Potbelly Sandwich Works
Last inspected: Jul 10, 2023
86
Score
The health department has logged 19 inspections at Potbelly Sandwich Works, the earliest from 2010. The most recent visit was on Jul 10, 2023. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer. The file hasn't been updated since Jul 10, 2023, so take the current picture with that in mind.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around two violations each.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean”, showing up six times.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Potbelly Sandwich Works is comfortably above that bar. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
19
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 10, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNNECESSARY/UNUSED ITEMS IN THE FACILITY SOTRAGE CLOSET. FACILITY MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY/UNUSED ITEMS.
55
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES IN GLUEBOARD NEAR WATER BOILER TANK. FACILITY MUST REMOVE DEAD INSECTS.
38
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN ACCUMILATION OF FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR BETWEEN PREP-LINE UNITS. FACILITY MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
Jul 25, 2022
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON WALK-IN COOLER DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
95
May 3, 2021
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR LOOSE FITTING LIDS ON 2 WHITE DEEP FREEZERS IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN TOP OF GREASE TRAP UNDER 3-COMP SINK, RUST PRESENT. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
52
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FOOD DBERIS FROM FLOOR IN FRONT PREP AND IN DRY STORAGE CLOSET, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
55
86
Feb 19, 2020
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOOSE FITTING LIDS ON 2 CHEST FREEZERS LOCATED IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A CUTTING BOARD ON MAIN PREP LINE WITH DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.
47
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BURNT OUT LIGHT BULB IN THE CEILING LIGHTS ABOVE THE WALK IN COOLER LOCATED IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
56
86
Apr 11, 2019
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF PREP COOLER AT FRONT SERVICE LINE NOT CLEANED PROPERLY, FOOD DEBRIS AND STAINS NOTED, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: DAMAGED WALL NEXT TO REAR PREP TABLE WITH CHIPPED PAINT, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A DURABLE EASY TO CLEAN SURFACE.
55
90
Aug 8, 2018
Routine
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXISTING BODILY FLUID CLEAN UP PROCEDURE NOT EQUIVALENT TO CODE REQUIREMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER CLEAN UP PROCEDURE AND MAINTAIN ALL REQUIRED CLEAN UP MATERIALS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION: 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY IMPLEMENTED ON SITE. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE TRAINING ON EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN DOCUMENTATION OF COMPLETION ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION: 7-38-012(A), NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
82
Oct 24, 2017
Routine
No violations found.
100
Mar 23, 2017
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Mar 14, 2017
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE MACHINE UNCLEAN ON INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE WHERE ICE IS MADE AND HELD FOR CUSTOMER CONSUMPTION. OBSERVED ORANGE MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE ON BACK WALL OF ICE MACHINE AND HEAVY DUST ACCUMULATION ON FILTERS AND PANELS OF ICE MACHINE. INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF AICE MACHINE NEED TO BE CLEANED IN DETAIL AND MAINTAINED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005 (A)
16
95
Aug 24, 2016
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: IN USE CHEST FREEZER DOOR INTERIOR DAMAGED, PLASTIC COVER TORN FROM DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE/REPAIR CHEST FREEZER DOOR.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT CALCIUM BUILD UP ON ICE CHUTE OF SODA MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE/ICE CHUTE AT SODA MACHINE.
33
90
Mar 4, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD BUILD UP ON SHELVES AT FRONT PREP AREA AND INSIDE PREP AREA REACH IN COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SHELVES/COOLERS GASKETS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD/DIRT BUILD UP INSIDE FRONT PREP AREA FLOOR DRAIN. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF FLOOR DRAIN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: REAR PREP AREA CEILING LIGHT COVERS (X2) NOT COMPLETELY ATTACHED TO CEILING. MUST REATTACH CEILING LIGHT COVERS TO CEILING.
36
86
Feb 9, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: FOUND NO PREVIOUS INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY FROM REPORT #1460093 DATED 5/27/14 DISPLAYED IN PLAIN VIEW FOR THE CUSTOMER ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT SUMMARY REPORT MUST BE POSTED IN PLAIN VIEW FOR THE CUSTOMER ON SITE. CITATION ISSUED SERIOUS 7-42-010(B). NEW SUMMARY REPORT ISSUED TO POST.
28
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE INTERIOR WALLS AND BOTTOM SHELVE OF THE PREP COOLER IN THE FRONT SERVING /PREP AREA(WITH FOOD DEBRIS)AND MAINTAIN. ALSO CLEAN IN DETAIL THE MOP SINK AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL THE FLOOR INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER ,UNDER THE WIRE RACK SHELVINGS AND MAINTAIN.
34
86
May 27, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ITEMS INSIDE SERVICE COOLER TO BE IMPROPER AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION: ROAST BEEF 46.7F, HAM 46.4F, TURKEY 52.7F, MOTADELLA 45.3F AND ASSORTED DELI MEATS PACKAGED TOGETHER 57.4F,TAPOCOLLA(DELI MEAT) 46.8F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 20 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $60.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. INSTRUCTED TO MONITOR FOOD TEMPERATURES AT ALL TIMES ESPECIALLY DURING PREPPING. CITATION ISSUED FOR CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-005(A).
3
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH HEAVY EQUIPMENT. MUST ALSO CLEAN FLOOR DRAIN AT THE REAR PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
34
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: NOTED SOME COOLERS WITH NO STEM THERMOMETERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ACCURATE STEM THERMOMETER ON ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS FOR BETTER TEMPERATURE MONITORING.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED CLUTTER AT THE READ DRY STORAGE BY THE EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, ORGANIZE OR REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES FROM THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
41
82
Aug 1, 2013
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MISSING GROUT AT KITCHEN FLOOR TILE UNDER 3-COMP SINK, INSTRUCTED TO GROUT AND MAINTAIN. FOOD DEBRIS NOTED BEHIND CHEST FREEZER, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
34
95
Apr 4, 2012
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Feb 10, 2012
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE CHEST FREEZER LID (CLOSE TO THE ENTRY DOOR OF REAR PREP STATION), IS IN POOR REPAIR (INSULATION EXPOSED)-MUST REPLACE. All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE DOOR GASKETS OF SMALL COOLERS AT FRONT PREP AREA NEED DETAILED CLEANING, DUE TO GREASE/DIRT/FOOD STAINS. All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS OF WALK-IN COOLER ALONG WALLBASES & AROUND WHEELS OF CARTS; UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK; & UNDER ICE CREAM STATION MUST BE KEPT CLEAN. The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE ICE CREAM SINK IS SLOW-DRAINING, MUST FIX & MAINTAIN. Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.
38
82
Jul 7, 2011
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 29, 2011
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. OBSERVED LIVE FRUIT FLIES IN BOTH PREP AREAS AND FOUNTAIN POP STATION ON THE WALLS, CEILING, BOXES AND EQUIPMENT. OVER 30 LIVE FRUIT FLIES WERE OBSERVED IN THESE AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
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. DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE PREP COOLERS.
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. DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOOR UNDER THE STORAGE LOCKERS. DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOOR DRAINS TO ELIMINATE PEST HARBORAGE.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR THE LEAK AT THE VALVE UNDER THE SOUP CABINET.
38
82
Jan 7, 2010
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. Prep line cooler(by oven)rubber door gasket ripped. Must repair or replace damaged cooler gasket.
32
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 dust build up on prep coolers condensers. Must clean and maintain equipment.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. 1-compartment sink faucet leaking at base. Must repair and maintain.
38
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Potbelly Sandwich Works last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Potbelly Sandwich Works on file is from Jul 10, 2023. The public record contains 19 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Potbelly Sandwich Works?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited six 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.
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