENT ROOM TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED TO UTILIZE APPROVED METHODS FOR THAWING TCS FOODS SUCH AS UNDER REFRIGERATION OR DURING THE COOKING PROCESS AND MAINTAIN.
35
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VENT ABOVE UTILITY SINK AND CHEMICAL STORAGE IN REAR KITCHEN AREA TO BE HEAVILY-SOILED WITH DUST. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN VENTILATION SYSTEMS AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF DUST AND ELIMINATE POTENTIAL SOURCE OF CONTAMINATION AND MAINTAIN.
56
90
Feb 23, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT/FOOD BUILD UP INSIDE FLOOR DRAIN UNDER SODA MACHINE. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF FLOOR DRAINS AND MAINTAIN.
55
95
Apr 28, 2022
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE PREP COOLERS, ICE CREAM FREEZER, PREP TABLES AND CATCH TRAYS IN THE CONVEYOR OVEN.
49
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
58
90
Aug 6, 2021
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP AT BOTTOM OF BOTH FRONT EXIT/ENTRANCE DOOR SWEEPS. MUST RODENT PROOF SAID DOORS.
38
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT BUILD UP INSIDE FLOOR DRAIN UNDER SODA MACHINE. MUST CLEAN SAID INTERIOR OF FLOOR DRAIN AND MAINTAIN.
55
90
Mar 12, 2020
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE CREAM FREEZER, PREP TABLE BELOW THE CONVEYOR OVEN AND THE CONVEYOR OVEN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOW WATER PRESSURE AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK AT THE FRONT PREP LINE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE THE WATER PRESSURE AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FOOD DEBRIS ON THE WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREAS, ESPECIALLY AROUND THE CONVEYOR OVEN, HOT HOLDING UNIT, AND SLICER IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.
55
86
Jun 11, 2019
Reinspection
2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 3-501.17 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO DATE MARKINGS ON TCS READY TO EAT FOODS BEING HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS INSIDE OF COOLERS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
23
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 2-102.14(O) Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION- NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 6-202.15 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED AN APPX. "1/2-3/4" GAP IN TOP CENTER OF FRONT DOUBLE DOORS.MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING
38
Gloves used properly
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 3-304.15(B-D) Inspector Comments: MUST USE GLOVES PROPERLY TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION
46
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 4-601.11(C) Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ON SHELVING UNITS AND SLEEVES IN WALK IN COOLER,DUNAGE RACKS IN REAR AREA,INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS,PREP TABLES,BOOKCASE IN DINING AREA.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 5-205.15 Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SLOW DRAIN AT REAR PREP AREA HAND SINK
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 6-501.13 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES OF ALL COOLERS AND EQUIPEMENT,ESPECIALLY UNDER SODA COUNTER IN DINING AREA,WALK IN FREEZER
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 6-201.11 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS AND SPILLS FROM WALLS THROUGHOUT PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD MANAGERS.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.
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58
May 31, 2019
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Hands clean & properly washed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES.OBSERVED 2- MALE EMPLOYEES NOT WASHING HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAIMINATION.OBSERVED 1- MALE ON THE PHONE AND RINING THE REGISTER HUNG UP PHONE PUT ON GLOVES AND UNWRAPPED PREPACKAGED COOKIES TO MAKE AN ICE CREAM SANDWICH ,REMOVE FROM PACKAGE AND MADE ITEM.ANOTHER EMPLOYEE CAME FROM REAR AREA TO THE REGISTER HAD WIPED HIS NOSE WITH HAND AND PUT ON GLOVES AND UNWRAPPED COOKIES ALSO TO MAKE ICE CREAM SANDWICHES WITHOUT WASHING HANDS TOO.COS.(PRIORITY 7-38-010)
8
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION- NO CITATION ISSUED)
3
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DATE MARKINGS ON TCS READY TO EAT FOODS BEING HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS INSIDE OF COOLERS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
23
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 15 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES ON WALLS AND BOXES IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 5/31/19.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)
38
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD MANAGERS.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.
58
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS AND SPILLS FROM WALLS THROUGHOUT PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS.
55
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN APPX. "1/2-3/4" GAP IN TOP CENTER OF FRONT DOUBLE DOORS.MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
38
Gloves used properly
Inspector notes: MUST USE GLOVES PROPERLY TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.
46
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ON SHELVING UNITS AND SLEEVES IN WALK IN COOLER,DUNAGE RACKS IN REAR AREA,INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS,PREP TABLES,BOOKCASE IN DINING AREA.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SLOW DRAIN AT REAR PREP AREA HAND SINK.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE LIDS FOR GARBAGE CAN IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES OF ALL COOLERS AND EQUIPEMENT,ESPECIALLY UNDER SODA COUNTER IN DINING AREA,WALK IN FREEZER
55
43
Mar 30, 2018
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Observed the upper, interior, mechanical portion of the ice machine (used for human consumption) to have heavy dust buildup. Instructed facility to clean and maintain. Observed ice cream spilled on the interior surfaces of the ice cream freezer. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Observed dirt and debris on the floors in various areas: in the office area of the rear prep, around the three compartment sink and rear 1 compartment sink, around the water heater, inside the walk in cooler, under and around all equipment at the front prep area, and on the coving throughout. Instructed facility to clean all areas and maintain.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Observed the wall behind the three compartment sink to have dirt and food debris on it. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Observed the rear prep exposed hand sink to be slow draining. Instructed facility to repair and maintain. Observed the ice cream freezer dipper well not functioning. Instructed facility to repair and maintain.
38
82
Mar 23, 2018
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: Observed the outside dumpster for recyclable waste to have lid propped open due to overflowing items inside. Instructed facility to fix and maintain all waste inside containers with tight fitting lids. Serious violation 7-38-020.
19
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Observed the upper, interior, mechanical portion of the ice machine (used for human consumption) to have heavy dust buildup. Instructed facility to clean and maintain. Observed ice cream spilled on the interior surfaces of the ice cream freezer. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Observed dirt and debris on the floors in various areas: in the office area of the rear prep, around the three compartment sink and rear 1 compartment sink, around the water heater, inside the walk in cooler, under and around all equipment at the front prep area, and on the coving throughout. Instructed facility to clean all areas and maintain.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Observed the wall behind the three compartment sink to have dirt and food debris on it. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Observed the rear prep exposed hand sink to be slow draining. Instructed facility to repair and maintain. Observed the ice cream freezer dipper well not functioning. Instructed facility to repair and maintain.
38
78
Mar 20, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET FLOORS IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS, MUST MAINTAIN FLOOR DRY TO PREVENT PEST BREADING.
34
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER NEEDED INSIDE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER. MUST PROVE AND MAINTAIN.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE ITEM INSIDE WALK-IN FRREZER 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR/LWALL. MUST USE APPROVE SHELVING AND REMOVE MILK CRATES FROM FREEZER
41
86
Apr 25, 2016
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED DUSTY AND DIRTY FANS AT THE FRONT DINNING AND REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
95
Apr 27, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA DRAINING SLOW. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: THERMOMETER NEEDED AT THE FRONT PREP COOLER LOCATED NEXT TO HOT HOLDING UNIT. MUST P[ROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ITEMS IN REAR PREP AREA NOT ELEVATED 6INCHES OFF FLOOR. MUST ELEVATE ITEMS 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR FOR THE EASY OF CLEANING AND PEST MONITORING.
41
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER ON FOOD PREP AREA PREPARING FOOD WITHOUT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED.
42
82
Oct 24, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND TORN REFRIGERATION GASKET ON FRONT PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FOUND SLIGHT DIRT BUILDUP ON UPPER, INTERIOR PORTION OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT ALONG WALLS AND IN CORNERS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTIAN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FOUND DUST BUILDUP ON THE CEILING VENT NEAR THE HOT WATER HEATER AND IN THE EXHAUST HOODS ABOVE BOTH SANDWICH TOASTERS/OVENS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
82
May 30, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND SLIGHT DIRT BUILDUP UNDER SODA MACHINE STATION ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND THE EXPOSED HANDSINK NEAR BACK DOOR TO BE SLOW DRAINING. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. FOUND A LEAKING PIPE CONNECTED TO THE BOTTOM OF THE HOT WATER TANK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
90
Sep 30, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE GRAB AND GO SALAD COOLER SHELVING IS DIRTY; WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE DETAIL.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE SIDES OF THE SANDWICH PREP COOLERS HAVE FOOD BUILDUP; WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE THE ABOVE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: THE FLOORS HAVE SOME FOOD BUILDUP BEHIND THE TABLE LEGS IN THE PREP AREA AND WALK IN COOLER, CLEAN THE FLOORS IN DETAIL FROM CORNER TO CORNER.
34
86
Jun 7, 2012
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE STAINED AND PITTED CUTTING WITH NEW ONES, THATS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN VENTS ABOVE COOKING AREA FRONT PREP STATION, REMOVE ALL DUST PARTICLES
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREMISES, UNDER AND BEHIND ALL EQUIPMENT
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR CHIPPING PLASTER ON WALL OF REAR PREP AREA, SEAL AND REPAINT
35
82
Dec 27, 2011
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 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.MUST CLEAN AND REMOVE FOOD PARTICLES,AND DUST FROM INSIDE ALL CABINETS AT FRONT PREP AREAS, AND INSIDE CABINETS AT COKE MACHINE DISPENSER.
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. MUST CLEAN ALL FLOORS DRAINS IN REAR PREP AREA AND FRONT PREP AREAS, UNDER AND AROUND ALL EQUIPMENT ON PREMISES.MUST ALSO CLEAN FLOORS IN WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER. MUST ELEVATE THRESHOLD OF FLOOR AT FRONT DOOR.
34
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.MUST CLEAN ALL LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR PREP AREA AND REPLACE BURNT OUT BULBS AT BOTH HOODS.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors.MUST ORGANIZE AND DECLUTTER AREA IN FRONT OF BLACK SAFEBOX AT REAR PREP ROOM. ELEVATE ITEMS 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR AT ALL TIMES.
41
82
May 10, 2010
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 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.OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS NOT CLEAN REAR PREP TABLE STORAGE SHELF,ALSO IN FRONT PREP THE TABLE NOT CLEAN CLEAN AND SANITIZE SLICER , CAN OPENER,ANS CUTTING BOARDS.
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.OBSERVED THE FRONT AND REAR FLOOR IN NEED OF CLEANING.
34
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Potbelly Sandwich Works last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Potbelly Sandwich Works on file is from Oct 29, 2025. The public record contains 19 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Potbelly Sandwich Works?
Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Potbelly Sandwich Works.
Has Potbelly Sandwich Works' inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Potbelly Sandwich Works 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 Works 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 Works inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Potbelly Sandwich Works is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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