Potbelly Sandwich Works
Last inspected: Jul 20, 2022
95
Score
Across the available record, Potbelly Sandwich Works has 17 inspections on file, the first dated 2010. The newest entry in the record is dated Jul 20, 2022. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues. No fresh inspection data is available: the latest entry for Potbelly Sandwich Works dates to Jul 20, 2022.
Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around one violation compared to roughly four violations earlier on.
“Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing seven times across the record.
The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting Potbelly Sandwich Works on the better side of that line. The record reflects steady performance over time.
17
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 20, 2022
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: FOUND HO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE LOCATED IN WOMENS AND MENS TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
10
95
Jan 13, 2021
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE HAND WASHING SINK IN THE DISH WASHING/REAR PREP AREA DRAINING SLOWLY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
51
95
May 11, 2020
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT BEARD GUARDS WHILE PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
40
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS ON THE BOTTOM SHELF OF THE BREAD OVEN. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN FREE OF FOOD DEBRIS.
49
90
Feb 7, 2019
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING THERMOMETERS FOR WALK IN COOLERS AND REACH IN COOLER THROUGHOUT FACILITY. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.
36
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD EQUIPMENT SURFACES WITH ACCUMULATION OF FOOD DEBRIS OUTSIDE AND INSIDE OF UNITS ( REACH IN COOLERS) IN FRONT PREP AREA OF FACILITY. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR AND UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT FACILITY IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATION OF DUST AND FOOD DEBRIS UNDER HOOD IN FRONT PREP AREA OF FACILITY. MUST DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PA 100-0367 OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS WITHOUT REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.
58
78
Mar 6, 2018
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND LEAKY FAUCET BASE AT 3-COMP SINK . INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
38
95
Jun 15, 2017
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOUND VARIOUS UNLABELED SAUCE BOTTLES SUCH AS OLIVE OIL, MAYO, AND DRESSING IN FRONT PREP AREA. All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND RUSTY METAL SURFACE UNDER THE MOP SINK AND RUSTY EXTERIOR CHEST FREEZER DOOR IN KITCHEN. MUST REPAIR/ REPAINT WITH NON-TOXIC PAINT AND MAINTAIN ABOVE STATED SURFACES.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES WITH GAPS LOCATED UNDER THE REAR HAND SINK IN FRONT OF THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REPAIR/REGROUT ABOVE STATED FLOOR TILES AND GAPS SO AS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FOUND WALL PATCHED UP WITH CARD BOARD AND TAPE COVERING HOLE AT WALL BEHIND DUMPSTER IN THE REAR KITCHEN BY EXIT DOOR. MUST PROPERLY REPAIR THE HOLE ON THE WALL STATED ABOVE AND MAINTAIN SO AS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND LEAKY FAUCET BASE AT 3-COMP SINK AND LEAKY FAUCET AT MOP SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
78
Jun 8, 2017
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD NOT MAINTAINING AT 40 F OR BELOW. FOUND 3 1/2 LBS OF CHOPPED CHICKEN AT 65 F ($25. VALUE) INSIDE OF A 1-DOOR REFRIGERATOR WHICH WAS NOT PLUGGED IN AT INSPECTION TIME.MANAGER PLUGGED IN UNIT AND IT WAS WORKING PROPERLY MAINTAINING 40 F AND BELOW. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED ABOVE STATED FOOD PRODUCT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT COLD POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS MUST ALWAYS MAINTAIN 40F AND BELOW. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED.
3
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: DURING INSPECTION FOUND ALL THREE FRONT ENTRANCE DOORS NOT RODENT PROOFED. FOUND A 1/4 INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF ALL 3 DOORS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL THREE DOORS MUST BE RODENT PROOFED AT ALL TIMES WITHOUT ANY GAPS AND OPENINGS. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED.
18
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOUND VARIOUS UNLABELED SAUCE BOTTLES SUCH AS OLIVE OIL, MAYO, AND DRESSING IN FRONT PREP AREA. All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND RUSTY METAL SURFACE UNDER THE MOP SINK AND RUSTY EXTERIOR CHEST FREEZER DOOR IN KITCHEN. MUST REPAIR/ REPAINT WITH NON-TOXIC PAINT AND MAINTAIN ABOVE STATED SURFACES.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES WITH GAPS LOCATED UNDER THE REAR HAND SINK IN FRONT OF THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REPAIR/REGROUT ABOVE STATED FLOOR TILES AND GAPS SO AS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FOUND WALL PATCHED UP WITH CARD BOARD AND TAPE COVERING HOLE AT WALL BEHIND DUMPSTER IN THE REAR KITCHEN BY EXIT DOOR. MUST PROPERLY REPAIR THE HOLE ON THE WALL STATED ABOVE AND MAINTAIN SO AS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND LEAKY FAUCET BASE AT 3-COMP SINK AND LEAKY FAUCET AT MOP SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND CLUTTER SUCH AS CARDBOARD BOXES AND EMPTY PLASTIC CONTAINERS ON THE FLOOR AROUND DUMPSTER BY EXIT DOOR IN REAR KITCHEN. MUST REMOVE CARD BOARD, DECLUTTER, ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN.
41
67
Oct 17, 2016
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: UPON REINSPECTION,OBSERVED LAST,(NON-COMPLIANCE) REPORT SUMMARY FROM REPORT#1966231, NOT POSTED FOR PUBLIC VEIW. SERIOUS VIOLATION ISSUED 7-42-010B
28
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE FOLLING FOOD EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS,ETC: INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF PREP COOLERS,FOOD STORAGE CABINET ABOVE PREP COOLER,EXTERIOR OF OVENS,AND STAND,BULK DRY FOOD CONTAINERS,FOOD RACKS NEXT TO REAR HAND SINK.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALL DAMAGED,(HOLE) IN REAR BY DOOR BEHIND GARBAGE CAN.MUST REPAIR.
35
86
Oct 11, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: FOUND FOODS INSIDE REACH IN PREP COOLER THATS MAINTAINING IMPROPER AIR TEMPERATURE OF 44.3F.COOLER MUST MAINTAIN 40.F OR BELOW..MUST NOT USE COOLER UNTIL REINSPECTED BY THE HEALTH DEPT.MUST USE ADDITIONAL COOLER ON PREMISES THATS 40.OF OR BELOW,CDI. CRITICAL VIOLATION ISSUED 7-38-005A.
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS INSIDE REACH IN PREP COOLER MAINTAINED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES.APPROX 2-LBS OF CHICKEN SALAD AT 46.4F,AND 1-LB OF PLAIN CREAM CHEESE AT 52.4F.MUST MAINTAIN COLD FOODS AT 40.0F OR BELOW.FOODS REMOVED AND DISCARDED BY MANAGER,APPROX 3-LBS COST APPROX $10.00.CRITICAL VIOLATION ISSUED 7-38-005A.
3
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE FOLLING FOOD EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS,ETC: INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF PREP COOLERS,FOOD STORAGE CABINET ABOVE PREP COOLER,EXTERIOR OF OVENS,AND STAND,BULK DRY FOOD CONTAINERS,FOOD RACKS NEXT TO REAR HAND SINK.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALL DAMAGED,(HOLE) IN REAR BY DOOR BEHIND GARBAGE CAN.MUST REPAIR.
35
82
Apr 11, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: GASKET ON REAR DEEP FREEZER IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPLACE.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALL NOT CLEAN AT MOP SINK OF DEBRIS.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE PREP COOLERS BEHIND FRONT COUNTER.MUST INSTALL.
40
86
Jan 29, 2015
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: DURING INSPECTION FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES IN A HOT HOLDING UNIT WHICH WAS IMPROPERLY SET-UP WITHOUT ANY HOT WATER UNDER THE STAINLESS STEEL CONTAINERS HOLDING FOOD ITEMS. FOUND SAUSAGE PATTIES(110.5F), EGGS(120.4F) AND MARINARA SAUCE (120.1F) APPROXIMATELY 4 LBS. OF FOOD PRODUCT (APPROXIMATE VALUE $25.00) ABOVE STATED FOOD PRODUCTS WERE DISCARDED BY MANAGEMENT. ALL HOT POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS MUST MAINTAIN 140F AND ABOVE AT ALL TIMES. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO ALWAYS SET-UP HOT HOLDING UNITS PROPERLY TO MAINTAIN HOT FOODS AT 140F AND ABOVE. CDI.
3
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: DURING INSPECTION DID NOT FIND THE PREVIOUS INSPECTION SUMMARY POSTED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC. SUMMARY INSPECTION MUST ALWAYS BE POSTED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC AT ALL TIMES. CDI.
28
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE FOOD DEBRI FROM THE FLOORS IN THE REAR PREP AREAS.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST DECLUTTER AREA IN FRONT OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR TO PREVENT PEST BREEDING. FOUND MANY EMTPY CARD BOARD BOXES AT THE ABOVE STATED AREA.
41
82
Mar 14, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN/SANITIZE INTERIOR OF REFRIGERATED DRAWERS IN SERVING AREA OF FOOD BUILD-UP.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOOR BEHIND SERVICE COUNTER AT FRONT AND AT REAR.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: ORGANIZE/MAINTAIN AREA AT REAR WHERE PERSONAL BELONGINGS ARE KEPT.
41
86
Jun 26, 2013
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR INNER PLASTIC LINING AT THE ICE CREAM BOX FREEZER. OBSERVED INNER LINING IN POOR CONDITION.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND REMOVE EXCESSIVE DUST BUILD-UP AT ALL CEILING FANS ON PREMISES IN THE CUSTOMER DINING AREA.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR LEAK AT BASE OF THE 3COMP SINK FAUCET.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PERSONAL BELONGINGS SUCH AS SHOES AND BACKPACKS ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR AREA ACROSS FROM THE 3COMP SINK. ALL ITEMS NEED TO STORED 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR AT ALL TIMES.
41
82
Oct 18, 2012
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 15, 2012
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: (7-38-005A) FOUND A SMALL PREP COOLER (TO THE RIGHT OF THE OVEN), WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE BETWEEN 55.8-61.2F. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS AT 40F OR BELOW, UNIT TAGGED. FOOD STORED IN THIS UNIT WERE AT REQUIRED TEMPS. & LABELED WITH DATE & TIME OF PREPARATION. INSTRUCTED TO MOVE THE PRODUCTS TO A WORKING COOLER.
2
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MISSING PIECE OF METAL FOR THE DIPPER WELL (TO MAINTAIN THE WATER LEVEL UPON IMMERSION OF SCOOPS) MUST BE PROVIDED.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR WALLS & LEDGES OF ALL SMALL COOLER, & AREAS ALONG THE DOOR PANELS OF SAME UNITS MUST BE FREE OF FOOD DEBRIS OR DIRT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS AROUND THE GREASE TRAPS MUST BE KEPT CLEAN & DRY, & FLOOR DRAIN COVERS MUST BE PROVIDED.
34
82
Mar 17, 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. THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN- OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE PREP AREA CABINETS, INSIDE PREP COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKETS AND ON EXTERIOR OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL UNCLEAN EQUIPMENT.
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 DIRT BUILD UP INSIDE FLOOR DRAINS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR OF ALL UNCLEAN FLOOR DRAINS AND MAINTAIN.
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 WALLS IN REAR PREP AREA. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL UNCLEAN WALLS.
35
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. REAR PREP AREA HANDWASH BOWL LOOSE FROM WALL. MUST REATTACH SINK TO WALL.
38
82
Aug 3, 2010
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 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. Small cooler door gasket that's in poor repair at front prep area, some cutting boards with deep/dark grooves must be maintained.
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. Following need cleaning: interior ledges of small coolers, light shield at walk-in cooler, interior walls of cabinets for garbage bins at front serving line-due to food debris.
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. Floors under front cabinets/sink must be kept free of debris/clutter.
34
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. Leak at pipes under both handsinks & at the prep sink in ice cream area must be fixed, to prevent pest harborage.
38
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Potbelly Sandwich Works last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Potbelly Sandwich Works on file is from Jul 20, 2022. The public record contains 17 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 seven times, more than any other issue at Potbelly Sandwich Works.
Has Potbelly Sandwich Works' inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Potbelly Sandwich Works have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly four earlier in the 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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