Potbelly Sandwich Works
Last inspected: Mar 8, 2018
100
Score
Across the available record, Potbelly Sandwich Works has nine inspections on file, the first dated 2011. The newest entry in the record is dated Mar 8, 2018. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit. Potbelly Sandwich Works's record stops at Mar 8, 2018, more than two years back, so current conditions may differ.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around three violations across recent inspections versus roughly five violations before.
“Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing four times across the record.
That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Chicago restaurant scores 81. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 8, 2018
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Feb 27, 2018
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FRONT EXPOSED HAND SINK DRAINING SLOW AT THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED SLOW LEAKY PIPE UDERNEATH PREP SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: ESTABLISHMENT NOT PEST PROOFED. OBSERVED FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED DOOR HAS APPROXIMATELY 1/2" OPENING AT THE LOWER CORNER WEST SIDE OF BOTTOM DOOR. MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY. SERIOUS VIOLATTION 7-38-020.
18
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST ACCUMULATION ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED MISSING AND WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN REAR STORAGE ROOM. MUST REAPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER NEEDED AT THE FRONT 2-DOOR PREP COOLER. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
40
82
May 11, 2017
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOOR IN THE SMALL STORAGE ROOM IN THE REAR. ALSO, REPAIR BROKEN AND MISSING FLOOR TILES BELOW THE COMPUTER STATION IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE MISSING WALL TILES ABOVE THE WALK IN COOLER. REPLACE STAINED AND MISSING CEILING TILES IN THE SMALL STORAGE ROOM IN REAR. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT REAR PREP AREA, UNKNOWN DEBRIS PRESENT. INSTALL WORKING LIGHT IN SMALL STORAGE ROOM IN REAR. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE CLUTTER FROM SMALL STORAGE ROOM IN THE REAR. ELEVATE ITEMS 6" OFF FLOORS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE, AND MAINTAIN.
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82
May 3, 2017
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FRONT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED. 1/2" GAPS AT LOWER CORNERS OF THE DOOR, FRAME APPEARS TO BE DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR DOOR FRAME AND INSTALL A PROPER THRESHOLD AROUND LOWER CORNERS AND BOTTOM OF DOOR TO PREVENT RODENT ENTRY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST DEFROST SMALL ICE CREAM DEEP FREEZER AND WALK IN FREEZER IN REAR, ICE ACCUMULATION PRESENT. MUST REMOVE RUST ON STORAGE RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACES IN ALL PREP COOLER BEHIND THE FRONT COUNTER, AND IN STORAGE CABINETS BEHIND THE FRONT COUNTER, FOOD DEBRIS PRESENT.INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOORS IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS UNDER HEAVY EQUIPMENT. FLOORS IN THE SMALL STORAGE ROOM IN THE REAR. ALSO, REPAIR BROKEN AND MISSING FLOOR TILES BELOW THE COMPUTER STATION IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN WALL ABOVE THE SHAKE CONDIMENTS, DUST PRESENT. REPLACE MISSING WALL TILES ABOVE THE WALK IN COOLER. REPLACE STAINED AND MISSING CEILING TILES IN THE SMALL STORAGE ROOM IN REAR. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT REAR PREP AREA, UNKNOWN DEBRIS PRESENT. INSTALL WORKING LIGHT IN SMALL STORAGE ROOM IN REAR. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE CLUTTER FROM SMALL STORAGE ROOM IN THE REAR. ELEVATE ITEMS 6" OFF FLOORS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE. ALSO, AREA OUTSIDE REAR EXIT DOOR WHERE FURNITURE IS STORED, HAS EXCESSIVE GARBAGE AND DEBRIS PRESENT. INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE, AND MAINTAIN.
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70
Jun 7, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THAT THE PREP TOP COOLER CLOSEST TO THE CONVEYOR GRILL WAS HOLDING IMPROPER TEMPERATURE, NOTED AT 45-51 DEGREES. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS WERE STORED IN THE COOLER AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED FACILITIES TO MAINTIAN TEMPERATURE AT OR BELOW 40 DEGREES. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-005(A)
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES IN THE SANDWICH PREP COOLER: SALAD DRESSING (LABEL ON CONTAINER STATES THAT REFRIGERATION IS REQUIRED) 50 DEGREES, 14 LBS/$10; BEANS, 49 DEGREES, 6 LBS/$5. OPERATOR VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED THESE PRODUCTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO MAINTAIN COLD POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT THE PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 40 DEGREES OR BELOW. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-005(A)
3
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LEAK IN THE WASTE PIPING OF THE ONE COMPARTMENT PREP SINK IN REAR PREP. MUST REPAIR.
38
86
Jan 2, 2015
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAP UNCLEAN WITH FOOD RELATED OBJECTS STORED ON TOP OF IT. CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAP.
32
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS SHELF LINER. REMOVE CARDBOARD ALL SURFACES NEED TO BE NON ABSORBANT, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SHELVES UNCLEAN WITH DUST AND DIRT ACCUMULATION IN REAR PAPER GOODS STORAGE ROOM. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE SHELVES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS UNCLEAN IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: UNDER DRY STORAGE SHELVES IN HALLWAY AND IN REAR PAPER GOODS STORAGE ROOM. OBSERVED FLOOR NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE IN REAR PAPER GOODS STORAGE ROOM. RESTORE FLOOR TO A SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. OBSERVED TILES IN DISREPAIR ON FLOOR NEAR SAFE AND COMPUTER. REPAIR, RESTORE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FLOORS.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHEILD NEAR SAFE AND COMPUTER AND 3 COMPARMENT SINK. REPLACE AND MAINTAIN LIGHT SHEILD COVER.
36
78
Mar 19, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST] CLEAN IN DETAIL AND SANITIZE INSIDE PREP COOLER FOR SALAD AND INSIDE THE ICE CREAM FREEZER AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR BEHIND AND UNDER ALL COOLERS AND FREEZER NEEDS DETAIL CLEANING (WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND DUST ACCUMULATED) AND MAINTAIN.
34
90
Nov 26, 2013
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON PREMISES AND NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHILE FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED IE: SOUP @159.9F. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.
21
95
Oct 7, 2011
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use. TABLE TOP CAN OPENER ENCRUSTED WITH FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AFTER EACH USE.
31
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. MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING.
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. INTERIOR ALL DELI LINE COOLERS WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS ON INNER SHELVING. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
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. CRACKED/MISSING WALL TILES AT PILLAR NEXT TO "DRESS # 3" STATION. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL COOLERS.
40
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. UNUSED COOLER IN REAR MUST BE MAINTAINED OR REMOVED FROM PREMISES.
41
74
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Potbelly Sandwich Works last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Potbelly Sandwich Works on file is from Mar 8, 2018. The public record contains nine 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 four 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 three violations per visit, down from roughly five 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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