FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
KERMESS Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
September 17, 2026
License Re-Inspection
License #3096408
10
Total Violations
3
Critical
7
Minor
Inspection Summary
This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on September 17, 2026. The inspection type was "License Re-Inspection" and resulted in a Fail outcome.
This establishment is classified as Risk 1 (High), which determines the inspection frequency and focus areas.
The inspector documented 10 violations during this inspection, including 3 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
10
Violation #3
CRITICAL
Violation Details
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: 2-102.14(O) : OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)
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 #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: 5-202.12 (A) Inspector Comments: OBSERVED HOT RUNNING WATER TEMPERATURES AT HAND SINKS IN UNISEX TOILET ROOM-93.4F.MUST HAVE HOT RUNNING WATER AT 100.0F.MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY 7-38-030(C)
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: DISH MACHINE IS NOW A LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE SANITIZING AT 0.0 PPM'S MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY 7-38-025)
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 #44
MINOR
Violation Details
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: 4-903.11 (A;B;D) : MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES.
Why This Matters
Clutter harbors pests and prevents proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Facility must be free of unnecessary items and litter.
Specific Requirements
Remove unnecessary equipment; No litter; Organized storage; No living quarters; Personal items in designated areas.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.114
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 501.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING HANDLE ON DRAWER COOLER IN BAR AREA,BROKEN DOOR GASKETS ALONG BOTTOM OF WALK IN COOLER & FREEZER.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS TO BE IN GOOD REPAIR.
Why This Matters
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-101.11
Violation #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-601.11(B) : MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINETS, GRILL TABLES, WHEEL BASES,WALK IN COOLER (FOOD & BEER) -FAN GUARD COVERS AND SHELVING UNITS,BAR- DRAWER COOLERS.
Why This Matters
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Specific Requirements
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.13
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-201.13 : MUST GROUT FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING WALL BASE IN STORAGE AREA (LINENS,ETC)
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-201.16 : MUST SCRAPE CHIPPING PAINT ON WALLS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE IN REAR BAR AREA.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.13: MUST CLEAN GREASE, FOOD DEBRIS AND BROKEN GLASS FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND AND ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES ,BAR AND WALK IN COOLERS INCLUDING FLOOR DRAINS.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.13: MUST CLEAN GREASE, FOOD DEBRIS AND BROKEN GLASS FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND AND ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES ,BAR AND WALK IN COOLERS INCLUDING FLOOR DRAINS.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
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