Potbelly Sandwich Works
Last inspected: Apr 2, 2025
95
Score
Public records show 20 inspections at Potbelly Sandwich Works stretching back to 2010. Potbelly Sandwich Works was last inspected on Apr 2, 2025. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near two violations per visit across recent inspections.
“Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing eight times across the record.
Potbelly Sandwich Works' latest score of 95 sits above the Chicago average of 81. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
20
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 2, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: Brooms and dust pans hung next to clean utensils rack, instructed to install a barrier to protect utensils from contamination.
39
95
Aug 9, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: Brooms and dust pans hung next to clean utensils rack, instructed to install a barrier to protect utensils from contamination.
39
95
Aug 7, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND SIGNAGE AT THE HAND SINK IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNUSED/BROKEN TWO-DOOR COOLER STORED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
86
Oct 24, 2022
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREP COOLER CUTTING BOARDS IN FRONT PREP AREA AND FOOD SERVICE HOTLINE DISCOLORED WITH DEEP GROOVES. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE AND MAINTAIN OR REPLACE.
47
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND INSIDE GARBAGE RECEPTACLE WITHOUT LID. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
54
90
Oct 7, 2022
Reinspection
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: FOUND EMPLOYEE TOILETROOM HANDWASHING SINK WATER TEMPERATURE AT 68F AT TIME OF INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE A MINIMUM COLD WATER TEMPERATURE OF 100F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION.7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREP COOLER CUTTING BOARDS IN FRONT PREP AREA AND FOOD SERVICE HOTLINE DISCOLORED WITH DEEP GROOVES. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE AND MAINTAIN OR REPLACE.
47
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND INSIDE GARBAGE RECEPTACLE WITHOUT LID. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
54
78
Oct 4, 2022
Routine
3 critical violations. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: FOUND TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS( EGGS, CHICKEN, SALAD) AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 47F- 54F LOCATED IN REACH COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD. MUST MAINTAIN A MINIMUM COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE AT 41F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY. 7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: FOUND TWO REACH IN COOLERS LOCATED ON HOT LINE AT TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 50.8F - 47F. COOLER MUST MAINTAIN A PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. REACH IN COOLER TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND MAY NOT BE USED UNTIL THE WALK IN COOLER IS RE-INSPECTED BY CDPH AND MAINTAINING A PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE FOR 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
33
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: FOUND EMPLOYEE TOILETROOM HANDWASHING SINK WATER TEMPERATURE AT 68F AT TIME OF INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE A MINIMUM COLD WATER TEMPERATURE OF 100F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION.7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREP COOLER CUTTING BOARDS IN FRONT PREP AREA AND FOOD SERVICE HOTLINE DISCOLORED WITH DEEP GROOVES. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE AND MAINTAIN OR REPLACE.
47
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND INSIDE GARBAGE RECEPTACLE WITHOUT LID. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
54
58
Jan 11, 2021
Routine
No violations found.
100
Apr 9, 2020
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ON EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE WALL BEHIND THE CHEST FREEZER AND THE STAIR RAILS PAINT TO BE CHIPPED. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE WALL BEHIND THE CHEST FREEZER AND STAIR RAILS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY CLUTTER THROUGHOUT ESTABLISHMENT ON SHELVES, FLOORS INSIDE EQUIPMENT AND IN STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY OR UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE LIGHT BULB IN THE REAR 2 DOOR COOLER TO BE OUT. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE LIGHT BULB IN THE REAR 2 DOOR COOLER.
56
82
Nov 1, 2019
Routine
1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED READY TO EAT, TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (CHICKEN, SALSA, RICE)NOT PROPERLY DATED , STORED LONGER THAN 24 HOURS IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER DATE MARKING WITH DISPOSITION DATE FOR RTE FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVER 24 HOURS IN COLD HOLDING UNIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
23
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A PEST CONTROL FLY LAMP STORED ABOVE THE FOOD DISH STORAGE RACK WHERE CLEAN FOOD DISHES ARE STORED. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE PEST CONTROL FLY LAMP IN THE REAR PREP AREA.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN EXPOSED HAND SINK AND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN DOOR GASKETS ON THE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN THE DOOR GASKETS ON THE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE WALL BEHIND THE CHEST FREEZER AND THE STAIR RAILS PAINT TO BE CHIPPED. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE WALL BEHIND THE CHEST FREEZER AND STAIR RAILS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY CLUTTER THROUGHOUT ESTABLISHMENT ON SHELVES, FLOORS INSIDE EQUIPMENT AND IN STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY OR UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST UPGRADE HOUSING KEEPING.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE LIGHT BULB IN THE REAR 2 DOOR COOLER TO BE OUT. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE LIGHT BULB IN THE REAR 2 DOOR COOLER.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE LIGHT BULBS IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA TO NOT SHIELDED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT BULB SHIELD ON ALL LIGHT BULBS IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.
56
64
Feb 16, 2018
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CEILING TILES NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS IN REAR PREP/ DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/MAINTAIN OR REPLACE.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: NO ADEQAUTE LIGHTING IN WALK IN COOLER AND REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
36
90
Jun 23, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS THRU OUT WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD AND DIRT DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS, UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND AROUND HOT WATER HEATER, ALSO UNDER AND IN BETWEEN ALL REFRIGERATION AND FREEZER UNITS AS WELL AS IN THE WALK IN COOLER.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALLS WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS LOCATED BEHIND REFRIGERATION UNITS IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
90
Oct 25, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STAIRS LEADING TO DISH WASHING/PREP AREA AND STAIRS IN DISH WASHING AREA HAS HEAVY BUILD-UP OF DEBRIS.MUST DETAIL CLEAN ALL STAIRS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNCLEAN CEILING TILES WALLS IN REAR DISH WASING /PREP AREA THROUGH OUT.MUST CLEAN WALLS/MAINTAIN AND MUST CLEAN OR REPLACE CEILING TILES THAT CANNOT BE CLEANED.
35
90
Mar 15, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: TOP LID OF PREP COOLER BY WALK IN COOLER IN POOR REPAIR ON RIGHT SIDE,(MISSING SCREW).MUST REPAIR. ALSO RIGHT DOOR OF COOLER IN REAR PREP IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPAIR DOOR.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: EXTERIOR OF PREP COOLERS NOT CLEAN.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO MOP SINK.MUST INSTALL.
38
86
Apr 24, 2015
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL INTERIOR PANELS AT ALL CORNERS OF THE REACH-IN TOP COOLER DOORS AT THE FRONT PREP AREA TO REMOVE ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRI AND CRUMBS. MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE FROST/ICE BUILD-UP AT THE ICE CREAM FREEZER IN THE FRONT PREP AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL HOLE AT FLOOR IN FRONT OF THE DOOR ACROSS FROM THE COUNTER SERVICE AREA WHERE THE PICKLES IN A JAR ARE BEING STORED TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL HOLE AT WALL JUST ABOVE THE FLOOR (CEILING TO FLOOR WINDOW) IN FRONT OF AND ACROSS FROM THE COUNTER SERVICE AREA WHERE THE PICKLES IN A JAR ARE BEING STORED TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD AT LIGHT FIXTURE ABOVE THE 3-COMP SINK.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST ADJUST THE TEMPERATURE VALVE AT THE STAFF RESTROOM HAND SINK SO AS TO BE 85F FOR MINIMUM OF 15 SECS. ALSO REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET AT THE FRONT PREP AREA EXPOSED HAND SINK.
38
78
May 15, 2014
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CHEST FREEZER LID AT REAR PREP AREA IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN/SANITIZE PREP TABLE AT UPPER REAR PREP AREA AROUND/UNDER MEAT SLICER. CLEAN INTERIOR BOTTTOM OF REACH-IN COOLER AT REAR AND COLD HOLDING UNITS AT FRONT PREP AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS AT PREP AREA, UPPER REAR PREP AREA, UNDER STORAGE RACK AND 3-COMP SINK AND IN WALK-IN COOLER. MUST CLEAN/SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. REPAIR MISSING GROUT AT FLOOR TILES/COVING TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE AND ACTIVITY.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN VENTS AT CEILING ABOVE REACH-IN COOLER OF DUST BUILD-UP AT REAR.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REMOVE CLUTTER AT REAR PREP AREA WHERE NECESSARY, ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
41
78
Aug 5, 2013
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLER AT THE REAR PREP AREA TO REMOVE SPILLS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING IN THE REAR PREP AREA AND INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.
34
90
Jun 23, 2011
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Jun 16, 2011
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. SANDWICH PREP LINE COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED. MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED DOOR GASKETS.
32
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 FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR AROUND GREASE TRAP. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON WALL AT PREP AREA BEHIND SOUP HEATER TABLE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN UNCLEAN WALL.
35
86
Nov 5, 2010
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. FAN GUARDS OF WALK-IN COOLER & AREAS AROUND THEM MUST BE FREE OD DUST BUILD-UP. ALSO MUST RE-CAULK AROUND 3-COMP SINK SPLASHGUARDS & WALL.
35
95
Sep 29, 2010
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN REAR COOLER, MUST PROVIDE.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. FAN GUARDS OF WALK-IN COOLER & AREAS AROUND THEM MUST BE FREE OF DUST-BUILD-UP.
35
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Potbelly Sandwich Works last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Potbelly Sandwich Works on file is from Apr 2, 2025. The public record contains 20 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Potbelly Sandwich Works?
Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” 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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