CHICAGO, IL - Multiple violations were discovered at Potbelly Sandwich Shop during a health inspection on 07/28/2025.
The dining establishment functions from 900 W North Avenue Chicago Illinois in West Town, a well-trafficked section of Chicago recognized for its restaurant culture.
The inspection report notes: "No certified food service manager on site while handling and serving TCS foods ( deli meat, meat balls, etc. 012.. 21." Food safety guidelines indicate that such conditions should be addressed promptly.
The inspection found infractions involving sanitation, a fundamental aspect of food service operations.
Public health authorities continually highlight the fundamental significance of comprehensive sanitation practices. Studies from public health organizations show that The FDA Food Code establishes comprehensive sanitation requirements that form the foundation of safe food service operations. The Food Safety Modernization Act offers detailed requirements for maintaining compliance.
Among the findings were infractions involving pest control, a key component of food safety protocols.
Pest control violations represent some of the most significant infractions in food service inspections According to HACCP Prevention Guidelines, Effective pest control is considered a critical control point in preventing foodborne illness outbreaks. This regulatory framework ensures that food service establishments meet rigorous safety standards.
The inspection identified violations related to hand washing, an important area of food safety.
Restaurant industry standards emphasize hand washing as fundamental to food safety protocols Data compiled by food safety institutions reveals that The CDC emphasizes that inadequate hand washing contributes to approximately 89% of foodborne illness outbreaks. Per Chicago Health Department Requirements, such standards maintain that dining facilities comply with comprehensive protection measures.
The examination revealed violations related to temperature control, which need to be addressed for proper compliance.
Professional food safety experts consider temperature monitoring essential for preventing foodborne illness Research conducted by federal health agencies demonstrates that Temperature abuse remains the leading cause of foodborne illness outbreaks in restaurant settings. The FDA Temperature Safety Guidelines provides comprehensive guidance for preventing such violations.
These types of violations require attention to maintain compliance standards for the establishment and its customers. Health officials note that addressing such conditions helps maintain public confidence in food service establishments.
Regulatory authorities have scheduled an extensive follow-up review to confirm that every infraction has been adequately corrected. Management are required to show complete correction before these violations will be deemed closed.
Regular health inspections serve as critical safeguards for public health in Chicago's dining landscape. Transparency in reporting inspection findings ensures that community members can make informed decisions about their dining options.
| Inspection ID | 2621369 |
| DBA Name | POTBELLY SANDWICH SHOP |
| AKA Name | POTBELLY SANDWICH SHOP |
| License # | 2709216 |
| Facility Type | Restaurant |
| Risk | Risk 1 (High) |
| Address | 900 W NORTH AVE |
| City | CHICAGO |
| State | IL |
| Zip | 60642 |
| Inspection Date | 07/28/2025 |
| Inspection Type | Complaint |
| Results | Pass w/ Conditions |
| Violations | 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: No certified food service manager on site while handling and serving TCS foods ( deli meat |
| Instructed To Obtain. Priority Foundation Violation 7-38-012. | 21. PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments | Found 5 lbs of cooked beef meatballs held in a steam table at 54.3�F; the steam table was not turned on. Instructed to hold Hot TCS foods at 135�F or higher. Priority violation 7-38-005. Item discarded valued at $20. | 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: Food handler not wearing hair restraints |
| MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments | Standing water pooling on floor under front prep kitchen hand wash sink |
| Latitude | 41.91098173973453 |
| Longitude | -87.65120930801842 |
| Location | (41.91098173973453 |
This inspection was conducted on July 28, 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.
