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CHICAGO'S HOME OF CHICKEN & WAFFLES Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

CHICAGO'S HOME OF CHICKEN & WAFFLES 3947 S DR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DR, CHICAGO 60653 Restaurant
June 20, 2025 Complaint License #2698292
12
Total Violations
6
Critical
2
Major
4
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

12
Violation #2
CRITICAL
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE POSTED WHILE PREPARING AND SERVING TCS FOODS (RICE, CHICKEN, FISH, SLICED TOMATOES). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE CERTIFICATE HOLDER ON SITE WHILE OPENING AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.
Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.
Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.
Violation #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED HAND DRYING PROVISION AVAILABLE AT HANDSINK LOCATED IN IN USE PREP AREA AND BEVERAGE STATION PREP DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED. PERSON IN CHARGE PROVIDED PAPER TOWELS AT THIS TIME.
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
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.
Violation #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND CLEANSER AVAILABLE AT HANDSINK LOCATED IN BEVERAGE STATION PREP. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN FOR PROPER HANDWASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-030 (C). SEE ABOVE VIOLATION FOR CITATION INFORMATION.
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
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.
Violation #16
CRITICAL
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED IN USE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED SANITIZER STGRENGHT AT 0PPM. INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE USE OF EQUIPMENT UNTIL PROPERLY SANITIZING AT @ LEAST 50PPM. MUST MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION.
Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.
All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.
Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.
Violation #35
MINOR
APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED - Comments: OBSERVED TUBS CONTAINING RAW FROZEN FISH STORED ON FLOOR IN REAR PREP/DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND THAW FISH UNDER REFRIGERATION OR CONTINUOUS WATER IN PREP SINK.MUST MAINTAIN
Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.
Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.
Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION 2 LARGE LIVE COCKROACHES CRAWLING ON 3 COMPARTMENT SINK PIPING AND ON FLOOR UNDER DISHWASHING MACHINE, APPROXIMATLEY 100 SMALL RODENT DROPPINGS INSIDE SLIDING DOOR CABINET LOCATED UNDERNEATH BEVERAGE DISPENSER, SCATTERED ON FLOOR ALONG SIDE OF SAID EQUIPMENT, AND INSIDE ROOM ATTACHED TO BEVERAGE PREP AREA WHERE HOT WATER TANK IS LOCATED. NOTED APPROXIMATELY 65 SMALL BLACK LIVE FLIES IN THE FOLLOWING PLACES.., ON UNOPENED SYRUP BOXES STACKED IN REAR PREP, ON WALLS THROUGHOUT DISHWASHING ROOM/PREP, ON ALL HANDSINK BASINS LOCATED IN PREP AREAS, ON EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOLING UNITS AND FLYING THROUGHOUT PREP/ DINING AREA AND TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR ADDIDIONAL SERVICE. MUST ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY ON PREMISE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-020 (A). CITATION ISSUED.
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED FRONT DOOR OF FACILITY NOT RODENT PROOF, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
Violation #39
MAJOR
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED LARGE CONTAINERS CONTAINING FISH, MIXED SEASONINGS, BOXES OF GREENS AND PREPPPED GREENS IN POTS STORED ON FLOORS IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUJCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING. STORING FOOD ON FLOOR IS PROHIBITED IN ORDER TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.
Prevent contamination during all food handling.
Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.
Violation #41
MAJOR
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO STORE SOILED WIPING CLOTHS INSIDE SANITIZING WATER AT LEAST 5OPPM IN BETWEEN USES.
Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.
Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.
Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.
Violation #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED ALL PREP TABLES, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACE OF COOLING EQUIPMENT, STORAGE RACKS, BEVERAGE DISPENSERS, HOT HOLDING UNITS (STEAM TABLE AND ALL HEAVY FRYING EQUIPMENT LOCATED IN PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND HEAVY GREASE BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN CLEAN EQUIPMENT.
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FLOORS AND WALL TILES (ATTACHMENTS) THROUGHOUT FRONT AND REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREAS WITH BROKEN, DAMAGED TILES. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN FLOORS THAT ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE IN ORDER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FLOORS AND WALL TILES (ATTACHMENTS) THROUGHOUT FRONT AND REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREAS WITH BROKEN, DAMAGED TILES. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN FLOORS THAT ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE IN ORDER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.

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
Data sourced from Chicago Open Data Portal - Chicago Department of Public Health inspections