Mezza

No violations were recorded at this inspection.

1. Apr 8, 2025 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   4 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 boxes stored on gray container in walk in freezer. Instructed to provide adequate shelving to elevate all food and nonfood items at least six inches off of floor for ease of cleanability.

     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.

     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 grease buildup on interior cabinet and rear of fryer. Instructed to clean interior cabinet and rear of fryer. Observed buildup on exterior of pita press. Instructed to clean exterior of pita press and maintain.

     Official wording (code 49)

     Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

     Inspector’s note: Observed water leaking from stopper underneath wash compartment of three

     Official wording (code 51)

     Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

2. Jun 12, 2024 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   1 critical3 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed front area handwashing sink (near drink machine) missing handwashing signage. Instructed to provide adequate handwashing signage to all handwashing sinks and maintain at all times.

     Official wording (code 10)

     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

   • GeneralFood temperature

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed chicken in the walk-in cooler covered tightly with food-grade plastic wrap while cooling. Instructed to remove plastic wrap and leave cooling foods loosely covered or uncovered if protected from overhead contamination and maintain.

     Official wording (code 33)

     Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

   • GeneralFood handling

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed multi-use bowl used as a scoop in dry food bulk storage container in the front area. Instructed to remove bowl and replace with a utensil with a handle to prevent contamination and maintain.

     Official wording (code 39)

     Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed nonfood-contact surfaces of the following equipment items to be soiled with food debris and other soils: lower interior cavity of deep fryer, exterior gears and surfaces of pita press. Instructed to clean nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment at adequate frequency to prevent build up of soil and maintain.

     Official wording (code 49)

     Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Required allergen training was missing.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no certified manager with allergen awareness training or certificate on-site at time of inspection. Instructed to provide allergen awareness training to all certified managers and maintain certificates on-site at all times.

     Official wording (code 58)

     Allergen training as required

3. Dec 11, 2023 Conditional

   Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions

   1 general Show violations

   • GeneralFood temperature

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

     Inspector’s note: Improper cooling method used. Found whole hot cooked beans stored in bussing tub 8" deep being cooled down in walk-in cooler, beans temp at 198f, warm Hummus container at 70f covered tightly. All Food cooked within 2 hours ago. Instructed manager to break down hot TCS foods into smaller containers and store uncovered to facilitate cooling down process. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005.

     Official wording (code 33)

     Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

4. Feb 21, 2023 Conditional

   Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

   1 critical5 general2 paperwork Show violations

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

     Hands weren’t washed properly or when required.

     Inspector’s note: Observed food employee changed gloves between tasks without washing hands in between when preparing raw beef to ready-to-eat foods. Food employee must practice good hygiene by properly washing hands when changing tasks. Discussed proper hand washing with managers on site. Priority violation 7-38-010 citation issued.

     Official wording (code 8)

     Hands clean & properly washed

   • GeneralFood handling

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

     Inspector’s note: Seasoning containers and seasoning spray bottles is not labeled. Facility must provide labels on all food storage containers.

     Official wording (code 37)

     Food properly labeled; original container

   • GeneralFood handling

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

     Inspector’s note: Box of frozen food stored on the floor in the walk-in freezer. Facility must place items at least 6 inches above the floor.

     Official wording (code 39)

     Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

   • GeneralHygiene & sanitation

     Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no hair restraint on manager. During entrance inspection, manager put a hat on.

     Official wording (code 40)

     Personal cleanliness

   • GeneralFood handling

     Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

     Inspector’s note: In-use wiping cloths are not stored properly. Found on prep surface near front hand sink. Cloths used to wipe surfaces and equipment shall be held in a proper sanitizer solution. Cloths in-use for wiping surfaces in contact with raw animal foods shall be kept separate from cloths used for other purposes. In-use cloths must be laundered dailiy.

     Official wording (code 41)

     Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

   • GeneralRepeat violation

     A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

     Inspector’s note: Previous core violation not corrected on site dated from 2/16/2022. Report #2549888. #58) observed no allergen training on site at time of inspection. Instructed all employees holding a city of chicago foodservice manager certificate must complete training and maintain records thereof on site at all times. 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: No original and valid city of chicago food service sanitation certificate was posted nor provided on site for the present manager on duty while tcs foods such as raw beef and chicken were prepared and made on site. No valid doccumentation on premises. Instructed to provide. A least one certified food manager must be on site when food is handled. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012 citation issued.

     Official wording (code 2)

     City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Not all food employees had food-handler training.

     Inspector’s note: Food handler certifications not provided on site. Facility must ensure all food handler employees obtain a valid food handler certification.

     Official wording (code 57)

     All food employees have food handler training

5. Feb 16, 2022 Conditional

   Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions

   3 critical1 paperwork Show violations

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed no paper towels at both hand washing sinks. Instructed to maintain paper towels at all hand washing sinks at all times. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c). Citation combined with above violation.

     Official wording (code 10)

     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed no hand washing signage at both hand washing sinks. Instructed to provide.

     Official wording (code 10)

     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed no soap at both exposed hand washing sinks in facility. Instructed to maintain soap at all exposed hand washing sinks at all times. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c). Citation issued.

     Official wording (code 10)

     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Required allergen training was missing.

     Inspector’s note: Observed no allergen training on site at time of inspection. Instructed all employees holding a city of chicago foodservice manager certificate must complete training and maintain records thereof on site at all times.

     Official wording (code 58)

     Allergen training as required

6. Jul 26, 2021 Conditional

   Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

   4 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • GeneralFood handling

     Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

     Inspector’s note: Observed wiping cloths stored improperly on countertops throughout prep area, instructed to store wiping cloths in sanitizing solution when not in use, and maintain.

     Official wording (code 41)

     Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed exterior of fyer & grill with dried food debris and grease, instructed to detail clean and maintain.

     Official wording (code 49)

     Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

     Inspector’s note: Observed leaky faucet base on 3-comp sink, instructed to repair and maintain.

     Official wording (code 51)

     Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

     Inspector’s note: Observed grease and dust accumulation on hood filters above cooking equipment, instructed to detail clean and maintain.

     Official wording (code 56)

     Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

   • PaperworkManagement & training

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

     Inspector’s note: The person in charge does not have a city of chicago food sanitation license available onsite or posted, while preparing tcs foods; chicken, beef, and sliced tomatoes. Instructed to have a certified manager onsite at all times while food is being prep ared. Priority foundation 7-38-012 citation issued.

     Official wording (code 2)

     City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

7. May 3, 2021 No Entry

   Non-Inspection · No Entry

   No violations

8. Mar 6, 2020 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   1 critical Show violations

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed no hand wash signage at exposed hand wash sink located next to 3 compartment sink in rear dish area. Instructed to install and maintain.

     Official wording (code 10)

     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

9. May 7, 2019 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   2 general Show violations

   • GeneralFood handling

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

     Inspector’s note: Bulk food containers not labeled ( sugar, salt ) instructed to label.

     Official wording (code 37)

     Food properly labeled; original container

   • GeneralHygiene & sanitation

     Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.

     Inspector’s note: Food handler not wearing a hair restraint, instructed to wear.

     Official wording (code 40)

     Personal cleanliness

10. Jul 24, 2018 Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    2 critical1 general1 paperwork Show violations

    • CriticalManagement & training

      Staff weren’t trained on, or didn’t follow, the rules for reporting illness.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no employee health policy in effect on site, no documentation of employee training of said policy. Instructed to train all employees on the health policy and maintain documentation of training on site. Priority foundation violation: 7-38-012(a), no citation issued.

      Official wording (code 3)

      Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting

    • CriticalManagement & training

      No written plan or kit for cleaning up vomit or diarrhea.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no clean up policy or related materials on site for vomiting and diarrheal events. Instructed to provide procedures and proper clean up materials. Priority foundation violation: 7-38-005, no violation issued.

      Official wording (code 5)

      Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed foam coolers being used to store pita bread after it is baked. Instructed to provide a durable, cleanable container that can be washed, rinsed and sanitized between uses.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Observed that none of the posted certified food managers have completed required allergen training. Instructed that all certified food managers must complete allergen training as required by pa 100-0367. Priority foundation violation, no citation issued.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

11. Sep 15, 2017 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    4 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed small amount of black and brown, slimy, mold-like substance inside upper interior of ice machine. Must remove, clean and sanitize. Must maintain same.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed standing water in front prep area on the floor between grill and front counter. Must keep all floors clean and dry to prevent pest harborage. Observed food debris on floor of the walk in freezer. Must detail clean and sanitize. Must maintain same.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed missing ceiling tiles in rear of prep area. Must replace to prevent pest entry. Must maintain same.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed employee items (clothing, purses, etc.) improperly stored on top of bag in the box soda rack. Must properly stored employee items in a separate, designated area.

12. Nov 21, 2016 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: Observe standing water and food debris inside cabinet under front prep exposed handwash bowl. Must clean/keep dry interior of cabinet.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed food/dirt build up inside floor drains. Must clean interior of floor drains and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

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

13. Jun 10, 2016 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: Front prep area 4-door reach in coolers door rubber gaskets ripped. Instructed manager to repair/replace damaged door rubber gaskets.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed slight lime build up inside ice machine upper portion also observed dust build up on condensers of front prep area reach in coolers. Instructed manager to clean and maintain interior of ice machine and cooler condensers.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

      Inspector’s note: Observed metal ice scoop improperly stored on top of ice machine. Must provide clean container for ice scoop.

14. Feb 19, 2015 Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    1 critical5 general Show violations

    • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Potentially hazardous foods inside the walk in cooler at improper temperature. Such as spicy chicken at 47.8f, steak at 50.7f,shrimp at 47.9f, humus in cold holding unit at 45.6f. Instructed manager that all potentially hazardous foods must maintain an temperature of 40.0f or below during storage and display. No time/temperature log available at this time. Manager denatured such products worth $100.00 total 30 lbs. Citation issued critical 7-38-005(a). Walk in cooler temperature at 38.0f. Cold holding unit temperature at 40.1f.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must provide label(name of the product) and date on all food containers with ready to eat food inside the walk in cooler and and reach in cooler. Also all bulk food containers must have a label.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to install a splash guard between the dirty drain board of the 3 compartment sink and the prep sink in the kitchen.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must clean in detail the floor inside the walk in cooler with food debris and maintain. Manager asked one of the employee to clean the floor of the walk in freezer during inspection.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

      Inspector’s note: Must provide visible thermometer in the prep cooler in the serving area.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food handler requirements met

      Inspector’s note: Must enroll online to get a food handler's certificate.

15. Aug 20, 2014 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: Instructed to clean interior of ice machine with brownish discoloration on the inner lining.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Noted missing tiles on ceiling at the rear by the ice machine area. Instructed to replace.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean and maintain dusty and dirty fans inside walk in freezer and front prep area.

16. Oct 11, 2013 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    4 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Bulk-food container ( large salt container ) at prep table not labeled, instructed to label and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Vertical sneeze guard at front service line is too short, must install an effective sneeze guar that prevents cutomers contamination.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Prep cooler door next to deep fryer not closing tightly, instructed to repair so there is a complete closure.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Open employee drink container kept on prep table, instructed to keep away.

17. Aug 6, 2012 Pass

    Complaint · Pass

    3 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Bulk food containers & all food stored in coolers must have dates/labels.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Floors under soda dispenser & behind walk-in coolers shelves need cleaning due to spills/food debris.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Cleaning equipment must be kept clean & hung to dry, to prevent pest harborage.

18. Apr 17, 2012 Pass

    License · Pass

    No violations