CHICAGO, IL - A routine inspection at Joey G'S Mac and Cheese on 07/21/2025 resulted in citations for health code violations.
The popular restaurant is located at 959 N Western Avenue Chicago Illinois in Chicago's West Town district, serving local residents and visitors.
Inspectors documented: "1. Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties - comments: pic doesn't have a certified food managers certificate must provide and maintain. 2-101." This finding indicates a need for compliance with established food safety protocols.
Health department officials noted violations related to sanitation, which require attention for public health compliance.
Sanitation violations encompass a broad spectrum of cleanliness and maintenance issues that affect food safety According to FDA Sanitation Standards, The FDA Food Code establishes comprehensive sanitation requirements that form the foundation of safe food service operations. This regulatory framework ensures that food service establishments meet rigorous safety standards.
Health department officials noted violations related to pest control, which require attention for public health compliance.
Industry experts consistently emphasize the critical importance of proper pest control protocols. The FDA Food Code Standards clearly states that Federal food safety regulations require all food service establishments to maintain comprehensive pest exclusion programs.
Inspectors documented deficiencies involving hand washing, an essential component of restaurant operations.
Restaurant industry standards emphasize hand washing as fundamental to food safety protocols Data compiled by food safety institutions reveals that Proper hand hygiene represents the single most effective method for preventing cross-contamination in food service. Per FDA Hand Washing Standards, such standards maintain that dining facilities comply with comprehensive protection measures.
The inspection found infractions involving temperature control, a fundamental aspect of food service operations.
Industry experts consistently emphasize the critical importance of proper temperature control protocols. The HACCP Temperature Monitoring clearly states that The FDA requires continuous temperature monitoring for all potentially hazardous foods in commercial kitchens.
The implications extend to broader community food safety standards. Health department data shows that correction of violations helps maintain community health standards.
Under current regulations, Joey G'S Mac and Cheese faces additional penalties if violations are not promptly corrected. The health department maintains detailed records of all inspection results for public transparency.
The broader restaurant industry can learn valuable lessons from such cases, emphasizing the need for continuous vigilance to food safety standards. Consumer awareness remains a crucial component in maintaining community food safety.
| Inspection ID | 2620967 |
| DBA Name | JOEY G'S MAC AND CHEESE |
| AKA Name | JOEY G'S MAC AND CHEESE |
| License # | 2699530 |
| Facility Type | Restaurant |
| Risk | Risk 1 (High) |
| Address | 959 N WESTERN AVE |
| City | CHICAGO |
| State | IL |
| Zip | 60622 |
| Inspection Date | 07/21/2025 |
| Inspection Type | Canvass Re-Inspection |
| Results | Fail |
| Violations | 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT |
| AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments | PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012) | 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: 2-101.11 OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY NOR CERTIFICATE POSTED TO VIEW WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED |
| ETC.)MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. (PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED) | 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments | 5-204.11 : OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK FOR MAIN PREP AREA AND ICE CREAM PREP AREA. MUST INSTALL A HAND SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER |
| & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments | 6-202.15 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR AND SIDE MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING. | 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE |
| CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments | 4-101.19 : MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM SHELVING UNITS IN ADJACENT REAR PREP AREA. | 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DENRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLE |
| MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments | 6-501.13 : MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER |
| ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES. | 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments | 2-102.13 : OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. |
| Latitude | 41.89933653799507 |
| Longitude | -87.686788170572 |
| Location | (41.89933653799507 |
This inspection was conducted on July 21, 2025.
Chicago Department of Public Health
The following violations were found: sanitation, pest-control, hand-washing, temperature-control.
Health code violations can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Common concerns include improper food temperatures (which can allow bacteria growth), inadequate handwashing facilities (which can spread germs), pest activity (which can contaminate food), and cross-contamination risks. These violations are monitored by health departments to ensure public safety and prevent foodborne illness outbreaks.
All inspection data for this report is sourced directly from the Chicago Department of Public Health . View the original data source .
Food safety standards referenced in this report are based on:
Important Note: This article is based on official inspection reports at the time of inspection. Current conditions may differ. Always check the most recent inspection results before dining. Establishments have the opportunity to correct violations and request re-inspection.
