Express Grill

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Clean the grease, dust and food debris on the walls and ceiling of the food prep and storage areas.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed grease buildup, food debris, and dirt on floor under cooking equipment, along walls and in all corners in prep, dish washing, and storage areas. Instructed manager to clean floors under all equipment, along walls and in all corners in all areas. Observed dust buildup on fan in walk-in cooler and ceiling and wall vents in prep and storage areas.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Previous core violation from report #2587229 on 12/20/23 were not corrected: #39-observed ice scoop stored directly in ice machine. Instructed to store outside of ice machine in order to prevent contamination. #52-unable to locate grease trap. Instructed to install grease trap connect to 3 compartment sink and compliant with all relevant laws, rules, and regulations. #53-observed no covered trash receptacle inside unisex employee toilet room. Instructed to provide. #58-observed manager on duty without allergen training. Instructed all employees holding city of chicago foodservice manager certificate must complete allergen training and maintain records thereof on site at all times.priority foundation 7-42-090. Citation issued.

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: Observed no thermometer inside front prep cooler. Instructed to provide.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed ice scoop stored directly in ice machine. Instructed to store outside of ice machine in order to prevent contamination.

Sewage or wastewater wasn’t disposed of properly.

Inspector’s note: Unable to locate grease trap. Instructed to install grease trap connect to 3 compartment sink and compliant with all relevant laws, rules, and regulations.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed no covered trash receptacle inside unisex employee toilet room. Instructed to provide.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed several pieces of unused equipment covered in black garbage bags in rear prep area. Instructed to remove from premises.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed build up of dirt, food debris, grease, and grime on floors and walls underneatth and behind both cook lines in front prep area. Instructed to detail clean and maintain in good condition.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed broken light shield in unisex employee toilet room. Instructed to repair or replace and maintain in good condition.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed heavy build up of dust on vent in employee toilet room. Instructed to clean and maintian in good condition.

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

Inspector’s note: OBSERVED OVER 200 FRUIT FLIES ON WALLS IN REAR STORAGE AND DISHWASHING AREA. MUST ELIMINATE EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(a). CITATION ISSUED.

In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed ice scoop stored in ice bin. Instructed to store in clean container when not being used.

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

Inspector’s note: Noted rusted shelves & surfaces inside 3-door display cooler in front prep. Instructed to resurface or replace.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed cardboard used as liner in the front prep area where the service window is located. Instructed to remove.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed loose food debris, dirt and dust buildup on the floors under shelving units and prep tables throughout the facility. Instructed to detail clean and increase cleaning frequency of floors. Must maintain at all times.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed mop in a position that does not allow to dry properly and prevent pest harborage. Must store mop after use in a mounted position that allows for air-drying without soiling and pest harboraging.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed exhaust ventilation fan in the washroom not functioning. Instructed to repair.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Noted previous core violation #57 not corrected from report #2370123 conducted on 5/5/2020: (#57) 2-102.13: found the food handler training certificates for employees expired; instructed to have employees obtain current certificates. Priority foundation violation #7-42-090.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean the floor by the fryers in the prep area, by the grill in the prep area, by the hot water tank and in the storage area under the shelves and behind the freezer.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean the vent in the hooded system above the fryers in the prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Must discontinue using cardboard as floor mats in front prep area, instructed to provide proper floor mats that are non-porous and easily cleanable.

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

Inspector’s note: Must detail clean interior panel of ice machine in rear prep. Ice not for human consumption, used only to keep can soda's cold. Instructed to maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Must clean water and debris from floors in rear storage & prep areas. Instructed to maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Must replace non working light in kitchen hood. Instructed to maintain. Also, clean unknown debris from light shields in front prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Must discontinue using soda crates for storage racks throughout walk in cooler & freezer, front and rear prep areas. Install correct racks for food storage.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed previous minor violations not corrected from last inspection report 2099082, dated 10/25/2017. Violations included: #32:observed plastic air curtains, located on rear exit door, in poor repair. Instructed manager to repair and maintain at all times. #41: observed excessive clutter and debris (heat lamps, paint cans, hotel pans) on top of both walk-in coolers, in rear of operation. Instructed manager to detail clean, organize and remove any unused equipment, etc., to prevent rodent harborage. Maintain at all times. Violations still exists. Serious violation 7-42-090

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

Inspector’s note: Must discontinue using soda crates for storage racks throughout walk in cooler & freezer, front and rear prep areas. Install correct racks for food storage.

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

Inspector’s note: Must clean dried food debris from interior contact surface of microwave in rear prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Must clean unknown substance from floor throughout rear storage, and debris from floor in staff toilet room in rear.

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

Inspector’s note: Must repair detached wall (corner) behind hamburger maker machine in rear prep. Also, seal small hole in ceiling (above where ladder is stored)in rear storage.

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

Inspector’s note: Must clean unknown debris from light shields throughout rear prep and storage areas.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed plastic air curtains, located on rear exit door, in poor repair. Instructed manager to repair and maintain at all times.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed black substance, embedded along caulking at 3 compartment sink and utility sink, in rear prep area. Instructed manager to remove and resurface area. Observed dust accumulation, on fan/vent covers, in both walk in coolers. Instructed manager to clean. Maintain, above at all times.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed cracked flooring, at wall and floor junction, between utility sink and 3 compartment sink, in rear prep area. Also observed flooring in poor repair at front counter, underneath hot holding station. Instructed manager to repair and ensure surface is smooth and easily cleanable.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed cracked and water damaged ceiling, in rear dry storage area. Instructed manager to repair and maintain at all times.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed excessive clutter and debris (heat lamps, paint cans, hotel pans) on top of both walk-in coolers, in rear of operation. Instructed manager to detail clean, organize and remove any unused equipment, etc., to prevent rodent harborage. Maintain at all times.

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

Inspector’s note: Outside garbage and grease waste dumpster area not maintained. Observed ground under and around grease and garbage dumpsters, encrusted with excessive grease and debris. Instructed manager to detail clean, to prevent rodent harborage. Maintain at all times. Serious violation # 7-38-020

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

Inspector’s note: Observed plastic air curtains, located on rear exit door, in poor repair. Instructed manager to repair and maintain at all times.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed black substance, embedded along caulking at 3 compartment sink and utility sink, in rear prep area. Instructed manager to remove and resurface area. Observed dust accumulation, on fan/vent covers, in both walk in coolers. Instructed manager to clean. Maintain, above at all times.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed cracked flooring, at wall and floor junction, between utility sink and 3 compartment sink, in rear prep area. Also observed flooring in poor repair at front counter, underneath hot holding station. Instructed manager to repair and ensure surface is smooth and easily cleanable.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed cracked and water damaged ceiling, in rear dry storage area. Instructed manager to repair and maintain at all times.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed excessive clutter and debris (heat lamps, paint cans, hotel pans) on top of both walk-in coolers, in rear of operation. Instructed manager to detail clean, organize and remove any unused equipment, etc., to prevent rodent harborage. Maintain at all times.

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

Inspector’s note: Paint rusty exterior of lockers.

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

Inspector’s note: : clean the dirt, stains, and dust build-up from walls throughout all rear sections. Clean, paint and/or replace all ceilings and ceiling tiles throughout. Remove excessiv3 dust build-up and cob webs from ceiling vents throughout. Clean all dirt, dust and debris from all light shields throughout. Clean and/or paint all doors.

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

Inspector’s note: 30 small flies observed on walls and ceiling in onion prep area and dishwashing area. Must clean and sanitize all affected areas, remove onions if necessary, and request service from pest control company. Serious violation 7-38-005(a).

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

Inspector’s note: Paint rusty exterior of lockers.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean the following: interiors of deep fryer cabinets and ice machine in rear, metal storage shelves in rear storage area.

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

Inspector’s note: Detail clean the floors throughout all areas along the bases of the walls, in corners, underneath and behind all heavy equipment(food debris, and dirt). Clean all metal floor plates underneath barrels in rear.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean the dirt, stains, and dust build-up from walls throughout all rear sections. Clean, paint and/or replace all ceilings and ceiling tiles throughout. Remove excessiv3 dust build-up and cob webs from ceiling vents throughout. Clean all dirt, dust and debris from all light shields throughout. Clean and/or paint all doors.

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

Inspector’s note: Replace blown light(s) in hood above cooking equipment.

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

Inspector’s note: Remove rust from shelves in the rear storage area.

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

Inspector’s note: Must remove clutter near rear exit door.

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

Inspector’s note: Outside garbage receptacle not rodent proof. Noted a bent frame and a missing lid at the outside garbage receptacle. Must repair and make rodent proof. Serious citation issued 7-38-020

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

Inspector’s note: Remove rust from shelves in the rear storage area.

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

Inspector’s note: Must remove clutter near rear exit door.

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

Inspector’s note: Must label all food not in original containers at the walk-in cooler at all times(i.e., beef patties in gray containers).

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

Inspector’s note: Must clean and sanitize floor at rear storage area by the pepper canisters to remove food debris.

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

Inspector’s note: Must remove dead insects from light shields throughout rear storage areas.

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

Inspector’s note: Must repair leaky cold water faucet handle at 3comp sink.

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

Inspector’s note: Must defrost interior of ice box freezer.

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

Inspector’s note: Must declutter and better organize items next to the walk-in cooler.

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. Clean the grease buildup behind the soda cooler next to the fryers.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Between uses and during storage ice dispensing utensils and ice receptacles shall be stored in a way that protects them from contamination. KEEP THE ICE SCOOP HANDLE OUT OF THE ICE IN THE BIN OF THE MACHINE. Store wiping cloths in sanitizing solution between use.