Potbelly Sandwich Works
Last inspected: Dec 2, 2025
95
Score
The health department has logged 19 inspections at Potbelly Sandwich Works, the earliest from 2010. Potbelly Sandwich Works was last inspected on Dec 2, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around one violation, down from roughly four violations earlier in the record.
Across the inspection history, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded eight times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
19
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 2, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND WALL IN POOR REPAIR BY HOT SOUP PREPARATION AREAS.(CHIPPING PAINT).MUST REPAIR.
55
95
Nov 19, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: Damaged cooler door gasket, Instructed to replace.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Floors not clean along wall base of rear prep area, food debris noted, instructed to clean and maintain.
55
90
Oct 3, 2023
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A SLOW DRAINING OF WATER AT THE FRONT FOOD PREP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING AND MAINTAIN.
51
95
Nov 16, 2022
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FOUND SUMP PUMP SLOW LEAKING INTO FOOD PREPARATION/ DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. FOUND DIPPING WELL WATER HOSE PROFUSELY LEAKING INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
95
Mar 16, 2020
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper hot holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS(COOKED SAUSAGE @ 110.5, COOKED MEATBALLS @ 99.0F ALL LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA HOT HOLD UNIT @ IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES DURING TIME OF INSPECTION.. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO HOLD ALL HOT ITEMS AT 135.0F OR HIGHER AT ALL TIMES. SAID FOOD ITEMS VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED DURING THIS TIME. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
21
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 3 LBS OF PIZZA SAUCE HELD INSIDE OF COLD UNIT LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED TEMPERATURE @ 49.0F. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD ALL COLD HELD ITEMS @ 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES.SAID FOOD ITEM DISCARDED DURING THIS TIME. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-005.CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.
22
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.PRIORITY FOUNDATION.
1
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TRASH AND FOOD DEBRIS UNDERNEATH ALL STORAGE RACKS AND HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN STORAGE AND REAR PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, DEEP CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BURNED OUT BULBS IN REAR PREP NEAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK/REFUSE AREA AS WELL AS NO LIGHTING IN AREA WHERE BEVERAGE DISPENSER AND STORAGE OF DRY GOODS ARE LOCATED. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
56
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF REFRIGERATION UNITS LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEAD COCKROACHES ON FLOORS LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA NEAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE. MUST MAINTAIN.
38
55
Oct 25, 2019
Reinspection
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED READY TO EAT, TIME FOR TEMPERATURE SAFETY FOR CONTROL FOODS 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
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THAT TRAYS USED FOR STORAGE WRAPPED FOOD IN WALK IN COOLER ARE COVERED WITH DUST AND OLD FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IT CLEAN
16
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING CERTIFICATION FROM EMPLOYEE. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL EMPLOYEE'S MUST COMPLY WITH FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOOD HANDLING REGULATION ENFORCEMENT ACT.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
78
Oct 18, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED READY TO EAT, TIME FOR TEMPERATURE SAFETY FOR CONTROL FOODS 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 APPROXIMATELY 25-30 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS AT SITE DURING INSPECTION IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS : IN DISH WASHING AREA 10, IN FOOD PREP AREA 5,IN REAR STORAGE AREA 5,BEHIND SODA MACHINE 5 . RECOMMEND CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(A).CITATION ISSUED.
38
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: DURING INSPECTION OBSERVED THAT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK FLOW DRAIN IS DRAINING SLOW CAUSING WATER SEEPAGE ON TO THE FLOOR. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED
48
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THAT TRAYS USED FOR STORAGE WRAPPED FOOD IN WALK IN COOLER ARE COVERED WITH DUST AND OLD FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IT CLEAN
16
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: NOTED EMPLOYEE WORE UNPROVED JEWELRY DURING FOOD PREPARATION.MUST REMOVE ALL JEWELRY EXCEPT PLAIN WEDDING BAND FROM HANDS WHILE WORKING WITH EXPOSED FOOD
40
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED SOME USE OF CRATES FOR ELEVATION AT THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE CRATES FOR ELEVATION TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE. ALL FOOD ITEMS MUST ALSO BE STORED 6" AWAY FROM THE WALL
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THAT INTERIOR OF DRAWER COOLERS (NON FOOD CONTACT ) ARE DITRY AND COVERED WITH DUST AND FOOD. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CLEAN
49
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN REFUSE STORAGE AREA IN REAR BY 3 COMPARTMENT SINK
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED CLUTTER OF EQUIPMENT AND OTHER UNUSED ITEMS ON FLOORS IN REAR STORAGE ROOMS, HALLWAY TO DISH WASHING AREA.MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS TO ALLOW CLEANING AND REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN STANDING WATER, FOOD DEBRIS AND OTHER DIRT FROM PUMP AREA CLOSE TO 3 COMPARTMENT SINK
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING CERTIFICATION FROM EMPLOYEE. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL EMPLOYEE'S MUST COMPLY WITH FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOOD HANDLING REGULATION ENFORCEMENT ACT.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
47
Mar 23, 2018
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND APPROX 15-LBS OD DELI MEATS INSIDE PREP COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 51.0F TO 59.0F. INSTRUCTED COLD FOODS MUST BE MAINTAINED AT 40.0F OR BELOW. ALL FOODS REMOVED FROM COOLER BY MANAGER AND DISCARDED AT COST APPROX $ 155.00, CDI. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
3
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS THROUGHOUT FLOORS REAR PREP AND INSIDE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/ MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: PEELING PAINT ON WALLS OF REAR PREP AREA BY COOKER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR
35
86
Sep 1, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE ALL OF THE PREP COOLERS LOCATED AT THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING UNDER AND AROUND REFRIERATION UNITS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
90
Dec 16, 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: THE WALL CLOSE TO THE WALK IN COOLER NEAR ENTRANCE SWING DOOR ID IN POOR REPAIR,IE CHIPPED PEELING PAINT.MUST REPAIR
35
95
Apr 22, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL PREP COOLERS AND DRY STORAGE BULK CONTAINERS NOT CLEAN.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR OF WALK IN COOLER NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS,ETC.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN COOLER.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: HOT WATER HANDLE ON 1-COMP SINK IN REAR IN POOR REPAIR(NOT WORKING).MUST REPAIR.
38
86
Nov 4, 2015
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Previous serious violation corrected, 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION NOTED 10-26-15 ON REPORT# 1583458 NOT CORRECTED. IMPROPER GARBAGE HANDLING NOTED DURING INVESTIGATION. INTERIOR OF GARBAGE DUMPSTER LOCATED BY THE REAR ENTRANCE DOOR NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED, FOOD DEBRIS AND LIQUID WASTE FOUND INSIDE OF RECEPTACLE AS WELL AS TRASH AND BOXES FOUND ON FLOOR IN SAME AREA. ENCLOSED GARBAGE AREA MUST BE PROPERLY MAINTAINED AND KEPT CLEAN. NON COMPLIANT CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-42-090
14
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: IMPROPER GARBAGE HANDLING NOTED DURING INVESTIGATION. GARBAGE AREA LOCATED BY THE REAR ENTRANCE DOOR NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED, TRASH AND BOXES FOUND ON FLOOR AROUND THE GARBAGE DUMPSTER IN THE SAME AREA. ENCLOSED GARBAGE AREA MUST BE PROPERLY MAINTAINED AND KEPT CLEAN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
19
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT NEED DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS; INSIDE OF ALL PREP COOLERS AND INSIDE OF BOTH OVENS LOCATED IN THE FRONT PREP AREA, AND ALL SPILLS AND FOOD DEBRIS ON EQUIPMENT LOCATED IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS THRU OUT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE EXCESSIVE FOOD AND DIRT DEBRIS, UNDER ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA, ALONG THE WALL AND IN THE CORNER UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND UNDER PREP TABLE LOCATED IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO THOROUGHLY CLEAN ALL AND MAINTAIN. ALSO OBSERVED STANDING WATER ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE STANDING WATER AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED ALL FLOOR DRAINS NEED TO BE CLEANED AND SANITIZED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER BY THE COMPUTER AREA LOCATED IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNNECCESSARY CLUTTER, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
41
78
Oct 26, 2015
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BLACK SUBSTANCE INSIDE OF THE ICE DISPENSOR AT THE DRINK FOUNTAIN LOCATED IN THE CUSTOMER DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
16
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 40 SMALL FLIES THRU OUT FACILITY; 20 IN THE REAR BY THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, 10 BY THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA, AND 10 IN THE CUSTOMER DINING AREA AND WASHROOM AREA. OBSERVED A FRESH RAT DROPPING LOCATED ON A RAT TRAP BY THE REAR ENTRANCE. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GARBAGE IN 4 PLASTIC BAGS ON THE FLOOR BY THE REAR ENTRANCE DOOR. FACILITY DOES NOT HAVE AN OUTSIDE COMMERCIAL GARBAGE DUMPSTER WITH A TIGHT FITTING LID TO DISPOSE OF GARBAGE PROPERLY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER OUTSIDE COMMERCIAL GARBAGE DUMPSTER WITH A TIGHT FITTING LID. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
19
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRTY MULTI USE UTENSILS BEING STORED ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL MULTI USE UTENSILS AND MAINTAIN.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT NEED DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS; INSIDE OF ALL PREP COOLERS AND INSIDE OF BOTH OVENS LOCATED IN THE FRONT PREP AREA, AND ALL SPILLS AND FOOD DEBRIS ON EQUIPMENT LOCATED IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS THRU OUT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE EXCESSIVE FOOD AND DIRT DEBRIS, UNDER ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA, ALONG THE WALL AND IN THE CORNER UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND UNDER PREP TABLE LOCATED IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO THOROUGHLY CLEAN ALL AND MAINTAIN. ALSO OBSERVED STANDING WATER ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE STANDING WATER AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED ALL FLOOR DRAINS NEED TO BE CLEANED AND SANITIZED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VENTS OVER OVENS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ACCUMULATED DUST. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER BY THE COMPUTER AREA LOCATED IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNNECCESSARY CLUTTER, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
41
67
Aug 19, 2014
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREMISES, AND IN WALK-IN COOLER.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN CEILING/LIGHT PANELS AT REAR AND WHERE NECESSARY OF DUST BUILD-UP.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REMOVE CLUTTER AT REAR AND BEHIND SELF-SERVE BEVERAGE AREA, ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
41
86
Aug 8, 2014
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: NOTED SEVERAL SMALL FLYING INSECTS (FRUIT AND DRAIN FLIES) ON WALL AT CEILING, SHELVES AND EQUIPMENT. RECOMMENDED PEST CONTROL SERVICE. SERIOUS VIOLATION ISSUED.
18
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREMISES, AND IN WALK-IN COOLER.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN CEILING/LIGHT PANELS AT REAR AND WHERE NECESSARY OF DUST BUILD-UP.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REMOVE CLUTTER AT REAR AND BEHIND SELF-SERVE BEVERAGE AREA, ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
41
82
Dec 13, 2013
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT: DELI MEAT SLICER, MILK SHAKE MACHINE. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF THE REACH IN COOLER TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS. ALSO CLEAN THE RACK/SHELVINGS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING AROUNG AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS. ALSO FLOORS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER.
34
90
Jan 8, 2013
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DEFROST ICE CREAM BOX FREEZER TO REMOVE ICE BUILD-UP.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST REGROUT FLOOR IN FRONT OF THE 3COMP SINK. MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE CRACKED AND BROKEN FLOOR TILES AT THE STAIRCASE LEADING TO EXIT DOOR IN THE REAR PREP AREA AND AT THE DRY STORAGE AREA.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A SHATTERPROOF BULD AT THE REACH IN FREEZER IN THE REAR AREA.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE VENT EXHAUST HOOD FILTERS AT HOODS IN FRONT PREP AREA.
38
82
Jul 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. OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE SODA MACHINE CABINET. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF CABINET.
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. FLOOR DRAIN COVERS LOOSE AT SANDWICH PREP LINE AND BY 3-COMPARTMENT SINK ALSO OBSERVED FOOD BUILD UP ON FLOOR ALONG SANDWICH PREP LINE. MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR/INTERIOR OF ALL UNCLEAN FLOOR DRAINS AND REPAIR FLOOR DRAIN COVERS.
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 DIRT/FOOD DEBRIS ON WALLS AROUND SUMP PUMP. MUST 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. 3-COMPARTMENT SINK PIPE LEAKING AT BASE. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINK.
38
82
Sep 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. MUST EXTEND THE SNEEZEGUARD TO COVER ENTIRE HOT FOOD STATION OR MOVE HOT-HOLDING UNIT AWAY FROM CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE. ANY CUTTING BOARD WITH DEEP/DARK GROOVES MUST BE SANDED/BLEACHED OR REPLACED, TO MAKE SURFACES SMOOTH/EASILY CLEANABLE.
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 WALL/FLOOR & LEDGES OF MOST SMALL COOLERS MUST BE FREE OF FOOD DEBRIS/DIRT OR DUST BUILD-UP, INCLUDING GASKETS OF COOLER DOORS.
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 SODA DISPENSER & ALONG WALLBASES INSIDE OF WALK-IN COOLER MUST BE KEPT CLEAN-DUE TO DEBRIS/CLUTTER.
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. ANY HOLES AROUND PIPES/CONDUITS ON WALLS OR CEILING IN DISHROOM MUST BE SEALED, TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
35
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Potbelly Sandwich Works last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Potbelly Sandwich Works on file is from Dec 2, 2025. 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 eight 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.
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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