Simply Soups Salads & Sandwiches
Last inspected: Apr 24, 2025
86
Score
Simply Soups Salads & Sandwiches has been inspected 20 times since 2010. Simply Soups Salads & Sandwiches was last inspected on Apr 24, 2025. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around two violations each.
When inspectors have written things up, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been the most frequent reason, cited seven times.
That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Chicago restaurant scores 81. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
20
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 24, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN WORKING THERMOMETERS INSIDE REACH IN COOLERS.
36
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE WEATHER STRIPPING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE FRONT DOOR WORN. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT POSSIBLE ENTRY POINT FOR PESTS.
38
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LEAKY PIPE UNDERNEATH THE 3 COMP SINK IN THE MIDDLE. ALSO NOTED A LEAK AT THE FAUCET NECK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
86
Dec 9, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE AIR VENT COVER IN THE PREP AREA DUSTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LEAKY PIPE UNDERNEATH THE 3 COMP SINK IN THE MIDDLE. ALSO NOTED A LEAK AT THE FAUCET NECK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
90
Mar 7, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION #58- ALLERGEN TRAINING NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2586027 DATE 11/30/23 AS REQUIRED. Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: FOUND AN EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE; INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN A VALID FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN VALID FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED #7-42-090.
60
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE RUBBER GASKET ON THE INTERIOR BOTTOM OF THE PREP COOLER IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
86
Nov 30, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN WALLS IN KITCHEN AREA TO REMOVE SPLATTER, CLEAN CEILING VENTS WHERE NEEDED TO REMOVE DUST.
49
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOUND EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES; INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL FOOD HANDLERS UPDATE EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND AN EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE; INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN A VALID FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
58
86
Oct 14, 2022
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A THERMOMETER FOR THE TALL REFRIGERATION UNIT ACROSS FROM THE HOT SOUP HOLDING UNIT.
36
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE WALLS IN KITCHEN AREA TO REMOVE SPLATTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE CEILING VENTS WHERE NEEDED TO REMOVE LIGHT DUST.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL FOOD HANDLERS UPDATE EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES.
57
86
May 12, 2021
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: FOUND SLICED PRE-PACKAGED CAKE WITH NO ALLERGEN LABEL; MUST PROVIDE/LIST ON LABEL ALL POSSIBLE ALLERGENS IN CAKE (MILK, EGGS ETC). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
37
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: FOUND SLICES OF PRE-PACKAGED CAKE IN DISPLAY COOLER WITH NO LABELS; INSTRUCTED TO LABEL CAKES WITH NAME AND INGREDIENTS.
37
86
Mar 26, 2020
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: FOUND THE WIPING CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN.
41
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: THERE IS A LEAK AT THE BASE OF THE FAUCET AND AT THE ELBOW ON THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN LEAKS.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: THE TRASH RECEPTACLE IN THE UNISEX'S TOILET ROOM HAS NO LID. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A TRASH RECEPTACLE WITH A LID TO THE TOILET ROOM. MAINTAIN SAME.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: THE VENT ABOVE THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK WITH DIRT/DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN VENT.
55
82
Sep 19, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE FRONT PREP AREA WHERE HOT SOUP IS BEING DISPENSED; MUST PROVIDE. EXPOSED HANDSINK MUST HAVE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER, SOAP AND HAND TOWELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C).
10
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
78
Jun 19, 2018
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 12, 2018
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: Observed Facility cold holding units not maintaining 40 degrees F or below. 2 door prep reach in cooler on north wall 49.1 degrees F, 2 door prep cooler on east wall 51.8 degrees F. Instructed person in charge to repair units and maintain proper cold holding temperatures of 40 degrees f or below. Tagged both units. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: Observed potentially hazardous food not meeting temperature requirements of 40 degrees F or below. cut tomato 55.4F, chicken 56.7F, hard boiled eggs 48.9, salmon 53.6 in prep cooler on east wall, cooked pork 48.9F, chicken 51.1F cooked salmon 52.0F, turkey 44.6F in 2 door prep reach in cooler on north wall, wedding soup 53.6F, in 2 door reach cooler on south wall. Person in charge voluntary discarded food items. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A
3
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: Observed food handler utilized bare hand contact on ready to eat food, prepping sandwiches and handling clean cut leafy greens with bare hands. Food handler voluntary discarded food items contacted with bare hands. Critical Violation 7-38-010A
6
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: Observed previous minor violation not corrected from previous inspection 2098652 performed on 10-12-17. #35 CLEAN WALL VENT ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND ALL CEILING VENTS(DUST BUILDUP). CLEAN WALLS BEHIND PANINI MACHINES. REPLACE STAINED CEIING TILES IN LOBBY. #43 STORE WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION AT THE REQUIRED PPM. #45 PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. Must repair, correct and maintain. Serious Violation 7-42-090
29
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: Prep cooler missing thermometers and conspicuous area. Must obtain and maintain.
40
78
Oct 12, 2017
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: FOLLOWING COOLERS NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE, TWO-DOOR REACH-IN COOLER 46.9F, PEPSI REACH-IN COOLER 47.2F, PREP COOLER ALONG NORTH WALL 53.2F(TOP)AND 57.8F(BOTTOM). INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR, COOLERS MUST MAINTAIN 40F OR BELOW. ALL COOLERS ARE TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOLLOWING FOOD STORED IN REACH-IN COOLERS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE RAW CHICKEN 55F-72.3F, SLICED TOMATOES 64F, SLICED CORNED BEEF 54.6F, COOKED CHICKEN 51.3F-53.4F, SLICED HAM 51.8F, SLICED TURKEY 50.9F, SLICED ROAST BEEF 48.9F, COOKED GROUND TURKEY 48.9F, COOKED JERK SALMON 47.9F, BROCCOLI CHEDDAR SOUP 46.4F, CHOPPED CHCKEN 46.3F, DICED TOMATOES 45.7F, CHOPPED HAM 45F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD APPROXIMATELY 50LBS AND $100 OF FOOD. ALL COLD FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 40F OR BELOW DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY AND SERVICE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A
3
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN FAN GUARDS AND BASES OF ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN WALL VENT ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND ALL CEILING VENTS(DUST BUILDUP). CLEAN WALLS BEHIND PANINI MACHINES. REPLACE STAINED CEIING TILES IN LOBBY.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: STORE MOP HEAD UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING. PROPERLY ORGANIZE ALL COOLERS TO ALLOW FOR PROPER AIR CIRCULATION.
41
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: STORE WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION AT THE REQUIRED PPM.
43
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
45
70
Sep 19, 2016
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: LOOSE RUBBER GASKETS AT TWO OF THE TWO DOOR COOLERS; MUST REPAIR/REPLACE GASKETS AT BOTH UNITS. OWNER STATES THAT GASKETS ARE ON ORDER.
32
95
May 10, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: LOOSE RUBBER GASKETS AT THE REFRIGERATION UNIT DOORS MUST BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME CHIPPED PAINT ON THE WALLS AROUND THE PREP COOLERS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT; MUST CORRECT SO THAT WALLS ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. CLEAN VENT ON THE WALL ABOVE THE THREE COMP SINK TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED AND REMOVE DUST FROM THE VENTILATION FAN IN THE WASHROOM ON THE CEILING. OBSERVED A BUBBLE IN THE PAINT ON THE WALL IN THE KITCHEN PANTRY POSSIBLY FROM WATER DAMAGE; INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT.
35
90
Jun 8, 2015
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: BAGS OF DISPOSABLE FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON FLOOR, INSTRUCTED TO KEEP 6" OFF FLOOR.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: PREP COOLER DOORS GASKETS IN POOOR REPAIR, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CHIPPED WALLS BEHIND PREP TABLES AND 3-COMP SINK, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A DURABLE SMOOTH SURFACE.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MISSING REFRIGERATION THERMOMETER IN PREP COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
40
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS REQUIRMENT NOT MET.
45
78
Oct 15, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE WORN RUBBER GASKETS AT THE TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN THE KITCHEN TO AVOID ESCAPING AIR.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: DUST OBSERVED ON THE VENT ABOVE THE THREE COMP SINK; CLEAN VENT TO REMOVE DUST.
35
90
Jan 24, 2014
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: PROVIDE A COVER FOR WALL OUTLET IN KITCHEN PANTRY. CLEAN DUST AT WALL VENT ABOVE THREE COMP SINK. SOME CHIPPED PAINT ON WALLS BEHIND PREP TABLES; REMOVE, REPAINT OR PROVIDE PANEL FOR WALL TO AVOID CONSTANT PAINTING.
35
95
Jan 25, 2013
License
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST DISCARD BROKEN AND CRACKED MULTI USE CONTAINERS.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR BASEBOARDS ALONG THE SIDE OF THE MOP SINK.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST FINISH PAINTING WALLS IN REAR PREP AREA. MUST REPAIR WORN WALL IN FURNACE ROOM.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL A GREASE TRAP AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR LEAKY COLD WATER SOURCE UNDER REAR HAND SINK.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE CLUTTER FROM INTERIOR OF REAR STORAGE AREA OUTSIDE OF WASHROOM AND ON INTERIOR OF THE FURNACE ROOM. MUST STORE ALL ITEMS 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
41
78
Nov 29, 2011
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: FOUND CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY.(MUST STORE INVERTED)
31
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FOUND WALL IN POOR REPAIR BY 3COMPARTMENT SINK. (CHIPPING PAINT).
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT COFFEE MACHINE WATERLINE.
38
86
Sep 27, 2010
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 17, 2010
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: The area outside of the establishment used for the storage of garbage shall be clean at all times and shall not constitute a nuisance. FOUND OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NOT MAINTAINED. OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GARBAGE OVER FLOWING OUT OF OUTSIDE GARBAGE RECEPTACLE. UNABLE TO CLOSE RECEPTACLE DUE TO EXCESSIVE GARBAGE BUILD UP. MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE GARBAGE AND PROPERLY CLOSE GARBAGE RECEPTACLE SO IT IS INSECT AND RODENT PROOF. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020.
19
* 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 CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PRPARED AND SERVED. MUST PROVIDE. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.
21
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. MUST DETAIL CLEAN CABINETS UNDER FRONT SERVICE COUNTER AND REMOVE DUST BUILD UP.
33
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT WASHROOM DOOR.
37
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. MUST PROPERLY EXTEND DRAIN PIPE FROM BLENDER IN FRONT PREP AREA TO A FLOOR DRAIN. (MAY NOT DRAIN INTO A BUCKET)
38
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Simply Soups Salads & Sandwiches last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Simply Soups Salads & Sandwiches on file is from Apr 24, 2025. The public record contains 20 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Simply Soups Salads & Sandwiches?
Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Simply Soups Salads & Sandwiches.
Has Simply Soups Salads & Sandwiches' inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Simply Soups Salads & Sandwiches have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Simply Soups Salads & Sandwiches 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 Simply Soups Salads & Sandwiches inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Simply Soups Salads & Sandwiches is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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