Potbelly Sandwich Works, Llc — Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Last inspected: Dec 15, 2025
90
Score
Potbelly Sandwich Works, Llc — Potbelly Sandwich Shop appears in inspection records 15 times, starting in 2014. Potbelly Sandwich Works, Llc — Potbelly Sandwich Shop was last inspected on Dec 15, 2025. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near two violations per visit.
Across the inspection history, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded five times.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Potbelly Sandwich Works, Llc — Potbelly Sandwich Shop is comfortably above that bar. The record reflects steady performance over time.
15
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 15, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOOR, WALLS, AND BEVERAGE TUBING BENEATH BEVERAGE MACHINE IN THE FRONT SERVICE AREA HEAVILY-SOILED WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND DUST DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS, WALLS, AND OTHER PHYSICAL FACILITIES BENEATH EQUIPMENT AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF DUST, DRIED FOOD DEBRIS, AND OTHER SOILS AND MAINTAIN.
55
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOOR-MOUNTED DRAIN BENEATH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE WAREWASHING AREA TO BE HEAVILY-SOILED AND NO LONGER EASILY-CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN OR REPLACE FLOOR-MOUNTED DRAIN BENEATH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING FIXTURES EASILY-CLEANABLE.
51
90
Feb 4, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED DIRTY AND DUSTY CEILING FANS ABOVE DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NOTED EMPLOYEES ON SITE WITH NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL EMPLOYEES ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AT ALL TIMES AND NEW EMPLOYEES HAVE A 30 DAYS GRACE PERIOD TO OBTAIN THEIR CERTIFICATION.
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
86
Jan 22, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
May 12, 2023
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VISIBLE THERMOMETER INSIDE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A VISIBLE THERMOMETER IN THE INTERIOR OF THE WALK IN COOLER.
36
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVILY STAINED COUNTERTOP AND INTERIOR CABINETS UNDERNEATH SODA FOUNTAIN MACHINE IN FRONT SERVING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HOLES AROUND PIPES AT BASE OF MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY SEAL AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED SMALL HOLES NEXT TO SOAP DISPENSER OF HANDSINK NEXT TO ONE COMPARTMENT PREP SINK IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY SEAL AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE AND DUST BUILDUP IN THE INTERIOR SURFACES OF THE HOOD ABOVE OVEN IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56
82
Jul 14, 2022
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS ON TOP OF THE PREP LINE COOLERS AT FRONT MAIN PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
47
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EXHAUST HOOD ABOVE THE OVEN AT MAIN FRONT PREP AREA TO REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF DUSTS.
56
90
Apr 15, 2022
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS UNDER DRINK DISPENSING AREA UNCLEAN. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS AND FLOOR DRAINS UNDER DRINK DISPENSING AREA.
55
95
Feb 9, 2021
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE FRONT HAND SINK IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
95
Dec 3, 2019
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 3-COMPARTMENT SINK PIPE FLOOR DRAIN IS DRAINING SLOWLY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER SAID FLOOR DRAIN MUST DRAIN QUICKLY.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT/LIQUID INSIDE CABINET FLOOR UNDER SODA MACHINE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAID LOCATION.
55
90
May 14, 2019
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE WITH ALL NECESSARY ITEMS AS OUTLINED IN POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
90
Oct 26, 2017
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT/FOOD BUILD UP ON SHLEF UNDER DIPPER WELL. MUST CLEAN SHELF AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR LITTERED UNDER SHELF RACKS AT REAR STORAGE ROOM AND DIRT/DUST BUILD UP ON FLOOR IN CABINET UNDER SODA MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER CLEAN FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STAINS ON WALL BEHIND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN WALL.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: PREP AREA HANDWASH BOWL FAUCET LEAKING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINK.
38
82
Jul 3, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: PREP AREA LOW STATION REACH IN COOLER AND REACH IN COOLER #3 DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR DAMAGED DOOR RUBBER GASKETS.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST/DIRT BUILD UP ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA AND DISHWASH AREA. MUST CLEAN FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND ALL EQUIPMENT AND ALONG CORNERS/WALLS AT PREP AND DISHWASH AREA.
34
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST RECALBRATE METEL STEM THERMOMETERS.
40
86
Nov 18, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE PREP TABLE WHERE THE SOUP IS REHEATED. FOUND COUNTER PREP TABLE DIRTY WITH SOUP SPILLS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE FLOOR AT THE FRONT SANDWICH PREP AREA TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRI AND SPILLS AT THE FLOOR AND UNDER REFRIGERATION UNITS.ALSO MUST DETAIL CLEAN ALL FLOOR DRAINS IN THE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS TO PREVENT PEST BREEDING.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST MAINTAIN PLASTIC GARBAGE CONTAINERS IN THE PREP AREAS BETTER MAINTAINED. FOUND VARIOUS PLASTIC GARBAGE CONTAINERS FULL DURING INSPECTION. MUST BE BETTER MAINTAINED SO AS TO BE ABLE TO THROW AWAY GARBAGE AT ABOVE MENTIONED AREAS.
41
86
Feb 5, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE EXTERIOR DOORS OF ALL REFRIGERATORS TO REMOVE GREASE AND FOODS STAINS AS WELL AS INSIDE BOTTOM SHELF OF UNITS TO REMOVE SAME. MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE ICE/FROST BUILD-UP AT THE REACH-IN ICE CREAM BOX FREEZER ACROSS FROM THE CASH REGISTER STATION.
33
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST DECLUTTER THE FOOD PREP LINE AREA SO AS NOT HAVE DELIVERY CASES AND OTHER BOXES OFF THE FLOOR IN THE FRONT SERVICE LINE AREA. ALSO REMOVE OFF PREMISES EXCESS EMPTY CARD BOARD BOXES.
41
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 MALE FOOD PREP STAFF MEMBERS NOT WEARING FACIAL HAIR GUARDS. BOTH STAFF WERE PREPARING FOOD AND MILK SHAKES WITHOUT WEARING FACIAL HAIR RESTRAINTS. MUST PROVIDE.
42
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: DURING INSPECTION FOUND 3 NEW STAFF MEMBERS WITHOUT THEIR IDPH FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE FOR THE NEXT ROUTINE INSPECTION.
45
82
Oct 29, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR CABINET UNDERNEATH UTENSIL AND BEVERAGE DISPENSER MACHINE IN DINING AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN FRONT AND REAR PREP/STORAGE AREA.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY USE STORAGE RACKS/SHELVES 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING (NO SODA OR MILK CRATES).
41
86
Sep 8, 2014
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Potbelly Sandwich Works, Llc — Potbelly Sandwich Shop last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Potbelly Sandwich Works, Llc — Potbelly Sandwich Shop on file is from Dec 15, 2025. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Potbelly Sandwich Works, Llc — Potbelly Sandwich Shop?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Potbelly Sandwich Works, Llc — Potbelly Sandwich Shop.
Has Potbelly Sandwich Works, Llc — Potbelly Sandwich Shop's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Potbelly Sandwich Works, Llc — Potbelly Sandwich Shop have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Potbelly Sandwich Works, Llc — Potbelly Sandwich Shop 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, Llc — Potbelly Sandwich Shop inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Potbelly Sandwich Works, Llc — Potbelly Sandwich Shop is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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