Potbelly Sandwich Works
Last inspected: Oct 15, 2025
86
Score
Potbelly Sandwich Works has been inspected 23 times since 2010. The latest inspection on file is from Oct 15, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around four violations each.
Across the inspection history, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded 11 times.
Potbelly Sandwich Works' latest score of 86 sits above the Chicago average of 81. The record reflects steady performance over time.
23
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 15, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE LOWER WALL WHERE THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER SITS IS RUBBING CAUSING PAINT TO FADE. ISTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A MORE SOLID COVERING IN THE AREA TO AVOID RUBBING OFF OF PAINT.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOOR IN THE FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT, DEBRIS AND FOOD DEBRIS UNDER AND AROUND THE COOKING AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT. AS WELL AS THE FLOOR IN THE REAR UNDER THE ONE COMPARTMENT SINK (STANDING WATER) INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT ACTIVITY.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE AIR VENTS IN THE FRONT OVER THE FOOD PREP AREAS WITH A HWAVY DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION OF FOODS PREPARED IN THE AREA AND THE FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.
56
86
Feb 7, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGED HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTD TO PROVE A VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGED HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. CITATION ISSUED PRIORITY 7-38-010 PRIORITY FOUNDATION.
3
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHILE HANDLING TCS FOODS (DELI MEATS, SOUP). INSTD TO HAVE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012 PRIORITY FOUNDATION
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: PIC WITHOUT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE. INST TO OBTAIN CERTIFICATION AND MAINTAIN
1
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: MALE FOOD HANDLER WITH BEARD WITHOUT RESTRAINT FOR BEARD. INSTD TO PROVIDE RESTRAINT AND MAINTAIN
40
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WALL NEXT TO WALK IN COOLER WITH CHIPPED PAINT AND WORN SURFACES. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN, SMOOTH, EVEN, AND EASILY CLEANABLE
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: LIGHTSHIELDS THROUGH OUT REAR NOT CLEAN, DEBRIS. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: CRACKED LIGHTSHIELD IN REAR ABOVE STORAGE RACK. INSTD TO REPLACE LIGHTSHIELD AND MAINTAIN
56
64
Feb 28, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: MISSING A VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGED HEALTH POLICY. INSTD TO PROVE A VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGED HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR REVIEW. CITATION ISSUED PRIORITY 7-38-010 PRIORITY FOUNDATION
3
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: SUMMARY REPORT FROM 2/3/23 NOT DISPLAYED OR VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC. INSTD TO DISPLAY AND HAVE VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC AT ALL TIMES. CITATION ISSUED 7-42-010(B).
61
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MISSING HANDLE ON DEEP FREEZER. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN HANDLE
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: PAPER LINING ON SHELVES IN SODA COOLER AT FRONT LINE. INSTD TO REMOVE PAPER LINING SO AS SURFACE TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN AND EASILY CLEANABLE
47
78
Feb 3, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FRONT DOOR WITH A 1/4" GAP AT THE BOTTOM BETWEEN THE DOORS. MUST REPAIR TO PREVENT PESTS ENTRY POINT.
38
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE LEVER UNDERNEATH LAST SINK OF THE 3 COMP SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTIAN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE FLOORS THROUGH ESPECIALLY ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.
55
86
Jan 26, 2022
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE CREAM SCOOPS AND MULTI USE UTENSILS STORED IN STANDING COLD WATER IN DIPPERWELL AT PREP LINE. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY (I.E. In running water of sufficient velocity to flush particulates to the drain OR In a container of water if the water is maintained at a temperature of at least 135F and the container is cleaned at a frequency).
43
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WALL BASE COVING MISSING TILES AND IN POOR REPAIR AT BOTH SIDES OF ENTRYWAY LEADING FROM FRONT TO REAR PREP AREA. FLOOR TILES MISSING AT BASE OF REAR DOOR. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME AND MAINTAIN.
55
90
May 6, 2021
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED REPLACING WHERE WORN AND DISCOLORED. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR OF COOLER BY MILK SHAKES TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WALLS IN FRONT PREP AREA IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL SPLATTER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CLEAN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS THROUGH OUT FRONT PREP AREA IN NEED OF DETAIN CLEANING UNDER AND AROUND ALL EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
82
May 13, 2020
Routine
3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO (PIC) WITH VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON SITE WHEN TCS FOOD(SANDWICHES, SOUP) PREPARED AND SERVED. A CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD IS PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012
2
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED (PIC) TO PROVIDE FOR EMPLOYEES HEALTH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEA EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY, ALONG WITH THE NECESSARY CLEAN-UP KIT ITEMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-010
5
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLAGE ON FLOORS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS AND INSIDE CABINETS UNDER BEVERAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS AND MAINTAIN
55
70
Nov 21, 2019
Complaint
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER DATE MARKING ON TCS FOOD STORED IN COOLER. ALL REFRIGERATED READY TO EAT TCS FOOD HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS SHALL BE CLEARLY MARKED WITH DATE BY WHICH FOOD IS TO BE SOLD, CONSUMED, OR DISCARDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
23
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID CERTIFICATE WHEN TCS FOOD(SANDWICHES, SOUP) PREPARED AND SERVED. A CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD IS PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012
2
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOXES OF CHIPS AND CRACKERS STORED ON FLOOR IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL STOCK SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
39
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON ROLLING CARTS AND PREP TABLES, RESIDUE ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE DISPENSER AND NOZZLES ON POP MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES AND EQUIPMENT.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLAGE ON FLOORS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS AND INSIDE CABINETS UNDER BEVERAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS AND MAINTAIN
55
64
Mar 5, 2019
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEA EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY, ALONG WITH THE NECESSARY CLEAN-UP KIT ITEMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-010
5
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A 1/4 INCH GAP IN THE MIDDLE/BOTTOM OF THE FRONT DOOR. INSTRUCTED DOOR SHOULD BE TIGHT FITTING IN ORDER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
38
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILE IN THE REAR MOP SINK AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
55
82
Jan 29, 2018
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FRONT DIPPERWELL NOT MAINTAINED, MISSING MIDDLE OVERFLOW TUBE, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING OVERFLOW TUBE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE REAR PREP TABLE NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVE THE FLOOR IN FRONT PREP AREA, AND UNDER THE FRONT SODA STATION UNDER AND AROUND THE AIR TANK NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
34
86
May 25, 2017
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CHEST FREEZER WITH EXCESSIVE ICE BUILD UP. INSTD TO REMOVE ICE AND MAINTAIN
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: BASE OF BLENDER RINSE EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE DEBRIS. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR DRAINS THROUGH OUT NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE DEBRIS. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: VENT ABOVE SANDWICH TOASTER LINE NOT CLEAN, DUST ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN, FREE OF DUST.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEE PERSONAL BELONGINGS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE IN DESIGNATED AREA ONLY.
41
78
May 18, 2017
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: 3-COMPARTMENT SINK NOT MAINTAINED, UNABLE TO DRAIN PROPERLY WITHOUT RELEASING WATER AT EXTREMELY SLOW INTERVALS. INSTD TO REPAIR AND BE ABLE TO DRAIN PROPERLY. VIOLATION 7-38-030 SERIOUS.
24
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CHEST FREEZER WITH EXCESSIVE ICE BUILD UP. INSTD TO REMOVE ICE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: BASE OF BLENDER RINSE EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE DEBRIS. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR DRAINS THROUGH OUT NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE DEBRIS. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: VENT ABOVE SANDWICH TOASTER LINE NOT CLEAN, DUST ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN, FREE OF DUST.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEE PERSONAL BELONGINGS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE IN DESIGNATED AREA ONLY.
41
74
Nov 29, 2016
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE COOLERS AND PREP TABLES IN THE REAR AND FRONT PREP AREAS AND WATER ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE 1 COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FLOORS.
34
95
Nov 16, 2016
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 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 APPROXIMATELY 15-20 LIVE FRUIT FLIES ON WET MOPS AND SHELVING INSIDE OF THE MOP SINK ROOM AND APPROXIMATELY 5 LIVE FRUIT FLIES FLYING AROUND THE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE NOTED AREAS AND PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL TO ELIMINATE THE ACTIVITY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
18
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE COOLERS AND PREP TABLES IN THE REAR AND FRONT PREP AREAS AND WATER ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE 1 COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FLOORS.
34
90
Feb 22, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE OUTSIDE DUMPSTER NOT MAINTAINED WITH GARBAGE ON TOP OF THE LIDS AND LIDS NOT CLOSED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN THE PUTSIDE DUMPSTER AREA. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
19
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOOR UNDER EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT PREP AREA WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOORS.
34
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE OF THE FRONT PREP AREA 1 DOOR PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A THERMOMETER FOR ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS.
40
86
Aug 25, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CONVEYOR OVEN NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.ALSO CLEAN THE FRONT MEAT COOLER. AND CLEAN FRONT MILK COOLER.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE REAR WALK-IN COOLER CEILING NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. ALSO CLEAN REAR LIGHT SHIELDS.
35
90
Oct 8, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE HOT WATER KNOB ON THE WASHBOWL IN THE LADIES TOILET ROOM IS IN POOR REPAIR-CRACKED. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN THE CORNERS THROUGH OUT NEEDS CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FOUND THE CEILING TILES AND VENTS IN THE REAR PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN-REMOVE DIRT/DUST BUILD UP AND MAINTAIN.
35
86
Jan 6, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND PAPER TOWEL HOLDER UNABLE TO CLOSE IN REAR PREP AREA. MUST FIX AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE CABINET UNDER THE BEVERAGE STATION. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FAN COVERS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE FLOOR DRAINS AND FLOORS IN ALL CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE VENTS ON THE PIPES ABOVE THE FRONT PREP STATION. REMOVE DIRT/DUST.
35
82
Feb 7, 2013
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NEED TO CLEAN UNDER COUNTER TABLE STORAGE AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOOR IIN FRONT PREP AREA.
34
90
Jun 25, 2012
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage.NEED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE REAR SLICER.
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.CLEAN REAR FLOOR DRAIN UNDER REAR PREP SINK.
34
90
Feb 1, 2012
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.NEED TO CLEAN REAR BOX FREEZER LID.
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.REMOVE STANDING WATER AT SIDE DOOR IN REAR STORAGE/PREP AREA.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities.CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR STORAGE/PREP AREA.
36
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.NOTICED SOME CLUTTER IN REAR STORAGE/PREP AREA INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ITEMS NOT BEING USED I.E. BOXES, TRASH BAGS ETC.
41
82
Mar 1, 2011
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 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. All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. THE FOLLOWING IN NEED OF CLEANING: SODA DISPENSOR, INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLERS, AND GARBAGE CABINETS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
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 THROUGH OUT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE BUILD UP IN CORNERS AND AROUND ALL EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: The flow of air discharged from kitchen fans shall always be through a duct to a point above the roofline. 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. ALL FLOOR DRAINS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
38
86
May 18, 2010
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF CABINETS UNDER BEVERAGE STATION NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER NOT CLEAN, DEBRIS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: VENT ABOVE TOASTER OVER NOT CLEAN, DUST. LIGHTSHIELDS IN REAR PREP AREA NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME.
35
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Potbelly Sandwich Works last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Potbelly Sandwich Works on file is from Oct 15, 2025. The public record contains 23 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Potbelly Sandwich Works?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 11 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 four 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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