Potbelly Sandwich Works

No violations were recorded at this inspection.

1. Feb 10, 2026 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   1 critical1 general Show violations

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

     Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

     Inspector’s note: Observed handwashing sink without cold water accross from 3-compartment sink. Instructed to repair and maintain.

     Official wording (code 10)

     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed soda crates stored under 3-compartment sink and under prep table used for shelving. Instructed to not use crates for elevation. Must provide appropriate shelving for storage.

     Official wording (code 47)

     Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

2. Feb 5, 2025 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   No violations

3. Jan 25, 2024 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   No violations

4. Jul 11, 2023 Conditional

   Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

   2 critical1 general2 paperwork Show violations

   • CriticalManagement & training

     No one in charge was present who knew the food-safety rules.

     Inspector’s note: 2-101.11 observed the person in charge without an original valid city of chicago food service sanitation manager's certificate. Instructed all person in charge and on site must have an original/valid city of chicago food service sanitation manager's certificate posted and that person must be on site at all times the facility is open and operating. Priority foundation. Citation issued under violation #2.

     Official wording (code 1)

     Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

     Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

     Inspector’s note: 6-301.14 observed no handwashing sign in one of two toilet rooms. Instructed to provide.

     Official wording (code 10)

     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: 6-501.12 observed accumulated dirt debris on the floors and walls located in the rear dry storage/utility area. Instructed to clean walls and along the walls and in all corners of the floors in the rear dry storage/utility area.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.

     Inspector’s note: 2-101.11 observed no original/valid city of chicago food service sanitation manager's certificate posted nor a city of chicago food service sanitation manager with an original/valid city of chicago food service sanitation certificate on site while tcs foods (deli meat, eggs) are being prepared handled and served to the public. Instructed an original/valid city of chicago food service sanitation manager's certificate must be posted for public view at all times and a city of chicago food service sanitation manager must be on site at all times the facility is open and operating. Priority foundation. Citation issued 7-38-012.

     Official wording (code 2)

     City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Not all food employees had food-handler training.

     Inspector’s note: 2-102.13 observed no proof of food handler training provided. Instructed to meet requirement for all food handlers.

     Official wording (code 57)

     All food employees have food handler training

5. Aug 26, 2022 Pass

   Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

   1 general Show violations

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: 6-501.11 observed damaged ceiling tiles in the back of the house prep area. Instructed manager to repair.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

6. Aug 18, 2022 Fail

   Canvass · Fail

   3 critical3 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • CriticalManagement & training

     No one in charge was present who knew the food-safety rules.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no verifiable certified food manager on duty while tcs foods are being prepared. Instructed manager to ensure there is a verifiable certified food manager on site at all times.

     Official wording (code 1)

     Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties

   • CriticalFood temperature

     Cold food was held above a safe temperature.

     Inspector’s note: Observed milk held at an inadequate temperature of 47 f. Instructed manager to ensure all cold food is held at 41 f and below. Manager discarded 1 1/2 gallons of milk ($8). Priority violation 7-38-005 citation issued.

     Official wording (code 22)

     Proper cold holding temperatures

   • CriticalFood temperature

     Not enough equipment, or the wrong method, to cool and hold food at safe temperatures.

     Inspector’s note: Observed cooler with an inadequate internal air temperature of 48 f. Instructed manager to ensure all coolers have in internal air temperature of 41 f and below. Unit tagged. Priority violation 7-38-005. Citation issued.

     Official wording (code 33)

     Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

   • GeneralPests

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed no evidence of at least 2 pest control services within the past 12 months. Instructed manager to meet the minimum requirement of 2 pest control services within 12 month period. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020 (c). Citation issued

     Official wording (code 38)

     Insects, rodents, & animals not present

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed damaged ceiling tiles in the back of the house prep area. Instructed manager to repair.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralRepeat violation

     A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

     Inspector’s note: Observed previous core violation not corrected.observed no certified food manager on site with food allergen certification. Report#2545714 dated 12-16-2021 instructed facility to comply with food allergen requirements by 3-16-2022. Priority foundation violation 7-42-090. Citation issued

     Official wording (code 60)

     Previous core violation corrected

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no city of chicago food manager certificate on site while tcs foods such as milkshakes, turkey sandwiches, and chili are being prepared. Instructed manager to ensure original city of chicago food manager certificate is on site at all times. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012. Citation issued.

     Official wording (code 2)

     City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

7. Dec 16, 2021 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   3 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed broken handle to chest freezer unit in rear food prep area. Instructed to repair or replace.

     Official wording (code 47)

     Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed an excessive amount of debris and ice buildup on the floor/walls/ceiling of the chest freezer located in rear food prep area. Must remove excess ice, detail clean, and maintain.

     Official wording (code 49)

     Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed food debris on the floors and surfaces throughout the facility. Instructed to detail clean under behind coolers. Must maintain at all times.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Required allergen training was missing.

     Inspector’s note: Observed the certified city of chicago food manager to have an expired food allergen certificate on site. Instructed the manager to renew and maintain on file.

     Official wording (code 58)

     Allergen training as required

8. Dec 29, 2020 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   1 general Show violations

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

     Inspector’s note: Found no running water at 1 compartment ink when hot water knob is turned on. Must repair and maintain.

     Official wording (code 51)

     Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

9. Sep 25, 2019 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   2 general Show violations

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

     Inspector’s note: Found washing sink in women's washroom. Must repair and maintain.

     Official wording (code 51)

     Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Found n excessive amount of food debris under ice cream station. Must clean and maintain.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

10. Jun 28, 2018 Pass

    Complaint · Pass

    2 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed a crack toilet bowl top in the women's washroom. Instructed to replace and maintain. Observed plastic over the floor drain located by the hot water heater. Instructed all surfaces should be smooth and easily cleanable.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed minor accumulated food debris inside the top portion of the prep cooler around the interior of the top prep cooler door. Instructed to clean and maintain.

11. Mar 15, 2018 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    3 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed floors under the shelves with accumulated food and dirt debris located in the rear. Instructed to clean under all shelving and along the walls and in all corners and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed accumulated dust on the vent located above the toaster oven in the front food prep area. Instructed to clean and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

      Inspector’s note: Observed some prep coolers without a thermometer. Instructed to provide thermometers and maintain.

12. May 18, 2017 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    6 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: The cutting boards in the front food preparation area has deep grooves. Instructed to sand or replace. Maintain same.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: The exterior of the grease trap under the 3-compartment sink needs to be cleaned. Instructed to clean and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: The interior/exterior of the floor drains, the floors in the corners and under/around all heavy equipment has food and dirt build up. Instructed to clean and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: The ceiling tiles and the light shield in the rear above the 3-compartment sink with dirt and dust build up. The walls around the mop sink, 3 and 1-compartment sinkis not clean. Also, there is rust stains and some kind of food splatter on the ceiling tiles in the rear food preparation area between the 3-compartment and mop sink. -must replace the water stained ceiling tile in the area between the 3-compartment and mop sink. Maintain same. Clean and maintain all.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: There is a leak at the base of the faucet on the 3-compartment sink in the rear food preparation area. Instructed to fix and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food handler requirements met

      Inspector’s note: There was no proof provided to show all food handlers have met the requirements of the illinois deaprtmen of public health. Instructed to provide. Must maintain proof at all times.

13. Nov 1, 2016 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    2 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Interior of prep and walk-in coolers not clean, food debris and dirt noted on shelves, instructed to clean and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Floors not clean behind chest freezer, trash and food waste noted, instructed to clean and maintain.

14. Apr 27, 2016 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    2 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: food debris noted at the top panel of front prep cooler, instructed to clean and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Dusty ceiling above 3-comp sink, instructed to clean and maintain.

15. Sep 3, 2015 Pass

    Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass

    No violations

16. Aug 27, 2015 Fail

    Short Form Complaint · Fail

    1 general Show violations

    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

      No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors

      Inspector’s note: Observed approximately 30-40 live fruit flies on the walls, boxes and flying around the rear prep area and the mop sink area. Instructed to provide additional pest control to minimize/eliminate the pest activity. Serious violation 7-38-020

17. Aug 11, 2015 Pass

    Short Form Complaint · Pass

    No violations

18. Mar 11, 2015 Pass

    Complaint · Pass

    1 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed the floor with accumulated debris behind the chest freezer in rear prep, under the front prep coolers and under shelving in rear prep. Instructed to clean and maintain the floors.

19. Jan 20, 2015 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    1 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed the rear room outside of the back door with unnecessary articles. Instructed to remove items and better arrange needed items.

20. Jun 30, 2014 Pass

    Short Form Complaint · Pass

    2 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Soda dispensor in need of cleaning to remove all build up. Must clean and maintain at all times

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Floors throughout in need of cleaning to remove all debris and build up. Must clean and maintain at all times.

21. Jun 3, 2014 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    2 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Soda dispensor in need of cleaning to remove all build up. Must clean and maintain at all times.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Floors throughout in need of cleaning to remove all debris and build up. Must clean and maintain at all times.

22. Dec 3, 2013 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    3 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must detail clean and maintain the interior of the reach in freezer-remove ice build up.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must detail clean and maintain the interior of the floor drains and floors in all corners and under/around all heavy equipment.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must clean and maintain the vents in the women's toilet room.

23. Sep 25, 2013 Closed

    Canvass · Out of Business

    The inspector found this business closed.

    No violations

24. Jan 24, 2013 Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    4 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must clean and maintain cabinets in front prep area.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must detail clean and maintain all ceiling vents in prep areas-remove excess dust/dirt.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must fix the leaks at the cold water knobs on the faucets of the 3-comp. In the rear prep and on the wash bowl in the ladies toilet room.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to eliminate clutter and organize rear area leading to dumpster area.

25. Jan 14, 2013 Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    6 general Show violations

    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

      Adequate number, convenient, accessible, properly designed and installed

      Inspector’s note: Found no hot water and very low water pressure at the front exposed handwashing sink in the prep area. Instructed to provide and maintain hot water to sink per city code and increase water pressure. Instructed to use 1-comp. Sink in front prep area for adequate hand washing-must stock sink with soap and paper towels. Serious violation 7-38-030

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must clean and maintain cabinets in front prep area.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must clean and maintain floors in all corners, around hot water tank and under beverage station in the dining area.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must detail clean and maintain all ceiling vents in prep areas-remove excess dust/dirt.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must fix the leaks at the cold water knobs on the faucets of the 3-comp. In the rear prep and on the wash bowl in the ladies toilet room.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to eliminate clutter and organize rear area leading to dumpster area.

26. Jul 31, 2012 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    2 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Found shelving units inside walk in cooler not clean.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Found floors inside walk in cooler not clean. Some spillage.

27. Sep 23, 2011 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    3 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN- OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE PREP AREA REACH IN COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS AND STANDING WATER INSIDE CABINET UNDER SOUP KETTLES. MUST CLEAN/KEEP DRY ALL UNCLEAN EQUIPMENT.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS UNDER AND AROUND PREP AREA COOLERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. OBSERVED ONE MISSING CEILING LIGHT COVER ABOVE HOT WATER TANK. MUST PROVIDE AND INSTALL LIGHT COVER.

28. Nov 26, 2010 Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    No violations

29. Nov 18, 2010 Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    3 general Show violations

    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

      No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors

      Inspector’s note: Found fruit fly activity on walls at front of premises. (observed about 30) serious violation. Citation issued.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Found countertops/tables not wiped down.(food debris)

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Found floors drains not clean at front and rear preparation areas.

30. Apr 27, 2010 Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    No violations

31. Apr 20, 2010 Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    4 general Show violations

    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

      No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors

      Inspector’s note: All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. Found fruit fly and house fly activity at rear preparation and by mop sink areas. (observed about 15 fruit flies and large house fly) serious violation. citation issued.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. Found floors not clean at rear preparation areas along walls/under tables and equipment.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. Found hole in wall next to deli slicer machine that must be repaired to prevent physical contamination.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: 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. Found leaky faucet at exposed hand sink at rear preparation areas.