Potbelly Sandwich Works
Last inspected: Mar 31, 2017
78
Score
Inspectors have visited Potbelly Sandwich Works 20 times, with records going back to 2010. The most recent report on file is from Mar 31, 2017. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit. Note that Potbelly Sandwich Works's inspection history hasn't been updated since Mar 31, 2017; current conditions may have shifted from what the file shows.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near four violations per visit.
“Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” comes up most often, recorded 13 times in the inspection record.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. The record reflects steady performance over time.
20
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 31, 2017
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: WORN CAULKING NOTED BEHIND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND FRONT EXPOSED HANDSINK. INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN CAULKING.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR BOTTOM OF COOLER AND RUBBER DOOR GASKETS NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE DEBRIS (LOCATED IN COFFEE PREP AREA). INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MISSING FLOOR TILES IN REAR BY COAT RACK. INSTD TO REPLACE MISSING TILES AND MAINTAIN. WORN AND MISSING GROUT AROUND FLOOR TILES IN REAR BY 3-COMPARTMENT SINK CAUSING EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO RE GROUT AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FAN COVERS AND CEILING OF WALK IN COOLER WITH EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REAR EXPOSED HANDSINK SLOW DRAINING. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
78
Oct 27, 2016
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: WOOD CABINETS IN NEED OF REPAIR WHERE WORN AND BROKEN. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF REACH IN PREP COOLERS ON SERVICE LINE. CLEAN DRINK MACHINES ON SERVICE LINE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN ALL COFFEE MACHINES AND NOZZLES TO ELIMAINATE ALL BUILD UP. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN FRONT SERVICE LINE IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPLATTER AND BUILD UP. CLEAN UNDER AND AROUND ALL REACH IN COOLERS. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. FLOOR DRAIN BEHIND REACH IN COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA MUST BE CLEANED. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS AND CEILINGS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
78
Sep 16, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF REACH IN PREP COOLERS ON SERVICE LINE. CLEAN DRINK MACHINES ON SERVICE LINE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: WOOD CABINETS IN NEED OF REPAIR WHERE WORN AND BROKEN. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN FRONT SERVICE LINE IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPLATTER AND BUILD UP. CLEAN UNDER AND AROUND ALL REACH IN COOLERS. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. FLOOR DRAIN BEHIND REACH IN COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA MUST BE CLEANED. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS AND CEILINGS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
82
May 10, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE, CLEAN ALL DRINK DISPENSOR NOZZLES, AND CLEAN INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORSS THROUGH OUT PREP ARE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHTS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA IN NEED OF PROPER SHIELDING. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
36
86
Nov 24, 2015
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Nov 17, 2015
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: FOUND REACH IN COOLER ON THE RIGHT (WHEN FACING THE SINK)OF THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK AND THE LAST COOLER IN FRONT OF THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK NOT ABLE TO MAINTAIN THE REQUIRED TEMPERATURES. COOLER ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK HAD AN AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 71.1F AND THE OTHER COOLER WAS 53.5F. INSTRUCTED TO FIX COOLERS SO THAT THEY MAINTAIN AN AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 40F OR LOWER. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED IN THE ABOVE MENTIONED COOLERS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. EGGS (53.2F), CHICKEN SALAD (1LB.-51.8F), CHICKEN (1/2LB.-48.3F), GORGONZOLA BEANS (1LB-50.5F), CHEESE (1LB-51.7F), CUT ONIONS (10LBS-60.6-63.3F), HUMMUS (4LBS.-61.5F) AND MAYO (71/2LBS.-65.7F). MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED OF ALL ITEMS, A COMBINE VALUED OF APPROXIMATELY $100.00. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
3
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: FOUND 30 LIVE SMALL FLIES IN THE FRONT AND REAR PREP/STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE FLIES, CLEAN THE EFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR ASSISTANCE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
18
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE RUBBER GASKETS ON THE COOLERS AND THE INTERIOR OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF ALL 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: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE WALLS AND CEILING IN THE FRONT/REAR PREP AREA. REMOVE ALL DIRT/DUST AND FOOD SPILLS.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE ALL CLUTTER AND ORGANIZE AREA OUTSIDE THE OFFICE.
41
70
Jul 20, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: WORN CAULKING WITH BLACK SUBSTANCE BEHIND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK ALONG BASE AND ALSO CAULKING AROUND EXPOSED HANDSINK AND ALONG BASE OF CABINETS IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTD TO REPLACE CAULKING.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CRACKED WALL TILES IN FRONT PREP AREA INBETWEEN CABINETS. REPLACE SAME.
35
90
Sep 30, 2014
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 22, 2014
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: OBSERVE DISHWASHER PUTTING DISHES INTO THE SANITIZING COMPARTMENT THAT HAD AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF SANITIZER (LESS THAN 50PPM OF QUAT). INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY SET UP COMPARTMENT WITH THE REQUIRED PPM OF SANITIZER AND RESUBMERGE UTENSILS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
8
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: FOUND LIVE SMALL/LARGE FLIES ON THE PREMISES (ON THE STORAGE RACKS, CEILING AND WALLS), 25 IN THE REAR, 4 SMALL AND 1 LARGE IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE ALL FLY ACTIITY, CLEAN THE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR ASSISTANCE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARDS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES. INSTRUCTED TO SAND OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS- MUST SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE RUBBER GASKETS ON THE FRONT PREP REACH IN COOLER AND THE REAR STORAGE RACK ABOVE THE 4-COMP. SINK NEEDS TO BE CLEANED. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND THE FLOORS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN THE PREP AND BASEMENT CAGE AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CEILING TILES AND LIGHT SHIELDS ABOVE/AROUND THE 4-COMP. SINK AND IN THE FRONT PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: WASH CLOTHS IN THE REAR PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (WITH THE REQUIRED PPM OF SANITIZER) WHEN NOT IN USE.
43
70
Apr 15, 2014
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 8, 2014
Complaint
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES: OBSERVED EMPLOYEES MULTI-TASKING WITH GLOVES ON THEN REPLACING GLOVES WITHOUT ADEQUATELY WASHING THEIR HANDS. INSTRUCTED TO ADEQUATELY WASH HANDS WHEN MULTI-TASKING, IN BETWEEN GLOVE CHANGING, TOUCHING THE BODY, ETC. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-010 (A)
6
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: FOUND 15 SMALL LIVE FLIES IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE SMALL FLIES, CLEAN THE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR ASSISTANCE IN ELIMINATING FLIES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE RUST FROM RACKS INSIDE OF REAR REACH IN COOLER (BY EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK).
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE CAN OPENER, KNIFE RACK AND INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS IN ALL CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT THROUGH OUT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE WALLS AROUND THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK, THE CEILING TILES ABOVE THE 3-COMP. SINK AND THE CEILING VENTS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA.
35
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST STORE ALL WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE (MUST BE AT THE PROPER PPM).
43
70
Dec 20, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: WORN CAULKING BEHIND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. REPLACE SAME.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR ALONG WALLBASE AND BEHIND HEAVY EQUIPMENT AT FRONT COFFEE LINE NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE DEBRIS. CLEAN SAME AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPAIR CRACKED WALL TILES BEHIND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
35
86
Apr 16, 2013
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALK-IN COOLER CEILING WITH DUST ACCUMULATION. CLEAN SAME.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: CRACKED LIGHTSHIELD IN REAR PREP AREA. REPLACE SAME.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REAR EXPOSED HANDSINK SLOW DRAINING. REPAIR SAME.
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.
43
82
Sep 27, 2012
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS IN NEED OF CLEANING IN PREP AREA TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPLATTERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: AIR VENTS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
38
86
Mar 26, 2012
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Mar 16, 2012
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: EVIDENCE OF FRUIT FLY ACTIVITY NOTED IN VARIOUS AREAS. BACKROOM GARBAGE AREA, CORNER AT SLICING AREA AND FRONT COFFEE CONTAINER AND GREASE TRAP. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREA TO REMOVE ALL FRUIT FLIES NOTED. CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020 CITATION ISSUED EVIDENCE OF INSECT ACTIVITY.
18
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN ALL COOKING/HOLDING EQUIPMENT. CLEAN INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLER, AND INTERIOR OF CABINETS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS THROUGHOUT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING AND REGROUTING TO REMOVE BUILD UP. ELIMINATE EXCESSIVE WATER.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPLATTER.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: AIR VENTS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD UP.
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST HAVE HAIR RESTRAINTS AND HAIR TIED UP.
42
74
Oct 27, 2011
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: CLEAN EQUIPMENT IMPROPERLY STORED ON FLOOR. INSTD TO ELEVATE SAME.
31
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FAN COVERS OF WALK-IN COOLER WITH DUST ACCUMULATION. CLEAN SAME AND MAINTAIN.
35
90
Jun 22, 2011
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: BREAD STORAGE CARTS AND EXTERIOR OF TRASH CONTAINERS NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR DRAIN IN REAR NEEDS DETAILED CLEANING. MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVER IN REAR. PROVIDE SAME. FRONT WALK-IN COOLER FLOOR IN CORNERS UNDER AND BEHIND RACKS NOT CLEAN, CLEAN SAME.
34
90
Dec 29, 2010
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: VENTS IN REAR NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME.
35
95
May 13, 2010
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: CLEAN EQUIPMENT STORED ON FLOOR. INSTD TO ELEVATE 6 INCHES.
31
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR UNDER WIRE RACKS IN WALK-IN COOLER NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME.
34
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEE PERSONAL BELONGINGS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE IN STORED PROPERLY.
37
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Potbelly Sandwich Works last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Potbelly Sandwich Works on file is from Mar 31, 2017. The public record contains 20 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 13 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.
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