⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS # 102 Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS # 102 (AKA: POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS) 5426-5428 S LAKE PARK AVE, CHICAGO 60615 Restaurant
July 18, 2025 Complaint License #2431697
10
Total Violations
6
Critical
1
Major
3
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

10
Violation #1
CRITICAL
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
Without knowledgeable supervision, critical food safety practices may be overlooked, significantly increasing risk of foodborne illness outbreaks affecting multiple customers.
The person in charge must be present during all hours of operation, hold valid certification, and demonstrate food safety knowledge.
Person in charge must: Be present during all operating hours; Hold valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate; Demonstrate knowledge of foodborne disease prevention, HACCP principles, and Code requirements; Ensure employee compliance with food safety practices.
Violation #2
CRITICAL
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED WHEN TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. A CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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 NO HOT WATER (73.2F) AT HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HOT WATER AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. PRIORITY 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED
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 WASHING SIGNS AT HAND WASHING SINKS IN WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.
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 #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED 1/4" GAP AT BOTTOM LEFT CORNER OF WEST EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOOR 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 FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
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 #43
MINOR
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED HANDLE OF DISPENSING SCOOP INSIDE FOOD ITEMS IN PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE ALL HANDLES ABOVE FOOD TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
Improper storage contaminates utensils between uses.
In-use utensils must be properly stored between uses.
Store in food with handle out; On clean surface; In running water; In water at 135°F or above.
Violation #51
CRITICAL
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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 FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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