Potbelly Sandwich Works # 100

No violations were recorded at this inspection.

1. Feb 4, 2026 Fail

   Canvass · Fail

   1 critical Show violations

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed handsinks in both unisex restrooms with water temperature measuring 48.1 degrees f (west) and 50.3 degrees f (east). Instructed to repair. Handwashing sinks must have a temperature of 100 degrees f at all times. Priority violation 7-38-030 (c). Citation issued.

     Official wording (code 10)

     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

2. Mar 26, 2025 Conditional

   Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

   1 paperwork Show violations

   • PaperworkManagement & training

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

     Inspector’s note: Found no city of chicago food service sanitation manager or valid certificate on site while time/temperature control for safety foods (chicken) are 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.

     Official wording (code 2)

     City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

3. Jan 10, 2024 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   No violations

4. Jan 11, 2023 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   1 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: 6-501.13 observed minor dirt debris behind the refrigeration units in the front food prep area and under shelves in the rear dry storage area. Instructed to clean.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Not all food employees had food-handler training.

     Inspector’s note: 2-102.13 observed some food handlers certificates not available for inspector's review. Instructed to provide all food handlers certificates.

     Official wording (code 57)

     All food employees have food handler training

5. Jan 13, 2022 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   1 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: Found no covered garbage receptacle located in unisex washroom. Instructed manager to provide.

     Official wording (code 53)

     Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Required allergen training was missing.

     Inspector’s note: Found manager without allergen certificate.all city of chicago food service managers must provide allergen certificate.

     Official wording (code 58)

     Allergen training as required

6. Nov 27, 2020 Conditional

   Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

   1 critical Show violations

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

     Inspector’s note: Found no handwashing sink in same area as 3 compartment sink. A hand washing sink shall be located to allow convenient use by employees in all food preparation, food dispensing, and warewashing areas. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-030(c). No citation issued.

     Official wording (code 10)

     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

7. Apr 30, 2020 Conditional

   Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

   1 paperwork Show violations

   • PaperworkManagement & training

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

     Inspector’s note: Found no valid city of chicago food service sanitation manager certificate posted on site while time/temperature control for safety foods (chicken) are 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. No citation issued.

     Official wording (code 2)

     City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

8. Dec 6, 2019 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   3 general Show violations

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed cutting boards in front prep area with deep grooves and dark stains. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain smooth cutting surfaces.

     Official wording (code 47)

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

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed torn gaskets on prep coolers in front prep area. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain in good working order.

     Official wording (code 47)

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

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

     Inspector’s note: Observed slight leak from dipper well located near ice cream freezer in front prep area. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain in good working order.

     Official wording (code 51)

     Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

9. Jun 22, 2018 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 coolers and storage shelf units inside walk in cooler not clean of food spills, debris. Instructed to clean/maitain.

   • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

     Inspector’s note: Unclean ceiling tiles through out rear prep area, not maintained.instructed to clean or replace

10. Jan 24, 2018 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    3 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Rusty grease trap at 3- compartment sink.instructed to repair.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Unclean ceiling tiles through out rear prep area, not maintained.instructed to clean or replace.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Leaky faucet at neck on 3- compartment sink.instructed to repair.

11. Mar 24, 2017 Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    5 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Found the exterior of the grease trap with rust. Instructed to remove and maintain rust free surface. Front reach in ice cream freezer with thick ice build up. Instructed to remove ice build up and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Found the interior of the coolers and lower shelving in the front prep area in need of cleaning. Instructed to remove dirt and food debris.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Found the floors under/around the coolers/cooking equipment in the front and rear preparation area with old 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: Found the vents and ceiling tiles in the front/rear preparation area and in the toilet rooms with food, dirt/dust build up. Instructed to clean and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Found the side storage area in the dining area cluttered. Instructed to eliminate clutter and organize area. Maintain a clutter free area.

12. Mar 16, 2017 Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    1 critical5 general Show violations

    • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

      Facilities to maintain proper temperature

      Inspector’s note: Found the front prep reach in cooler close to the register not able to maintain the required temperature of 40f. Ambient temperature was 47.3f. Potentially hazardous foods stored inside the cooler was still within the required temperature and moved to another cooler. Instructed to have unit fixed so that it maintains an ambient temperature of 40f or lower. Critical violation 7-38-005 (a)

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Found the exterior of the grease trap with rust. Instructed to remove and maintain rust free surface. Front reach in ice cream freezer with thick ice build up. Instructed to to remove ice build up and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Found the interior of the coolers and lower shelving in the front prep area in need of cleaning. Instructed to remove dirt and food debris.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Found the floors under/around the coolers/cooking equipment in the front and rear preparation area with old 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: Found the vents and ceiling tiles in the front/rear preparation area and in the toilet rooms with food, dirt/dust build up. Instructed to clean and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Found the side storage area in the dining area cluttered. Instructed to eliminate clutter and organize area. Maintain a clutter free area.

13. Aug 15, 2016 Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    No violations

14. Aug 12, 2016 Conditional

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass w/ Conditions

    No violations

15. Aug 2, 2016 Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    No violations

16. Jul 22, 2016 Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    2 critical6 general Show violations

    • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

      Facilities to maintain proper temperature

      Inspector’s note: Observed prep cooler next to cash register section maintaining improper air temperature of 58.3f.premises must not use cooler until reinspected by cdph.must use additional coolers on premises thats 40f or below,cdi.critical violation issued 7-38-005a

    • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

      Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service

      Inspector’s note: Found potentially hazardous foods maintained at improper temperatures inside cooler.hummus-53.6f, slice tomato-53.0f cooked chicken-53.0f,chicken salad-53.9f, cooked eggs-106.5f,raw spinach-53.0f,garbanzo bean 56.7f,chop eggs-54.1f.must maintain cold foods at 40f or below,and hot foods at 140f or higher.approx 12lbs of food at cost approx $80.00 was removed from cooler and discarded by manager-cdicritical violation issued 7-38-005a.

    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

      Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered

      Inspector’s note: Observed outside garbage waste area not maintained,(ie open overflowing dumpster,trash on grounds around dumpster.instructed that dumpster must be kept covered and area around dumpster kept clean/maintained.critical violation issued 7-38-020.

    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed previous minor violation still exist from last inspection dated (1-15-2016,report #1609779) #35 -excessive dust build-up on 2-light shield cover in rear prep area.must clean/maintain.also chip peeling paint on wall areas in rear hand sink corner and prep area.must repair all walls. Serious violation issued 7-42-090.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Exterior of storage food cabinet has peeling paint located above hot holding unit and coffee machine in front prep area.must repair.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed coolers and storage equipment not clean/maintain.interior/exterior of all front prep coolers not clean,shelf above cooler forprinter, both oven toasters,including leggs of equipmwnt,food units inside of wals in cooler exterior and interior of walk in cooler door.must detail clean /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 inside of the walk in cooler,under and around heavy equipment,(storage units).must clean/maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: See violation #29 excessive dust build-up on 2-light shield cover in rear prep area.must clean/maintain.also chip peeling paint on wall areas in rear hand sink corner and prep area.must repair all walls.

17. Jan 15, 2016 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    1 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Excessive dust build-up on 2-light shield cover in rear prep area.must clean/maintain.also chip peeling paint on wall areas in rear hand sink corner and prep area.must repair all walls.

18. Jul 27, 2015 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    3 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Replace broken or cracked multi use containers and lids.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must detail clean floors in prep and dish washing areas.

    • 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 walls under the 1 compartment and 3 compartment sinks and remove food debris. Detail clean ceiling tiles and light shields above the rear dishwashing and prep area. Must remove dust build up.

19. Jan 21, 2014 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 interior of all reach in coolers to remove all food debris and build up. Must clean and maintain at all times. Must clean soda dispensor and ice chute to remove all build up. 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 under and around all equipment in need of cleaning to remove all build up. Must clean and maintain at all times.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Walls in fronts line area in need of cleaning to remove all splatter and build up. Must clean and maintain at all times.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Drain at ice cream freezer in need of cleaning to remove all build up. Must clean and maintain at all times.

20. Jan 17, 2014 Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    1 critical4 general Show violations

    • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

      Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Both mens and womens bathrooms with no hot water to adequately wash hands. Instructed manager to provide hot water at all times and all employees must wash hands at the exposed hand bowl. Critical violation 7-38-030 citation issued not hot water in customer/employee washrooms.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must clean interior of all reach in coolers to remove all food debris and build up. Must clean and maintain at all times. Must clean soda dispensor and ice chute to remove all build up. 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 under and around all equipment in need of cleaning to remove all build up. Must clean and maintain at all times.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Walls in fronts line area in need of cleaning to remove all splatter and build up. Must clean and maintain at all times.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Drain at ice cream freezer in need of cleaning to remove all build up. Must clean and maintain at all times.

21. Feb 14, 2013 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    5 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must replace all worn cutting boards with dark grooves at the front serivce line.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must clean vent at exhaust hood at the front service line. Must detail clean interior of ice cream freezer and 1dr refrigerator to remove food debris.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must replace ceiling tile above the mop sink. Must repaint/repair wall next to the 3comp sink.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must repair vents at both ladies and men's restroom.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

      Inspector’s note: Must provide a thermometer at the front milk cooler at all times.

22. Aug 22, 2012 Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    2 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to replace damaged rubber gaskets on chest reach in freezer in rear prep.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must eliminate clutter and organize storage closet in dining area.

23. Aug 13, 2012 Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    1 critical7 general Show violations

    • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

      Sewage and waste water disposal, no back siphonage, cross connection and/or back flow

      Inspector’s note: Found waste water backing up from floor drain in front of the 3 comp. Sink when running water in 3-comp sink or when opening the drain. Instructed to repair plumbing. Critical violation 7-38-030 plumber arrived during inspection and fixed the issue.

    • 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: Side door (by cashier)not rodent proofed. A 1/2" gap noted in the middle of the double doors. Instructed to rodent proof door. Serious violation 7-38-20

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to replace damaged rubber gaskets on chest reach in freezer in rear prep.

    • 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 chest freezer (remove excess ice), clean the exterior of the ice opening on the beverage machine and cabinets through out.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must detail clean the interior of all floor drains, floors in all corners and elevate all stock item 6" off the floor in the dining room storage closet.

    • 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/dining area and clean all walls under/around cooking equipment and sinks.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must seal the opening around the pipe under the rear exposed hand washing sink.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must eliminate clutter and organize storage closet in dining area.

24. Oct 14, 2011 Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    2 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: See report dated 10/07/11

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: See report dated 10/07/11

25. Oct 7, 2011 Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    3 general Show violations

    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

      Adequate number, convenient, accessible, properly designed and installed

      Inspector’s note: When toilet and lavatory facilities are provided for the patrons of food establishments, such facilities shall be adequate in number, convenient, accessible, properly designed, and installed according to the municipal code. NO RUNNING HOT WATER IN BOTH MENS AND WOMENS WASHROOM HANDWASH BOWLS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE RUNNING HOT WATER AT WASHROOM SINKS ON OR BEFORE DATE OF REINSPECTION (10/14/11).

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MILK REACH IN COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED. MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED DOOR GASKETS.

    • 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. FRONT PREP SANDWICH LINE HANDWASH BOWL FAUCET LEAKING. MUST REPIAR AND MAINTAIN SINK.

26. Oct 20, 2010 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    2 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Found floors not swept at main preparation areas.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Found no backflow prevention devices at soda and coffee machine water lines.(check valves)