Potbelly Sandwich Works
Last inspected: May 6, 2025
78
Score
Inspectors have visited Potbelly Sandwich Works 26 times, with records going back to 2010. Inspectors last stopped by on May 6, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around four violations each.
“Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing eight times across the record.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting Potbelly Sandwich Works on the weaker side. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
26
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 6, 2025
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTH STORED ON TOP OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET IN REAR OF PREMISES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE ITEMS IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FEW ITEMS STORED ON PLASTIC CRATES INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST USE APPROVED SHELVING FOR PRODUCT ELEVATION. MUST REMOVE CRATES FROM PREMISES.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH FOOD STORAGE SHELVING INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR CLEAN AT ALL TIMES.
55
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER NEEDED IN THE 1DOOR PREP COOLER LOCATED IN FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
36
78
Apr 2, 2024
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: Observed gaps greater than 1/4 inch at bottom doors sweeps at front and rear exit. Rodent proof both exits.
38
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Observed food debris in gaskets on reach in coolers at prep area. Clean and mantain gaskets.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: Observed both unisex bathrooms in dining area to not have a trash can with a cover or lid. Instructed manager to provide covered receptacles in both unisex bathrooms.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Observed spillage and food debris build up and the floor beneath the bottled soda shelf in rear prep area and on the floor in the front prep area. Regularly clean and mantain areas free of food debris and spillage.
55
82
Feb 8, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE/FOOD NOT PROTECTED. ICE CHUTE AT SELF SERVE ICE MACHINES IN DINING AREA WITH PINK AND WHITE SLIME SUBSTANCE DRIPPING FROM IT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE CHUTE.ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED. DISTRICT MANAGER ON SITE,CLEANED AND SANITIZED THE ICE CHUTE.
16
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: BROKEN RUBBER GASKET AT INTERIOR OF THE WALK-IN DOOR. REPAIR/REPLACE
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: DEBRIS ON FLOORS,ALONG BASEBOARD WALLS AND UNDER SHELVES, THROUGHOUT. FLUID SPILLAGE ON FLOOR INSIDE THE CABINET OF SELF SERVE ICE MACHINE UNDER SHELVES. AND INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER.CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
55
82
Nov 1, 2021
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS ABOVE THE REAR BOX FREEZER MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN THE SANITIZING SOLUTION BUCKETS PROVIDED BETWEEN USE.
41
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: NOTED RUST ON THE INTERIOR UPPER METAL PORTION OF THE PLASTIC ICE CHUTE ON THE SODA DISPENSING SYSTEM. MUST REMOVE RUST.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: BLACKENED, MOLDY WALL CAULKING AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPLACE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MISSING/CRACKED TILE BASEBOARD COVING AT THE FAR SOUTH ONE DOOR COOLER. MUST REPLACE.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INOPERABLE VENTILATION IN THE SOUTH WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
56
74
Sep 3, 2020
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REAR EXIT/ENTRANCE DOOR SWEEP LOOSE/TORN AT DOOR CORNER. MUST REATTACH DOOR SWEEP, SAID DOOR MUST BE RODENT PROOF.
38
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON WALLS AT REAR STORAGE ROOM ALSO OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DIRT BUILD UP INSIDE FLOOR DRAIN AT REAR STORAGE ROOM. MUST CLEAN WALLS AND INTERIOR OF FLOOR DRAIN AT REAR STORAGE ROOM.
55
90
Aug 6, 2019
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NOTED GARBAGE RECEPTACLE INSIDE THE WOMEN'S TOILET WITH NO LID. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL GARBAGE RECEPTACLES INSIDE THE WOMEN'S BATHROOM AND UNISEX BATHROOMS MUST HAVE LIDS.
53
95
May 3, 2018
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 26, 2018
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 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 ABOUT 35 ANTS/FLYING ANTS INSIDE MEN'S RESTROOM.(ANTS ON TOILET AND COMING OUT OF FLOOR DRAIN). SERIOUS VIOLATION. 7-38-020. MUST ELIMINATE ANT PROBLEM, CLEAN AFFECTED AREAS, AND NOTIFY PEST CONTROL OPERATOR.
18
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN UNDER SODA MACHINE AREAS AND MAIN KITCHEN AREAS.MUST CLEAN.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND MOPS AND BROOMS NOT STORED PROPERLY. MUST RELOCATE.
41
86
Oct 27, 2017
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 26, 2017
Reinspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Previous serious violation corrected, 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2099143 DATED 10/19/17 NOT CORRECTED: OBSERVED APPROX. 20 SMALL FLIES NEAR THE SODA MACHINE, APPROX. 35 SMALL FLIES IN REAR PREP AREA, APPROX. 25 SMALL FLIES NEAR BACK DOOR OF PREP AREA, APPROX. 20 SMALL FLIES IN FRONT DINING ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY AND RECOMMENDED SERVICE BY LICENSED PEST CONTROL. UPON FOLLOW-UP INSPECTION, OBSERVED APPROX. 43 SMALL FLIES AT SODA MACHINE, APPROX. 27 SMALL FLIES AT SHAKE STATION, APPROX. 13 SMALL FLIES NEAR FRONT HAND SINK, APPROX. 65 SMALL FLIES AT REAR PREP, APPROX. 50 SMALL FLIES NEAR REAR PREP EXIT, AND APPROX. 80 SMALL FLIES THROUGHOUT FRONT DINING ROOM. MUST CORRECT. CRITICAL VIOLATION: 7-42-090
14
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FRONT PREP HAND SINK TO PROTECT THE BEVERAGES STORED ON SHELVING DIRECTLY ADJACENT. OBSERVED A DEEP CRACK ALONG THE ENTIRE WIDTH OF THE WHITE PREP COUNTER WHERE FOOD DEBRIS IS ACCUMULATING. MUST REPAIR CRACK SO FOOD PREP SURFACE IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN OR REPLACE DRAIN TUBE AT BACK OF SODA FOUNTAIN, WHICH IS STAINED WITH DARK SPLOTCHY MATERIAL DOWN THE LENGTH OF THE TUBE. MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM CABINET BELOW SODA FOUNTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS AND GARBAGE FROM FLOORS UNDER ICE CREAM FREEZER, SHAKE STATION TABLE AND PREP TOP COOLERS IN FRONT PREP AREA. MUST DETAIL CLEAN PARTICULATE BUILD UP IN CORNERS AND ALONG JUNCTURES OF FLOOR AND WALLS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. MUST CLEAN PARTICULATE MATTER ACCUMULATING IN GROUTING. MUST DETAIL CLEAN ORGANIC MATTER ACCUMULATING IN FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT FACILITY.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR HOLE IN WALL UNDER LEFT SIDE OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WHERE REPAIRS WERE MADE TO A WATER VALVE. MUST REPAIR WALL TO BE SMOOTH, NON-ABSORBENT AND FREE OF UNNECESSARY CAVITIES.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON WATER LINE TO ICE TEA MAKER.
38
74
Oct 19, 2017
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: OBSERVED SMALL FLY ACTIVITY IN RESTAURANT. OBSERVED APPROX. 20 SMALL FLIES NEAR THE SODA MACHINE, APPROX. 35 SMALL FLIES IN REAR PREP AREA, APPROX. 25 SMALL FLIES NEAR BACK DOOR OF PREP AREA, APPROX. 20 SMALL FLIES IN FRONT DINING ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY AND RECOMMENDED SERVICE BY LICENSED PEST CONTROL. SERIOUS VIOLATION: 7-38-020
18
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: MOST RECENT INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT FROM 2/10/17 NOT POSTED AND VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED THAT MOST RECENT INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT MUST BE POSTED AND VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS AT ALL TIMES. SERIOUS VIOLATION: 7-42-010(B)
28
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FRONT PREP HAND SINK TO PROTECT THE BEVERAGES STORED ON SHELVING DIRECTLY ADJACENT. OBSERVED A DEEP CRACK ALONG THE ENTIRE WIDTH OF THE WHITE PREP COUNTER WHERE FOOD DEBRIS IS ACCUMULATING. MUST REPAIR CRACK SO FOOD PREP SURFACE IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR HOLE IN WALL UNDER LEFT SIDE OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WHERE REPAIRS WERE MADE TO A WATER VALVE. MUST REPAIR WALL TO BE SMOOTH, NON-ABSORBENT AND FREE OF UNNECESSARY CAVITIES.
35
82
Feb 10, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST DEFROST ICE CREAM FREEZER.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN GREENISH LIQUID POOLING IN THE BOTTOM OF THE MIDDLE SALAD PREP COOLER.
33
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE CRACKED AND WARPED LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR PREP AREA.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST STORE CLEANING EQUIPMENT (MOPS, BROOMS, ETC.) INVERTED OR AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.
41
82
Mar 21, 2016
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINES UPPER WATER RESERVOIR AND PLASTIC ICE SHOOT FOUND DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
95
May 27, 2015
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DIRT & DEBRIS UNDER THE SOUP HOLDING AREA. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CEILING TILE MISSING AND DIRTY CEILING VENT IN MOP SINK AREA. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPLACE TILE AND CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CEILING VENT.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER IN THE ELECTRICAL CLOSET. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REMOVE ANY UNECESSARY ITEMS, ORGANIZE REMAINING, STORE 6 INCHES OFF FLOORS AND WALLS AMD MAINTAIN TO HELP PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE AND FACILTATE PROPER CLEANING METHODS
41
86
May 19, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLACK MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE AND PINK SLIME LIKE SUBSTANCE IN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 (A)
16
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DIRT & DEBRIS UNDER THE SOUP HOLDING AREA. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CEILING TILE MISSING AND DIRTY CEILING VENT IN MOP SINK AREA. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPLACE TILE AND CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CEILING VENT.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBERVED CLUTTER IN THE ELECTRICAL CLOSET. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO TO RMOVE ANY UNECESSRY ITEMS, ORGANIZE REMAINING, STORE 6 INCHES OFF FLOORS AND WALLS AMD MAINTAIN TO HELP PREVENT PEST HARBORRAGE AND FACILTATE PROPER CLEANING MEATHODS.
41
82
Dec 26, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD ON THE FRONT HAND SINK OR RELOCATE SODA ITEMS TO PROPERLY PROTECT FOOD ITEMS DURING STORAGE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FOUND CRUMBS AND FOOD DEBRIS UNDER THE SANDWICH OVEN, ALONG THE CUTTING BOARDS AND ON TOP OF THE REFRIGERATION UNITS, AND DEBRIS SURROUNDING THE GARBAGE BINS IN THE FRONT PREP/COOKING AREA.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE REAR HAND SINK IN THE DISHROOM IS SLOW DRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SINK TO ALLOW PROPER DRAINING AND PREVENT FUTURE PLUMBING ISSUES.
38
86
Mar 13, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAKY FAUCET HANDLE AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. MUST REPAIR. MUST REPAIR VENTILATION IN MEN'S WASHROOM. REAR EXPOSED HANDWASH SINK IN REAR PREPARATION AREA IS DRAINING SLOW. MUST REPAIR/MAINTAIN.
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTHES STORED ON TOP OF FOOD PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHES IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
43
90
Sep 27, 2013
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CLEAN SLICER ON REAR PREP TABLE. CLEAN SHELF IN WALK-IN COOLER WHERE SPILL OBSERVED.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER UNDER SHELVES AND IN CORNER AREAS OF KITCHEN.
34
90
Mar 14, 2013
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Mar 7, 2013
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM PREVIOUS REPORT DATED 11-30-12. REPORT# 1313290. MUST REPAINT PEELING PAINT AT WALL ABOVE THE REAR PREP TABLE NEXT TO THE EXPOSED HAND SINK SO AS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST REPLACE ALL WORN OUT CUTTING BOARDSWITH DARK GROOVES AT ALL PREP STATIONS. SERIOUS VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED.
29
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY.(MUST STORE INVERTED)
31
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND CLOTHES STORED ON FOOD SHELVING UNITS.
41
86
Dec 7, 2012
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE ALL WORN OUT CUTTING BOARDSWITH DARK GROOVES AT ALL PREP STATIONS.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST REGROUT FLOORS AT REAR PREP AREA IN FRONT OF THE 3COMP SINK AREA AS WELL AS IN FRONT OF THE ICE CREAM FREEZER NEXT TO THE REGISTER AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPAINT PEELING PAINT AT WALL ABOVE THE REAR PREP TABLE NEXT TO THE EXPOSED HAND SINK SO AS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
35
86
Nov 30, 2012
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: DURING INSPECTION OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AVAILABLE AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HAVE PAPER TOWELS AVAILABLE AT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK AT ALL TIMES.CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED.
12
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 OBSERVED FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED. BOTTOM OF THE DOOR HAS A GAP GREATER THAN 1/4 INCH. DOORS MUST BE RODENT PROOFED AT ALL TIMES.SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020.
18
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS SUMMARY NOT AVAILABLE OR POSTED ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION FROM INSPECTION CONDUCTED IN 2011.INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY MUST BE DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS AT ALL TIMES. NEW INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY ISSUED AND POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW.SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-42-010.
28
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE ALL WORN OUT CUTTING BOARDSWITH DARK GROOVES AT ALL PREP STATIONS.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST REGROUT FLOORS AT REAR PREP AREA IN FRONT OF THE 3COMP SINK AREA AS WELL AS IN FRONT OF THE ICE CREAM FREEZER NEXT TO THE REGISTER AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPAINT PEELING PAINT AT WALL ABOVE THE REAR PREP TABLE NEXT TO THE EXPOSED HAND SINK SO AS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
35
74
Apr 6, 2011
Tag Removal
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES INCLUDED WALK-IN FLOOR.CLEAN CORNERS AND BASEBOARD WALL.REMOVE ENCRUSTED FOOD
34
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE COMING IN, THRU THE FRONT PREP AREA TO START THEIR SHIFT,INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HAVE EMPLOYEE COMING IN FROM REAR DOOR.EMPLOYEE MUST HAVE A HAIR RESTRAINT IN PREP AREA.
42
90
Apr 5, 2011
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: All cold food shall be stored at a temperature of 40F or less.FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD STORED INSIDE DISPLAY COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE:VARIOUS KIND OF ALREADY MADE SANDWICHES (BEEF,CHEESE, TURKEY ETC,)AT TEMP OF 53.7F TO 54F.NO PROOF OF TIME AND TEMPERATURE LOG PROVIDED.COOLER MAINTAIN TEMP OF 40.5F.FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED. POUNDS 11.5, VALUE 40F. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-005(A) H000071676-11
3
Source of cross contamination controlled i.e. cutting boards, food handlers, utensils, etc
Inspector notes: All food shall be protected from contamination and the elements, and so shall all food equipment, containers, utensils, food contact surfaces and devices, and vehicles. SOURCE OF CONTAMINATION.OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE WATER RESERVOIR WITH BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE ALSO FROM THE NOZZLE DISPENSER OF UNIT(POP DISPENSER).TAGGED UNIT "HELD FOR INSPECTION" DO NOT USE. BUY ICE IN BAGS FROM A RETAIL FOOD LICENSE,KEEP RECEIPT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE UNIT.FAX A LETTER TO PUBLIC HEALTH TO REINSPECT THE UNIT(FAX #312-746-4240).CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-005(A)H000071677-12
4
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: All employees who handle food shall wash their hands as often as necessary to maintain a high degree of personal cleanliness and should conform to hygienic practices prescribed by the Board of Health. POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES.OBSERVED EMPLOYEE SLICING ROAST BEEF WITH GLOVES ON, WITH RIGHT HAND PULLED THE GARBAGE CONTAINER TOWARD HIM (LINER IN THE CONTAINER WAS DIRTY AND WITH FOOD IN IT) AND WITHOUT REMOVING FOOD GLOVES CONTINUE TO SLICE MEAT AND STORE IT IN BAGS(BEEF IS A READY TO IT PRODUCTS. HAND WASHING PROCEDURE WAS GIVEN TO MANAGER.CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-010(A) H00007167-11
6
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served. NO ORIGINAL CITY SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON PREMISES,OR NOR A CERTIFIED FOOD HANDLER ON PREMISES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD WERE PREPARED AND SERVED(ROAST BEEF, TURKEY,TUNA ETC.).INFORMATION GIVEN HOW TO OBTAINED SANITATION CERTIFICATE.SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-012 H000071677-12
21
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 FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES INCLUDED WALK-IN FLOOR.CLEAN CORNERS AND BASEBOARD WALL.REMOVE ENCRUSTED FOOD
34
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: All employees shall be required to use effective hair restraints to confine hair. OBSERVED EMPLOYEE COMING IN, THRU THE FRONT PREP AREA TO START THEIR SHIFT,INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HAVE EMPLOYEE COMING IN FROM REAR DOOR.EMPLOYEE MUST HAVE A HAIR RESTRAINT IN PREP AREA.
42
74
Jun 29, 2010
Reinspection
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 walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. REPAIR THE BASEBOARD ALONG THE INSIDE OF THE DELIVERY TABLE.
35
95
Jun 22, 2010
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. EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY OBSERVED ON PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROX. 30 MOUSE DROPPINGS UNDERNEATH THE FOUNTAIN POP MACHINE AND IN THE REAR STORAGE CLOSET. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
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 IN THE REAR PREP AREA, UNDER THE FOUNTAIN POP MACHINE AND REAR STORAGE CLOSET.
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. REPAIR THE BASEBOARD ALONG THE INSIDE OF THE DELIVERY TABLE.
35
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. ORGANIZE THE REAR STORAGE CLOSET AND MAINTAIN ITEMS OFF OF THE FLOOR TO ELIMINATE PEST HARBORAGE.
41
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Potbelly Sandwich Works last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Potbelly Sandwich Works on file is from May 6, 2025. The public record contains 26 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 eight 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 around two times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants