Sunny Sub in West Garfield Park Fails Health Inspection

SUNNY SUB restaurant inspection

CHICAGO, IL - City health officials cited Sunny Sub for health violations during an inspection on 07/29/2025.

The establishment operates from 5140 W Madison Street Chicago Illinois in West Garfield Park, a busy area of Chicago known for its dining scene.

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Inspectors documented: "Observed approximately 20 lbs of raw chicken wings at improper cold hold temperature of 49�f in a three-compartment sink. 50. Instructed person in charge that all cold foods must be held at a temperature of 41�f and below." This finding indicates a need for compliance with established food safety protocols.

The examination revealed violations related to pest control, which need to be addressed for proper compliance.

Health experts emphasize that pest activity can rapidly contaminate food preparation surfaces and stored ingredients According to FDA Pest Control Guidelines, The FDA Food Code mandates that food storage areas remain free from pest contamination at all times. This regulatory framework ensures that food service establishments meet rigorous safety standards.

The inspection identified violations related to sanitation, an important area of food safety.

Sanitation violations encompass a broad spectrum of cleanliness and maintenance issues that affect food safety According to Food Safety Modernization Act, Proper sanitation practices prevent cross-contamination and maintain the integrity of food preparation environments. This regulatory framework ensures that food service establishments meet rigorous safety standards.

The examination revealed violations related to temperature control, which need to be addressed for proper compliance.

Industry experts consistently emphasize the critical importance of proper temperature control protocols. The USDA Safe Temperature Standards clearly states that Maintaining proper food temperatures is the most effective method for preventing bacterial growth and foodborne illness.

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.

These findings underscore the essential nature of comprehensive health compliance in restaurant operations. Community members should feel empowered to examine health department findings when choosing restaurants.

📋 Complete Inspection Data

Inspection ID 2621439
DBA Name SUNNY SUB
AKA Name SUNNY SUB
License # 2314109
Facility Type Restaurant
Risk Risk 1 (High)
Address 5140 W MADISON ST
City CHICAGO
State IL
Zip 60644
Inspection Date 07/29/2025
Inspection Type Canvass
Results Pass w/ Conditions
Violations 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 LBS OF RAW CHICKEN WINGS AT IMPROPER COLD HOLD TEMPERATURE OF 49�F IN A THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK. PERSON IN CHARGE VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 20LBS OF CHICKEN AT $50. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL COLD FOODS MUST BE HELD AT A TEMPERATURE OF 41�F AND BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. | 35. APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED - Comments: OBSERVED CHICKEN BEING THAWED IN THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN HOT WATER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT THAWING MAY ONLY OCCUR UNDER REFRIGERATION OR RUNNING COLD WATER. | 38. INSECTS
& ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments OBERVED EXTERIOR MAIN DOOR OPEN AND EXTERIOR SCREEN DOOR NOT TIGHT FITTING. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO MAINTAIN SCREEN DOOR TIGHT FITTING. | 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE
CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments OBSERVED GASKET ON COLD HOLD UNITS TO BE IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. | 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED ALL COLD HOLD UNITS
MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments OBSERVED GRIME AND BUILD ON WALLS IN FRONT PREP AREA. OBSERVED GRIME AND FOOD DEBRIS/LITTER ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. | 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHT IN REAR STORAGE/DISH WASHING AREA. OBSERVED BLOWN LIGHT ON COLD HOLD UNITS IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPIR LIGHTS AND MAINTAIN.
Latitude 41.88049227632794
Longitude -87.75427253120432
Location (41.88049227632794

Frequently Asked Questions

When was this inspection conducted?

This inspection was conducted on July 29, 2025.

Who conducted this inspection?

Chicago Department of Public Health

What violations were found during this inspection?

The following violations were found: pest-control, sanitation, temperature-control.

Why are these violations concerning?

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.

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📋 Data Sources & Health Guidelines

Inspection Data Source

All inspection data for this report is sourced directly from the Chicago Department of Public Health . View the original data source .

Federal Health Guidelines

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.