CHICAGO, IL - A routine inspection at Austin Empowerment Coalition on 07/29/2025 resulted in citations for health code violations.
The dining establishment functions from 1256 N Waller Avenue in Austin, a well-trafficked section of Chicago recognized for its restaurant culture.
The inspection report documents: "Observed no hot running water at the handwashing sink in the food prep/dishwashing area. 38. Insects, rodents, & animals not present - comments: observed no pest control logbook on site with the required information." Health officials note that these violations need attention to maintain proper compliance.
The inspection found infractions involving sanitation, a fundamental aspect of food service operations.
Sanitation violations encompass a broad spectrum of cleanliness and maintenance issues that affect food safety Research conducted by federal health agencies demonstrates that The FDA Food Code establishes comprehensive sanitation requirements that form the foundation of safe food service operations. The FDA Sanitation Standards provides comprehensive guidance for preventing such violations.
The inspection found infractions involving pest control, a fundamental aspect of food service operations.
Food safety professionals regularly stress the essential nature of adequate pest control procedures. As outlined in FDA Food Code Standards, Federal food safety regulations require all food service establishments to maintain comprehensive pest exclusion programs. These federal guidelines guarantee that restaurants adhere to strict health requirements.
Inspectors documented deficiencies involving hand washing, an essential component of restaurant operations.
Public health authorities continually highlight the fundamental significance of comprehensive hand washing practices. Studies from public health organizations show that The CDC emphasizes that inadequate hand washing contributes to approximately 89% of foodborne illness outbreaks. The Chicago Health Department Requirements offers detailed requirements for maintaining compliance.
Beyond regulatory requirements, such infractions may affect the restaurant's standing and customer relationships. Local food safety organizations monitor inspection results to provide information to the public.
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.
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 | 2621473 |
| DBA Name | AUSTIN EMPOWERMENT COALITION |
| AKA Name | AUSTIN EMPOWERMENT COALITION |
| License # | 2863236 |
| Facility Type | Shared Kitchen |
| Risk | Risk 1 (High) |
| Address | 1256 N WALLER AVE |
| City | CHICAGO |
| State | IL |
| Zip | 60651 |
| Inspection Date | 07/29/2025 |
| Inspection Type | Canvass |
| Results | Fail |
| Violations | 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. WHEN THE HOT WATER KNOB IS TURNED NO WATER COMES OUT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR HOT WATER AT HANDWASHING SINK AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) |
| & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments | OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK ON SITE WITH THE REQUIRED INFORMATION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK WITH RECORD OF VISITS AND COPY OF SERVICE TICKET THAT SETS FORTH PEST CONTROL IDPH LICENSE NUMBER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020 (C) |
| Latitude | 41.90376872087713 |
| Longitude | -87.7682871379012 |
| Location | (41.90376872087713 |
This inspection was conducted on July 29, 2025.
Chicago Department of Public Health
The following violations were found: sanitation, pest-control, hand-washing.
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.
