Nick's Drive Inn

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: Observed no thermometer inside walk-in cooler and inside prep cooler near cash register. Instructed to provide thermometers inside all coolers.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed heavy build up of ice inside freezer used to store ice cream next to milkshake mixer. Instructed to defrost and maintain in good condition.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed cracked hot water knob on handwashing sink located in rear alcove near 3 compartment. Sink. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain in good condition.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed build up of food debris and grime in interior of microwave located on front cook line. Instructed to clean and maintain in good condition.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Observed the following repeat core violation not corrected from report #2589137 dated 2/5/2024: #38 "noted rear exit door to the building not rodent proof with gap at the bottom of door (about 1/4 inch). Instructed to seal gaps to prevent entry points for pests." instructed to correct and come into compliance. Priority foundation violation 7-42-090. Citation issued.

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: 6-202.15: noted rear exit door to the building not rodent proof with gap at the bottom of door (about 1/4 inch). Instructed to seal gaps to prevent entry points for pests.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: 4-201.11: noted torn rubber gasket inside the walk in freezer at the kitchen prep. Instructed to detail repair and maintain and/or replace.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: 4-501.11: noted ice build up inside the walk in freezer on the floor and shelves and the upright freezer. Instructed to defrost, clean,repair and maintain the condensation units.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-201.11: instructed to detail clean and maintain floors along wall base and underneath equipment especially the rear dry storage area, remove cardboard boxes from the floor of the walk in freezer and food prep areas.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-201.17: noted heavy dirt and dust on ceilings throughout the establishment. Instructed to detail clean and maintain.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Noted heavy dirt and grease accumulation inside, on pipes/conduits and on edges of the exhaust hood and filters above cooking equipment. Instructed to detail clean and maintain hood, filters and pipes/conduits.

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: Noted rear exit door to the building not rodent proof with gap at the bottom of door (about 1/4 inch). Instructed to seal gaps to prevent entry points for pests.

Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

Inspector’s note: Noted a container of milk and cranberry juice bottle stored inside the ice machine container. Ice used for customer consumption. Instructed to remove container of milk and dispose of ice. Priority foundation violation#7-38-005 citation issued.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Noted dirty wiping cloths on prep tables at front and rear prep areas. Not properly stored. Instructed to properly store all washcloths in a sanitizing solution especially when not in use.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Noted torn rubber gasket inside the walk in freezer at the kitchen prep. Instructed to detail repair and maintain and/or replace.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Oted ice build up inside the walk in freezer on the floor and shelves and the upright freezer. Instructed to defrost, clean,repair and maintain the condensation units.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean and maintain floors along wall base and underneath equipment especially the rear dry storage area, remove cardboard boxes from the floor of the walk in freezer and food prep areas.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Noted heavy dirt and dust on ceilings throughout the establishment. Instructed to detail clean and maintain.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Noted the following previous core violation #58 rule #pa-100-0367 from inspection report #2579021 dated 7/25/2023 not corrected. 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. Priority foundation violation #7-42-090

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Found storage areas with clutter.(boxes,tools,etc.)must clean and organize.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Found gas stove at dishwashing areas not under hood.must remove or place under hood.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed mops need to be properly hung to dry.

Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to properly label containers identified with common name.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to provide magnetic knife/spatula holder. Noted spatulas stored behind wall in rear prep/dishwashing area.

Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean and maintain rear outside garbage area. Noted some litter and weeds around container.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean and remove unnecessary articles/papers stored behind front counter to prevent pest harborage.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to replace missing ceiling tiles above prep table in rear prep/ dishwashing area.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean and maintain floors along the walls and in all corners throughout rear storage area (where the hot water tank located) and floors along the walls throughout rear storage (employee changing area).

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean and maintain condenser fan cover with excessive dust/mold like build-up inside walk in cooler.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Light bulb must be shielded inside walk-in cooler or provide shatter proofed light bulb.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Must repair and maintain door and door frame to walk in freezer

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed no backflow device at ice machine.instructed management to install a backflow device at ice machine.

Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed toilet receptacle in women restroom with no cover.instructed management to provide a toilet receptacle with cover in women's restroom

Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed men's restroom door not properly self closing.instructed management to repair self closing device at men's restroom.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed clutter (unused equipment ect) near rear door.instructed management t0 remove clutter.

Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to install a splash guard between the prep sink and the french fries holder cart to prevent contamination of the french fries.extension for compliance granted till 8/19/19 by vc

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Must repair and maintain door and door frame to walk in freezer

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Must repair or remove shake freezer table not in use in front prep area

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: At least one service sink or curbed cleaning facility equipped with floor drain shell be provided and conveniently located for cleaning of mops and similar wet floor cleaning tools and for disposal of mop water and similar liquid waste

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Damaged water stained ceiling tiles above the prep table in the rear prep area. Instructed to replace and maintain..extension for compliance granted till 8/19/19 by vc

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Floor throughout the rear and front prep,dish washing area,with cracked, broken, and missing floor tiles. Also damaged floor (not in good repair inside the walk in freezer). Instructed to replace, repair and maintain floor tiles. Make the floor smooth easily cleanable.extension for compliance granted till 8/19/19 by vc

Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to install a splash guard between the prep sink and the french fries holder cart to prevent contamination of the french fries.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Wiping cloth for wiping the prep tables, chopping board must be stored on a bucket with sanitizing solution in between uses.

In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Ice scoop must be stored on a separate container handled up to prevent possible contamination.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Found interior surfaces of microwave oven with food debris. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize and maintain.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed cardboard being used as a floor mat inside the walk in freezer.instructed to replace with regular rubber floor mat.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to replace grocery bag being used to store food with food grade storage bag.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Food debris underneath the ice cream cone holder. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize and maintain. Also undrneath the ice maker where the motor is located with heavy dust accumulated. Instructed to detail clean and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Floor throughout the rear and front prep,dish washing area,with cracked, broken, and missing floor tiles. Also damaged floor (not in good repair inside the walk in freezer). Instructed to replace, repair and maintain floor tiles. Make the floor smooth easily cleanable.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Damaged water stained ceiling tiles above the prep table in the rear prep area. Instructed to replace and maintain

Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to install a splash guard between the prep sink and the french fries holder cart to prevent contamination of the french fries.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Wiping cloth for wiping the prep tables, chopping board must be stored on a bucket with sanitizing solution in between uses.

In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Ice scoop must be stored on a separate container handled up to prevent possible contamination.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to replace grocery bag being used to store food with food grade storage bag.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed cardboard being used as a floor mat inside the walk in freezer.instructed to replace with regular rubber floor mat.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Found interior surfaces of microwave oven with food debris. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize and maintain.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Food debris underneath the ice cream cone holder. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize and maintain. Also undrneath the ice maker where the motor is located with heavy dust accumulated. Instructed to detail clean and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Floor throughout the rear and front prep,dish washing area,with cracked, broken, and missing floor tiles. Also damaged floor (not in good repair inside the walk in freezer). Instructed to replace, repair and maintain floor tiles. Make the floor smooth easily cleanable.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Rear storage area with clutter,unnecessary items/articles stored on the floor. Instructed to clean the area, elevate all items off the floor,discard items not being use and organize to prevent rodent/insects harborage.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Damaged water stained ceiling tiles above the prep table in the rear prep area. Instructed to replace and maintain.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Observed slight dirt accumulation in the upper interior portion of the ice machine. Instructed facility to clean, sanitize, and maintain.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Observed the floor in the northside rear storage area to have dirt and grease on it. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Observed slight grease buildup on the exhaust hood filters. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Instructed facility to install an exposed handsink in the rear prep area with hot and cold running water under city pressure, soap, and paper towels.

* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served

Inspector’s note: No valid city of Chicago certified foodservice manager certificate posted on site and no city of Chicago certified foodservice manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared (gyros, beef, etc.). Instructed facility that a city of Chicago certified foodservice manager must be on site at all times, with a valid certificate posted, while potentially hazardous foods are prepared and/or served. Serious violation 7-38-012(a).

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: Instructed facility to label all bulk foods and all prepared foods and maintain.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Observed the standup freezer to have heavy ice accumulation. Instructed facility to defrost and maintain.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Observed slight dirt accumulation in the upper interior portion of the ice machine. Instructed facility to clean, sanitize, and maintain. Observed the interior of the microwave to be dirty. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Observed dirt and debris on the floor throughout: near the greasetrap, along the front counter wall behind the equipment, and along wall bases. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Observed grease accumulation on the exhaust hood filters. Instructed facility to clean and maintain. Observed the ceiling vent cover near the walk in cooler to have dust accumulation. Instructed facility to clean and maintain. Observed the walk in cooler fanguards to be dirty. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Observed the exposed handsink to be slow draining. Instructed facility to repair and maintain.

Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated

Inspector’s note: Upgraded to critical violation #14.

Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090

Inspector’s note: Upgraded to crical violation #14.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Instructed to provide 3 working drain stoppers for 3 compartment sink in rear or repair drain opener.

* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served

Inspector’s note: Found no certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods (eg gyro, beef, chicken, cooked rice etc) are being prepared and served. Instructed person in charge, a certified food manager with city of chicago food service sanitation certificate must be present when handling potentially hazardous foods. Serious violation 7-38-012

Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated

Inspector’s note: Found 3 compartment sink not properly maintained. Noted heavy water leak under 3rd compartment (far right) of the 3 compartment sink. Instructed to repair. Serious violation 7-38-030

Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090

Inspector’s note: Previous minor violations not corrected from inspection report #1528168 issued on 03-23-2015. Serious violation 7-42-090 #32 - exposed hand sink shared between rear and front prep area. Instructed to remove door at rear prep area to have area maintained. Gasket not maintained on front reach-in cooler. Instructed to replace broken gasket. #33 - can opener attached to prep table, and fan covers inside walk-in freezer not clean. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize all food contact surfaces. #35 - wall not maintained behind three compartment sink. Instructed to replace and seal wall with non-porous material. Wall under three compartment not sealed around pipes. Instructed to seal all openings. #36 - light bulbs not working in rear prep area. Instructed to replace non-working bulbs. #38 - ventilation not provide for stove in rear. Instructed to install proper ventilation above stove. #40

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Instructed to provide 3 working drain stoppers for 3 compartment or repair drain opener.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Exposed handsink shared between rear and front prep area. Instructed to remove door at rear prep area to have area maintained. Gasket not maintained on front reach-in cooler. Instructed to replace broken gasket.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Can opener attached to prep table, and fan covers inside walk-in freezer not clean. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize all food contact surfaces.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Wall not maintained behind three compartment sink. Instructed to repalce and seal wall with non-porous material. Wall under three compartment not sealed around pipes. Instructed to seal all openings.

Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

Inspector’s note: Light bulbs not working in rear prep area. Instructed to replace non-working bulbs.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Ventilation not provide for stove in rear. Instructed to install proper ventilation above stove. Faucet not maintained at three compartment sink at neck. Instructed to replace washer or replace faucet to prevent leak.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Thermometer not provided inside reach-in cooler. Instructed to provide thermometer conspicuously inside all coolers.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector’s note: Unnecessary articles not properly on prepmises. Instructed to remove all unsed articles and elevate supplies 6 inches or higher and away from wall.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: Establishment has not met requirement for food handlers training. Instructed that all food handlers must complete foor handlers training when potentially hazardous foods are being handled.

Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles

Inspector’s note: Observed single service utentils (plastic forks, spoons, etc.) on top of front self service counter not properly inverted. Instructed manager all single service utensils must be properly inverted (handles upward) to prevent potential contamination.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Condiment prep cooler door rubber gasket ripped also observed thick ice build up on rear of condenser inside walk in freezer. Instructed manager to repair/replace damage door gasket and remove ice build up in freezer.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Observed wall tiles surface in poor repair(peeling) behind and around 3-compartment sink. Must repair walls/surface of damaged wall tiles, surface of walls must be smooth and easy to clean.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Metal stem thermometer not calibrated. Instructed manager to provide and calibrate metal stem thermometer for food handlers.

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: Must properly label all food items inside coolers and freezers on premises

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean and maintain cutting board at the rear prep area. Must also defrost asnd clean upright freezer at the prep area.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean floors at the rear storage area underneath shelving and heavy equipment. Also at the dry storage room.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean, remove or organize clutter at the rear storage areas and also at the dry storage room.

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: Found food items not properly dated/labeled in walk in cooler, must date and label food items in walk in cooler.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Non food contact surfaces of cooler shelving, prep table lower shelving not clean need cleaning.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Floors under cooking equipment, heavy equipment not clean need cleaning, floors in rear storage rooms under shelving, and by hot water heater area not clean need cleaning(detailed).

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Damaged wall by 3 compartment had exposed raw wood, peeling paint, shall be repaired/sealed. Wallls in kitchen prep areas need cleaning.

Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

Inspector’s note: Missing light shields in rear kitchen storage areas, and by exposed hand sink, shall be provided. light shields need cleaning in prep areas.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Exhaust canopy not clean needs cleaning, exhaust vents(ventilation)in prep area need cleaning.

Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles

Inspector’s note: Single use articles not properly stored. Instructed to invert or wrap individual utensils to prevent contamination.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Can opener attached to prep table not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Floor behind equipment and in storage room not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and elevate supplies stored on floor.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Ventilation covers through-out not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Thermometer not provided inside prep cooler. Instructed to have thermometer conspicuous inside all coolers.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector’s note: Unnecessary articles stored in both storage rooms and rear utility area. Instructed to remove all unused articles and elevate supplies 6 inches or higher and away from walls.

Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles

Inspector’s note: All clean multi-use utensils pots and pans must be stored upside down inverted to prevent possible dust accumulation.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Rubber gasket along the door of the walk in freezer not in good repair-loose and ripped off. Instructed to repair and maintain.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Gap in between the walls and ceiling in women's washroom. Must seal all the gap and maintain. Walls behind the 3 compartment sink not in good repair. Must repair ,make it smooth and easily cleanable. Ceiling vent in front of thew walk in cooler with dust built up. Must clean in detail and maintain. Cracked light shield above the front serving area. Must replace. Must seal all the halls on the walls and ceiling inside the dry storage room and remove the peeling paint on the ceiling.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector’s note: Clutter in the dry storage room on the side by the front door entrance. Instructed to remove unnecessary article/ items not being used and elevate all articles to have an easy way of cleaning the floor.