FAIL
Risk 3 (Low)
ATHENAEUM CENTER FOR THOUGHT & CULTURE Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
October 21, 2021
License
License #2791441
15
Total Violations
11
Critical
2
Major
2
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
15
Violation #3
CRITICAL
Violation Details
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
Why This Matters
Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.
Food Code Requirement
All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.
Specific Requirements
Employees must: Report illness symptoms and exposures; Be excluded/restricted when ill; Understand their role in preventing foodborne illness; Follow proper hygiene practices; Have signed health policy on file.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-201.11 - 2-201.13
Violation #5
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: NO WRITTEN CLEANING PROCEDURE OR REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR A VOMIT/DIAHREA EVENT. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
Why This Matters
Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.
Food Code Requirement
Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.
Specific Requirements
Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-501.11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: NO HANDWASHING SINKS ARE LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA OR AT THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK AT THE BAR. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: NO HOT WATER IN BOTH THE MEN AND LADY'S 2ND FLOOR WASHROOM WASHBOWLS. WATER TEMPERATURE WAS NOTED AT 72.1 IN THE LADIES AND 68.3F IN THE MEN. MUST PROVIDE HOT WATER AT ALL WASHROOM WASHBOWLS WITH A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 100F. PRIORITY VIOLATION.
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: NOTED HOT WATER AT THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM WASHBOWL TOO HOT. TEMPERATURE NOTED AT 121.5F HOT WATER MUST BE A MAXIMUM OF 120F. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A FIXING FAUCET THAT RUNS HOT AND COLD WATER BETWEEN 100F AND 120F. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: MUST REMOVE THE SOAP AND PAPER TOWEL DISPENSERS LOCATED AT BOTH THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS IN THE BAR AND PREP.
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #16
CRITICAL
Violation Details
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: NO CHLORINE OR QUATERNARY CHEMICAL SANITIZER ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE.
Why This Matters
Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.
Food Code Requirement
All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.
Specific Requirements
Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.11
Violation #36
MINOR
Violation Details
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE TO MONITOR ANY DAIRY PRODUCTS USED FOR COFFEE MAKING.
Why This Matters
Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.
Food Code Requirement
Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.
Specific Requirements
50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: NO PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK AND ALL REQUIRED LOG DOCUMENTATION ON THE PREMISES FOR REVIEW. MUST HAVE A LICENSED PEST CONTROL CO. SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT AND PROVIDE ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
Why This Matters
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
Food Code Requirement
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
Specific Requirements
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.111
Violation #48
CRITICAL
Violation Details
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: NO DRAIN BOARD IS AVAILABLE FOR THE PREP THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE.
Why This Matters
Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.
Food Code Requirement
Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.
Specific Requirements
3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-302.14
Violation #48
CRITICAL
Violation Details
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: NO CHLORINE OR QUATERNARY TEST STRIPS ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE FOR WHICH SANITIZER IS TO BE USED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
Why This Matters
Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.
Food Code Requirement
Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.
Specific Requirements
3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-302.14
Violation #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: INOPERABLE FAUCETS AT BOTH THE FAR-RIGHT WASHBOWLS IN BOTH THE MEN AND LADIES ' 2ND FLOOR WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO PROVIDE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER.----LEAK AT THE NOZZLE OF THE BAR THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
Why This Matters
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Food Code Requirement
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Specific Requirements
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.13
Violation #52
MAJOR
Violation Details
SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED - Comments: NOTED NO GREASE TRAPS LOCATED AT BOTH THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS. MUST PROVIDE.
Why This Matters
Improper disposal contaminates environment and attracts pests.
Food Code Requirement
All waste water must be properly disposed.
Specific Requirements
Discharge to approved sewer; No dumping outside; Grease trap maintained; No floor draining to exterior.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-402.11
Violation #54
MAJOR
Violation Details
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: NO OUTSIDE WASTE RECEPTACLE WAS PROVIDED FOR THE ABOVE LICENSEE. MUST PROVIDE AN OUTSIDE WASTE RECEPTACLE OR DOCUMENTATION FROM THE ADJACENT CHURCH STATING THE FACILITY HAS APPROVAL FOR USAGE OF THEIR COMMERCIAL WASTE CONTAINERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
Why This Matters
Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.
Food Code Requirement
Refuse must be properly contained and removed.
Specific Requirements
Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-501.111
Violation #54
MAJOR
Violation Details
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: NO OUTSIDE WASTE RECEPTACLE WAS PROVIDED FOR THE ABOVE LICENSEE. MUST PROVIDE AN OUTSIDE WASTE RECEPTACLE OR DOCUMENTATION FROM THE ADJACENT CHURCH STATING THE FACILITY HAS APPROVAL FOR USAGE OF THEIR COMMERCIAL WASTE CONTAINERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
Why This Matters
Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.
Food Code Requirement
Refuse must be properly contained and removed.
Specific Requirements
Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-501.111
Health Department Information
Department
Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Division
Food Protection Program
Report Issues
Call 311 or File Online
More Information
CDPH Food Protection