Potbelly Sandwich Works
Last inspected: Feb 10, 2026
90
Score
Inspectors have visited Potbelly Sandwich Works 30 times, with records going back to 2010. On Feb 10, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around one violation across recent inspections versus roughly four violations before.
The pattern that stands out is “proper cooling methods used”, which has been cited 11 times.
That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Chicago restaurant scores 81. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
30
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 10, 2026
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINK WITHOUT COLD WATER ACCROSS FROM 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SODA CRATES STORED UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND UNDER PREP TABLE USED FOR SHELVING. INSTRUCTED TO NOT USE CRATES FOR ELEVATION. MUST PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE.
47
90
Feb 5, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jan 25, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jul 11, 2023
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: 2-101.11 OBSERVED THE PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT AN ORIGINAL VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL PERSON IN CHARGE AND ON SITE MUST HAVE AN ORIGINAL/VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE POSTED AND THAT PERSON MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES THE FACILITY IS OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED UNDER VIOLATION #2.
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: 2-101.11 OBSERVED NO ORIGINAL/VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE POSTED NOR A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITH AN ORIGINAL/VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (DELI MEAT, EGGS) ARE BEING PREPARED HANDLED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. INSTRUCTED AN ORIGINAL/VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW AT ALL TIMES AND A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES THE FACILITY IS OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.
2
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGN IN ONE OF TWO TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DIRT DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS AND WALLS LOCATED IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE/UTILITY AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALLS AND ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS OF THE FLOORS IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE/UTILITY AREA.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING PROVIDED. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
57
70
Aug 26, 2022
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.11 OBSERVED DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE BACK OF THE HOUSE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
55
95
Aug 18, 2022
Routine
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOLER WITH AN INADEQUATE INTERNAL AIR TEMPERATURE OF 48 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COOLERS HAVE IN INTERNAL AIR TEMPERATURE OF 41 F AND BELOW. UNIT TAGGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
33
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK HELD AT AN INADEQUATE TEMPERATURE OF 47 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD FOOD IS HELD AT 41 F AND BELOW. MANAGER DISCARDED 1 1/2 GALLONS OF MILK ($8). PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
22
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EVIDENCE OF AT LEAST 2 PEST CONTROL SERVICES WITHIN THE PAST 12 MONTHS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENT OF 2 PEST CONTROL SERVICES WITHIN 12 MONTH PERIOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (C). CITATION ISSUED
38
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS SUCH AS MILKSHAKES, TURKEY SANDWICHES, AND CHILI ARE BEING PREPARED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE IS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED.OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION. REPORT#2545714 DATED 12-16-2021 INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO COMPLY WITH FOOD ALLERGEN REQUIREMENTS BY 3-16-2022. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED
60
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE BACK OF THE HOUSE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
55
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE THERE IS A VERIFIABLE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
1
50
Dec 16, 2021
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN HANDLE TO CHEST FREEZER UNIT IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF DEBRIS AND ICE BUILDUP ON THE FLOOR/WALLS/CEILING OF THE CHEST FREEZER LOCATED IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE EXCESS ICE, DETAIL CLEAN, AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS AND SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN UNDER BEHIND COOLERS. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER TO HAVE AN EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED THE MANAGER TO RENEW AND MAINTAIN ON FILE.
58
82
Dec 29, 2020
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FOUND NO RUNNING WATER AT 1 COMPARTMENT INK WHEN HOT WATER KNOB IS TURNED ON. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
95
Sep 25, 2019
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FOUND WASHING SINK IN WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND N EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF FOOD DEBRIS UNDER ICE CREAM STATION. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
90
Jun 28, 2018
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A CRACK TOILET BOWL TOP IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED PLASTIC OVER THE FLOOR DRAIN LOCATED BY THE HOT WATER HEATER. INSTRUCTED ALL SURFACES SHOULD BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MINOR ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE THE TOP PORTION OF THE PREP COOLER AROUND THE INTERIOR OF THE TOP PREP COOLER DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
90
Mar 15, 2018
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS UNDER THE SHELVES WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD AND DIRT DEBRIS LOCATED IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN UNDER ALL SHELVING AND ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST ON THE VENT LOCATED ABOVE THE TOASTER OVEN IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME PREP COOLERS WITHOUT A THERMOMETER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETERS AND MAINTAIN.
40
86
May 18, 2017
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE CUTTING BOARDS IN THE FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA HAS DEEP GROOVES. INSTRUCTED TO SAND OR REPLACE. MAINTAIN SAME.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE EXTERIOR OF THE GREASE TRAP UNDER THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK NEEDS TO BE CLEANED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF THE FLOOR DRAINS, THE FLOORS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT HAS FOOD AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: THE CEILING TILES AND THE LIGHT SHIELD IN THE REAR ABOVE THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK WITH DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. THE WALLS AROUND THE MOP SINK, 3 AND 1-COMPARTMENT SINKIS NOT CLEAN. ALSO, THERE IS RUST STAINS AND SOME KIND OF FOOD SPLATTER ON THE CEILING TILES IN THE REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA BETWEEN THE 3-COMPARTMENT AND MOP SINK. -MUST REPLACE THE WATER STAINED CEILING TILE IN THE AREA BETWEEN THE 3-COMPARTMENT AND MOP SINK. MAINTAIN SAME. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: THERE IS A LEAK AT THE BASE OF THE FAUCET ON THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN.
38
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: THERE WAS NO PROOF PROVIDED TO SHOW ALL FOOD HANDLERS HAVE MET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE ILLINOIS DEAPRTMEN OF PUBLIC HEALTH. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. MUST MAINTAIN PROOF AT ALL TIMES.
45
74
Nov 1, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Interior of prep and walk-in coolers not clean, food debris and dirt noted on shelves, instructed to clean and maintain.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors not clean behind chest freezer, trash and food waste noted, instructed to clean and maintain.
34
90
Apr 27, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: food debris noted at the top panel of front prep cooler, instructed to clean and maintain.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Dusty ceiling above 3-comp sink, instructed to clean and maintain.
35
90
Sep 3, 2015
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Aug 27, 2015
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
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 30-40 LIVE FRUIT FLIES ON THE WALLS, BOXES AND FLYING AROUND THE REAR PREP AREA AND THE MOP SINK AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL TO MINIMIZE/ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
18
95
Aug 11, 2015
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Mar 11, 2015
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOOR WITH ACCUMULATED DEBRIS BEHIND THE CHEST FREEZER IN REAR PREP, UNDER THE FRONT PREP COOLERS AND UNDER SHELVING IN REAR PREP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOORS.
34
95
Jan 20, 2015
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE REAR ROOM OUTSIDE OF THE BACK DOOR WITH UNNECESSARY ARTICLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ITEMS AND BETTER ARRANGE NEEDED ITEMS.
41
95
Jun 30, 2014
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: SODA DISPENSOR IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL 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: FLOORS THROUGHOUT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DEBRIS AND BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
90
Jun 3, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: SODA DISPENSOR IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL 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: FLOORS THROUGHOUT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DEBRIS AND BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
90
Dec 3, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH IN FREEZER-REMOVE ICE BUILD UP.
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 IN THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM.
35
86
Jan 24, 2013
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CABINETS IN FRONT PREP AREA.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL CEILING VENTS IN PREP AREAS-REMOVE EXCESS DUST/DIRT.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST FIX THE LEAKS AT THE COLD WATER KNOBS ON THE FAUCETS OF THE 3-COMP. IN THE REAR PREP AND ON THE WASH BOWL IN THE LADIES TOILET ROOM.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE CLUTTER AND ORGANIZE REAR AREA LEADING TO DUMPSTER AREA.
41
82
Jan 14, 2013
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, properly designed and installed
Inspector notes: FOUND NO HOT WATER AND VERY LOW WATER PRESSURE AT THE FRONT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HOT WATER TO SINK PER CITY CODE AND INCREASE WATER PRESSURE. INSTRUCTED TO USE 1-COMP. SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA FOR ADEQUATE HAND WASHING-MUST STOCK SINK WITH SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030
26
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CABINETS IN FRONT PREP AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS IN ALL CORNERS, AROUND HOT WATER TANK AND UNDER BEVERAGE STATION IN THE DINING AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL CEILING VENTS IN PREP AREAS-REMOVE EXCESS DUST/DIRT.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST FIX THE LEAKS AT THE COLD WATER KNOBS ON THE FAUCETS OF THE 3-COMP. IN THE REAR PREP AND ON THE WASH BOWL IN THE LADIES TOILET ROOM.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE CLUTTER AND ORGANIZE REAR AREA LEADING TO DUMPSTER AREA.
41
74
Jul 31, 2012
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND SHELVING UNITS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER NOT CLEAN.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND FLOORS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER NOT CLEAN. SOME SPILLAGE.
34
90
Sep 23, 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. THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN- OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE PREP AREA REACH IN COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS AND STANDING WATER INSIDE CABINET UNDER SOUP KETTLES. MUST CLEAN/KEEP DRY ALL UNCLEAN EQUIPMENT.
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. OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS UNDER AND AROUND PREP AREA COOLERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR.
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. OBSERVED ONE MISSING CEILING LIGHT COVER ABOVE HOT WATER TANK. MUST PROVIDE AND INSTALL LIGHT COVER.
36
86
Nov 26, 2010
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Nov 18, 2010
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: FOUND FRUIT FLY ACTIVITY ON WALLS AT FRONT OF PREMISES. (OBSERVED ABOUT 30) SERIOUS VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND COUNTERTOPS/TABLES NOT WIPED DOWN.(FOOD DEBRIS)
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND FLOORS DRAINS NOT CLEAN AT FRONT AND REAR PREPARATION AREAS.
34
86
Apr 27, 2010
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 20, 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. Found fruit fly and house fly activity at rear preparation and by mop sink areas. (observed about 15 fruit flies and large house fly) serious violation. citation issued.
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. Found floors not clean at rear preparation areas along walls/under tables and equipment.
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. Found hole in wall next to deli slicer machine that must be repaired to prevent physical contamination.
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. Found leaky faucet at exposed hand sink at rear preparation areas.
38
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Potbelly Sandwich Works last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Potbelly Sandwich Works on file is from Feb 10, 2026. The public record contains 30 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Potbelly Sandwich Works?
Across the inspection record, “proper cooling methods used” has been cited 11 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 around two times per year on average.
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