Potbelly Sandwich Works

Year by year

Inspections

1. Dec 29, 2025 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     FOUND WALLS IN POOR REPAIR AT MEN'S RESTROOM.MUST REPAIR.

2. Aug 28, 2024 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     Mops, brooms and dust pans not stored properly, wet mops sitting in bucket. Instructed to store properly

   • Severity not stated

     ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

     Ceiling light fixture missing a shield at main kitchen area, instructed to provide.

3. Aug 3, 2023 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

     OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT. EMPLOYEES WERE PROVIDED HAIR RESTRAINTS DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION.

   • Severity not stated

     PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

     OBSERVED ONE HANDSINK AND TOILET STALL IN THE LOWER LEVEL EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM THAT NEEDS REPAIRED. THE FACILITY HAS TWO ADDITIONAL WORKING STALLS AND HANDSINK TO UTILIZE, ALONG WITH ANOTHER TOILET ROOM UPSTAIRS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     OBSERVED MISSING CEILINGS TILE PANELS IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA NEAR THE DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING PANELS TILES.

4. Aug 26, 2022 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

     FOUND NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (SLICED TURKEY) IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

5. Oct 5, 2021 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

     MISSING THERMPMETER IN PREP COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE IN WARMEST PART OF COOLER.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     STANDING WATER ON FLOOR AT DISH WASHING AREA, INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE AND KEEP DRY AS POSSIBLE.

6. Nov 5, 2020 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

     OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE WALK-IN COOLER AND WALK-IN FREEZER TO BE SOILED WITH DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

     OBSERVED THE ONE COMPARTMENT SINK TO HAVE A LEAK AND FAUCET TO BE LOOSE. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN

   • Severity not stated

     PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

     OBSERVED THE HAND SINK IN THE FOOD PREP AREA NEAR THE ASSEMBLY LINE TO HAVE A SLOW DRAINAGE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

7. Feb 22, 2019 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

     OBSERVED DIPPER WELL LEAKING IN PREP KITCHEN NEAR COFFEE AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK (FAUCET & KNOBS) LEAKING FAUCET DOES NOT TURN ON AND OFF WITHOUT MIDDLE PRESSURE VALVE ON/ACTIVE. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

     OBSERVED VENTS AND HOOD THROUGHOUT OUT KITCHEN WITH ACCUMULATION OF GREASE, DUST AND DEBRIS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

8. May 9, 2018 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Not serious Minor

     FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

     FLOORS NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS INSIDE FURNACE/ STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/MAINTAIN.

   • Not serious Minor

     WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

     SOME CEILING LIGHT SHIELDS DUSTY IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/MAINTAIN.

   • Not serious Minor

     VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

     FAUCET LEAKY AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.

9. Aug 4, 2017 Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Not serious Minor

     FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

     OBSERVED FLOOR DRAIN WITH AN ACCUMULATED BLACK SUBSTANCE INSIDE OF THE DRAIN LOCATED UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

10. Jul 28, 2017 Canvass · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Serious (Chicago's middle tier)

      NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

      OBSERVED SIDE ENTRANCE DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED WITH 1/4 INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF SAID DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE SIDE ENTRANCE DOOR RODENT PROOFED AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.

    • Not serious Minor

      FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

      OBSERVED FLOOR DRAIN WITH AN ACCUMULATED BLACK SUBSTANCE INSIDE OF THE DRAIN LOCATED UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

    • Not serious Minor

      WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

      OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST ON THE VENT LOCATED ABOVE THE OVEN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

11. Aug 12, 2016 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
    • Serious Critical

      FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE

      PREP COOLER BEING USED MAINTAINING IMPROPER AIR TEMPERATURE OF 49.8F. COOLER MUST MAINTAIN 40.0F OR BELOW. COOLER WILL BE TAGED HELD FOR INSPECTION.MUST NOT USE. MUST CONTACT CDPH FOR TAG REMOVAL. MUST USE ADDITIONAL COOLERS ON PREMISES THATS 40F OR BELOW. CRITICAL VIOLATION ISSUED 7-38-005A.

    • Serious Critical

      POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

      FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS MAINTAINED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES.APPROX 4LBS OF CHICKEN SALAD AT 61.7F,CHOPPED EGGS AT 50.8F, 18 LBS OF ASSORTED DELI MEATS AT 51.8F,45F.ALSO APPROX 72 LBS OF OVEN ROASTED TURKEY BREAST AT 44.7F,46.4F,44.7F,AND 27 LBS OF HAM AT 45.1F. MUST MAINTAIN COLD FOODS AT 40F OR BELOW.FOODS REMOVED FROM COOLERS AND DISCARDED BY MANAGER APPROX COST 125 LBS/$300.00/-CDI.CRITICAL VIOLATION ISSUED 7-38-005A

    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

      INTERIOR PIPE INSIDE ICE MACHINE SLIGHT BUILD-UP.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN.

    • Not serious Minor

      FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

      STORAGE SUPPLY EQIPMENT FOR STORE STORED ON FLOOS IN HEATER CLOSET.MUST PROBALY ELEVATE ON ADEQUATE SHELVING OFF FLOORS AT LEAST 6- INCHES.

    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

      NO ONLINE TRAINING FOOD CERTIFICATES PROVIDED FOR EMPLOYEES.MUST PROVIDE AT NEXT ROUTINE INSPECTION.

12. Oct 14, 2015 Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
    • Serious Critical

      HANDS WASHED AND CLEANED, GOOD HYGIENIC PRACTICES; NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS.

      NOTED EMPLOYEES NOT PRACTICING GOOD HYGIENIC PRACTICES:- EMPLOYEES WHILE PREPPING AT THE PREP LINE AND WEARING GLOVES WENT TO THE WALK IN COOLER AND OPENED THE COOLER IN AND OUT WITH GLOVES ON, WENT TO THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREA AND TOOK SOME EQUIPMENT, THEN CAME BACK TO THE PREP LINE AND CONTINUED PREPPING WITHOUT CHANGING GLOVES AND WITH OUT WASHING HANDS. INSTRUCTED TO CHANGE GLOVES AND WASH HANDS AT ALL TIMES WHEN THEY MOVE FROM ONE AREA TO ANOTHER. CITATION ISSUED FOR CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-010

    • Serious Critical

      WATER SOURCE: SAFE, HOT & COLD UNDER CITY PRESSURE

      NOTED NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT ALL HAND WASH SINKS OF ESTABLISHMENT FOLLOWING THE CITY CODE:- WATER TEMPERATURES AT ALL SINKS WERE AS FOLLOWS:- HAND WASH SINK BY DRIVERS ASSEMBLE ROOM 81.2F, PREP AREA 82.4F, HAND WASH SINK AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK 82.2F AND HAND WASH SINK AT THE EMPLOYEE BREAK ROOM 79.8F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY CALLED ENGINEER FOR MAINTENANCE. CITATION ISSUED FOR CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-030

    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

      NOTED THORN RUBBER GASKET AT DOOR OF WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

    • Not serious Minor

      WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

      NOTED DUSTY CEILING AND WALLS THROUGH OUT PREMISES. ALSO NOTED STAINED CEILING TILES INSIDE THE BATHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DUSTY CEILINGS AND WALL, REPAINT TILES AND/OR REPLACE BATHROOM CEILING TILES.

    • Not serious Minor

      LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

      NOTED BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD AT THE EMPLOYEE BREAK AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

13. Aug 1, 2014 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Minor

      FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

      CLEAN FLOORS IN PREP AREAS.

    • Not serious Minor

      PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

      REMOVE CLUTTER AT REAR EXIT DOOR IN THE FORM OF CARDBOARD BOXES TO PREVENT HARBORAGE.

14. Aug 9, 2013 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Minor

      FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

      FLOORS NEED CLEANING IN THE WALK IN COOLER AND FREEZER ALONG THE WALL BASE TO REMOVE SPILLS AND/OR DEBRIS. ALSO CLEAN FLOORS IN PREP AREAS.

    • Not serious Minor

      VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

      NOTED A LEAK AT THE U JOINT UNDERNEATH THE REAR HAND SINK. ALSO LEAK AT THE FAUCET AT THE 3 COMP SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

15. Jan 6, 2011 Canvass · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

      All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. OBSERVED CARDBOARD BOXES ON FLOOR ALONG WALL AT DRY STORAGE. MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS OFF FLOOR.

    • Not serious Minor

      FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

      All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. OBSERVED DEBRIS BUILD UP INSIDE REACH IN COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN COOLER GASKETS.

    • Not serious Minor

      VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

      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. 1-COMPARTMENT SINK AND HANDWASH BOWL IN POOR REPAIR (BOTH LOCATED BY 3-COMPARTMENT SINK). MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINKS.

16. Apr 6, 2010 License · Pass — Risk 1 (High)

    Result: Pass.