The Great American Bagel
Last inspected: Aug 9, 2016
82
Score
Inspectors have visited The Great American Bagel 12 times, with records going back to 2010. The latest inspection on file is from Aug 9, 2016. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately. The most recent inspection at The Great American Bagel is from Aug 9, 2016, and nothing newer appears in the public record.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around five violations each.
“Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing nine times across the record.
Among Chicago restaurants, this is a fairly standard result. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 9, 2016
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (EG CREAM CHEESE, TUNA SALAD, DELI MEAT ETC) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE, A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT WHEN HANDLING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE RUST BUILD-UP ON 3 COMPARTMENT SINK DRAIN BOARD IN REAR AREA.--------MUST CLEAN, REFINISH OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARD WITH DEEP SEAMS AND STAIN IN BAGEL PREP AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: ADDITIONAL CLEANING AND MAINTAINING OF STORAGE RACKS WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND MOLD LIKE BUILD-UP.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VENTILATION OR REPAIR INSIDE (3) WASHROOMS.---------MUST PROVIDE 3 WORKING DRAIN STOPPERS FOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.-------MUST REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET (HOT) HANDLE AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK
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82
Aug 2, 2016
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: FOUND OVER 20 SMALL LIVE FLIES ON WALL IN REAR DISH WASHING/MOP SINK AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMEND TO CONTACT LICENSED PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
18
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (EG CREAM CHEESE, TUNA SALAD, DELI MEAT ETC) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE, A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT WHEN HANDLING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE RUST BUILD-UP ON 3 COMPARTMENT SINK DRAIN BOARD IN REAR AREA.--------MUST CLEAN, REFINISH OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARD WITH DEEP SEAMS AND STAIN IN BAGEL PREP AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND MOLD LIKE BUILD-UP.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VENTILATION OR REPAIR INSIDE (3) WASHROOMS.---------MUST PROVIDE 3 WORKING DRAIN STOPPERS FOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.-------MUST REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET (HOT) HANDLE AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE CLEANING MATERIAL (EG DETERGENT, BLEACH ETC) ON SHELVES. NOTED CLEANING MATERIAL STORED ON DRAINBOARD OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK (RIGHT SIDE).
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74
Aug 27, 2015
Reinspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON PREMISES WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS-TUNA AT 29.6 F IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MAANGER MUST BE ON PREMISES DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020.
21
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS NOT IN ORGINAL CONTAINERS.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CAN OPENER ATTACHED TO PREP TABLE NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR ALONG WALLBASE AND UNDER EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN DAILY AND ELEVATE SUPPIES 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALL.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CEILING NOT MAINTAINED THROUGH0OUT OREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL VENTILATION COVERS AND REPLACE ALL DAMAGED/WATER STAINED CEILING TILE.
35
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: ESTABLISHMENT HAS NOT MET REQUIREMENT FOR FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING HANDLED.
45
74
Aug 14, 2015
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOODS NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, DISPALY OR SERVICE. OBSERVED BLACK SUBSTANCE ON INTERIOR PARTS OF ICE MACHINE WHERE ICE IS BEING MADE, COMING INTO CONTACT WITH FRESH ICE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL PARTS. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-30-005(A).
16
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON PREMISES WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS-TUNA AT 29.6 F IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MAANGER MUST BE ON PREMISES DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020.
21
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS NOT IN ORGINAL CONTAINERS.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CAN OPENER ATTACHED TO PREP TABLE NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR ALONG WALLBASE AND UNDER EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN DAILY AND ELEVATE SUPPIES 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALL.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CEILING NOT MAINTAINED THROUGH0OUT OREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL VENTILATION COVERS AND REPLACE ALL DAMAGED/WATER STAINED CEILING TILE.
35
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: ESTABLISHMENT HAS NOT MET REQUIREMENT FOR FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING HANDLED.
45
70
Oct 23, 2014
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: DURING INSPECTION OBSERVED STAFF MEMBER TAKE CUSTOMER'S MONEY TO PAY FOR ORDER WITH PLASTIC GLOVES ON, TOOK THEM OFF AND THEN PREPRARED ANOTHER BAGEL SANDWICH ORDER AND DID NOT WASH HANDS WITH SOAP AND WATER BEFORE PUTTING ON ANOTHER PAIR OF PLASTIC GLOVES. OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES DURING INSPECTION. ALL STAFF MEMBERS MUST WASH HANDS WITH SOAP AND WATER PRIOR TO PUTTING ON GLOVES TO PREPARE FOOD. STAFF MEMBER WAS INSTRUCTED ON PROPER HYGIENIC PRACTICES. CDI. CRITICAL VIOLATION.
6
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: DURING INSPECTION FOUND AN ENTIRE TRAY OF BREAD IN A TRAY ON TOP OF THE FRONT DISPLAY CASE COUNTER NOT COVERED. INSTRUCTED STAFF TO PROPERLY COVER BREAD AT ALL TIMES. FOUND FOOD NOT PROTECTED DURING DISPLAY. CDI. SERIOUS VIOLATION.
16
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: DURING INSPECTION WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND HANDLED THERE WAS NO CERTIFIED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES. THERE MUST ALWAYS BE A CERTIFIED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER PRESENT WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING HANDLED, PREPARED OR COOKED. SERIOUS CITATION.
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR REAR EXIT DOOR. STAINLESS STEEL DOOR IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO CLOSE AND OPEN. ALSO THE SCREEN DOOR IN FRONT OF THE ABOVE STATED DOOR IS IN EXTREME POOR CONDITION ABOVE THE BOTTOM PORTION. MUST REPAIR ABOVE STATED PORTION OF DOOR SO AS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE BROKEN AND MISSING WALL TILE AT COLUMN NEXT TO THE MOP SINK TO SEAL HOLE AT WALL.
35
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: DURING INSPECTION OSERVED FRONT STAFF MEMBER NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE PREPARING BAGEL SANDWICHES. MUST ALWAYS WEAR HAIR RESTRANTS WHILE IN FOOD PREP AREAS.
42
74
Jul 23, 2014
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REACH IN PREP COOLER #1 DOOR RUBBER GASKET LOOSE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REATTACH/REPAIR COOLER DOOR GASKET.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MENS AND WOMENS CUSTOMER WASHROOMS VENTILATION NOT WORKING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN WASHROOMS VENTILATION.
38
90
Jun 9, 2014
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED AT REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS.
30
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER STAINED CEILING TILE ABOVE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE DAMAGED CEILING TILE.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MENS AND WOMENS CUSTOMER WASHROOMS VENTILATION NOT WORKING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR VENTILATION FOR WASHROOMS.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: METAL STEM THEROMETERS NOT CALIBRATED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALIBRATE METAL STEM THEROMETERS FOR FOOD HANDLERS.
40
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAIR RESTRAINT FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
42
78
May 10, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPAINT RUSTY METAL RACKS ABOVE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO FIX LEAKY DRAINPIPE UNDER 3RD COMPARTMENT (RIGHT SIDE) OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED ON TOP OF WALK-IN COOLER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
41
86
Jan 26, 2012
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. AIR VENTS IN 2 DOOR COOLER UNCLEAN MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN; SHELVES FOR SUPPLIES ABOVE FREEZER UNCLEAN MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
32
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. INTERIOR OF 3 DOOR COOLER UNCLEAN MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN; CAN OPENER UNCLEAN MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
33
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. CEILING TILE HOLES ABOVE BOILER MUST BE SEALED
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units. MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETER IN 1 COOLER -FRONT AREA
40
82
Apr 11, 2011
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Found some food items not properly dated/labeled in reach in freezer, must date , label foods in reach in freezer.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Exposed raw wood, peeling paint of front cabinet, shall be repair/sealed.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Non food contact surfaces of walk in cooler shelving, storage shelving racks not clean need detailed cleaning(crevices).Front cabine shelving(pop dispensing cabinet) not clean need cleaning.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors under heavy equipment, cooking equipment, storage shelving not clean need detailed cleaning(corners).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Damaged, stained ceiling tiles in rear kitchen prep areas, bathrooms, shall be replaced, repair.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Light shields in rear kitchen prep areas, bathrooms, not clean need detailed cleaning.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Exhaust vents(ventilation)in kitchen prep areas, dining areas, and bathrooms need cleaning.
38
70
Dec 17, 2010
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: All food should be properly protected from contamination during storage, preparation, display, service, and transportation. FOUND SODA ICE MAKER VERY DIRTY WITH BLACK MATERIAL CLINGING TO THE WALLS AND TUBES TOUCHING ICE WATER,SERIOUS VIOLATION,CITATION ISSUED; INSTRUCTED TO CALL SERVICE,SODA ICE MAKER MUST BE CLEAN AT ALL TIMES; BEFORE END OF INSPECTION ICE WAS THROWN AWAY AND EMPLOYEE CLEANED THE MACHINE
16
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MUST PROVIDE CABINET DOOR OR FOOD GRADE PLASTIC IN BAGEL CABINET FRONT AREA
32
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. INTERIOR OF 2 PREP COOLERS IN FRONT AREA AND DISPLAY COOLER UNCLEAN,MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
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. FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND SODA COOLER IN FRONT AREA UNCLEAN,MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
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. CEILING VENTS IN FRONT AREA UNCLEAN,MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN; WALLS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER WITH BLACK MOLDY MATERIALS MUST BE REMOVED,CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
35
78
Jan 12, 2010
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. BLACK MATERIAL AROUND HANDSINK IN FRONT PREP AREA MUST BE REMOVED MUST BE RECAULKED;ATTACHED EQUIPMENT OF VENTS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER UNCLEAN,MUST BE CLEAN
32
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. CAN OPENER IN PREP AREA UNCLEAN,MUST BE CLEAN; COUNTER TOP UNDER CAPPUCCINO MACHINE UNCLEAN,MUST CLEAN
33
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. 3 CEILING FANS WITH ACCUMULATED DUST ,MUST BE CLEAN
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: Toilet rooms shall be completely enclosed and shall be vented to the outside air or mechanically ventilated. None of the operations connected with food establishments shall be conducted in any room used as living or sleeping quarters. 2 TOILET ROOM DOORS WITHOUT SELF CLOSING DEVICE,MUST INSTALL
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Great American Bagel last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Great American Bagel on file is from Aug 9, 2016. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Great American Bagel?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at The Great American Bagel.
Has The Great American Bagel's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at The Great American Bagel have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at The Great American Bagel 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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