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BOBTAIL SODA FOUNTAIN

2951 N BROADWAY, CHICAGO, IL 60657 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

BOBTAIL SODA FOUNTAIN has been inspected 13 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since September 27, 2010. The most recent inspection, on February 25, 2019, found no infractions.

2 of 13 inspections on record found no infractions at all. No inspections are on record from the past 12 months. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Protecting food from contamination and Food source, labelling and allergens.

Recent inspections have recorded fewer infractions than earlier ones, so the record is improving.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

  • Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

    Hands are the main way germs like norovirus move from people to food. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing hands when required, hair restraints, and sick employees being kept away from food. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.

    Recorded 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on July 24, 2018. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • Protecting food from contaminationHigher risk

    This covers how food is stored, prepared and displayed: raw meat kept away from ready-to-eat food, food covered and stored off the floor, and nothing dripping or splashing into it. Cross-contamination from raw to cooked food is a direct route for salmonella and E. coli.

    Recorded once on April 18, 2014. For example: FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION

  • Food source, labelling and allergensHigher risk

    Food must come from approved suppliers, stay in labelled containers and be thrown out when it is spoiled or damaged, such as dented or swollen cans. Labelling matters for allergies: an unlabelled container can hide an allergen.

    Recorded once on October 18, 2013. For example: FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

  • PestsHigher risk

    Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.

    Recorded once on September 27, 2010. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

  • Food temperature controlHigher risk

    Bacteria multiply fastest between about 4 °C and 60 °C (40 °F to 140 °F). Inspectors check that cold food stays cold, hot food stays hot, cooked food is cooled quickly, and that staff have accurate thermometers. Temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning, so these are treated as critical findings.

    Recorded once on September 27, 2010. For example: REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

About this data

These results come from Chicago Department of Public Health, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

13 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    5 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.7-38-012A. MUST PROVIDE.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • FOUND NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEANUP PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005. MUST OBTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • FOUND PIPING/DRAINAGE PIPES OVER DRY STORAGE GOODS AT BASEMENT.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FOUND EXPOSED UTILITY LINES OVER DRY BAGGED/BOXED GOODS(SPOONS,CUPS,ETC.)
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • FOUND SANITATION MANAGERS AT PREMISES WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE.
  3. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.7-38-012A. MUST PROVIDE.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • FOUND NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEANUP PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005. MUST OBTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • FOUND PIPING/DRAINAGE PIPES OVER DRY STORAGE GOODS AT BASEMENT.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES INSTALLED AT WATERLINES FOR ICE MACHINE, COFFEE MACHINE, AND ESPRESSO MACHINE. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-030C. MUST INSTALL BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES AT WATERLINES FOR MACHINES MENTIONED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FOUND EXPOSED UTILITY LINES OVER DRY BAGGED/BOXED GOODS(SPOONS,CUPS,ETC.)
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • FOUND SANITATION MANAGERS AT PREMISES WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE.
  4. Canvass

    0 infractions

  5. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 29. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
      • FOUND PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOY CORRECTED FROM REPORT DATED 10-24-16 INSPECTION # 1967125. VIOLATION 45. NO FOODHANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR REVIEW. SERIOUS VIOLATION. 7-42-090.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • FOUND WALLS NOT CLEAN AT DISHWASHING AREAS AND AT DUCT WORK VENT GUARDS ABOVE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST CLEAN.
  6. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • INTERIOR SHELVING UNDER THE FRONT PREP EXPOSED HAND SINK FOUND DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING INSIDE FRONT PREP COOLER.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • INTERIOR OF THE FOLLOWING COOLERS AND FREEZERS WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLAGE: SMALL ONE DOOR COOLER UNDER ESPRESSO MACHINE, BOTH FRONT PREP BOX FREEZERS, ICE CREAM PREP ROOM DEEP FREEZE FREEZER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • WALL AT THE WALK-IN FREEZER IN POOR REPAIR WITH CHIPPING AND PEELING PLASTER. MUST REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REPLACE.
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR REVIEW.
  7. Short Form Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MUST MAKE BASEMENT CEILING ABOVE FOOD SMOOTH EASILY AND CLEANABLE
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • MUST REMOVE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES FROM BASEMENT TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
  8. Complaint Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MUST MAKE BASEMENT CEILING ABOVE FOOD SMOOTH EASILY AND CLEANABLE.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • MUST REMOVE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES FROM BASEMENT TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
  9. Complaint

    5 infractions

    • 16. FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION
      • FOOD (ICE) NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION DURING STORAGE. NOTED INSIDE OF ICE MACHINE BLACK AND BROWN SLIMY SUBSTANCE IN THE INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE. ICE IS BEING USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. MUST TURN OFF ICE MACHINE REMOVE ICE AND HAVE INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN AND SANITIZE. ICE MACHINE WAS CLEANED AND SANITIZED DURING INSPECTION.
    • 29. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
      • PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS FROM 10/18/13 REPORT #1199141 NOT CORRECTED. #33 THE FOLLOWING NEED CLEANING: INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF FRONT PREP EXPOSED HAND SINK THREE COMPARTMENT AND MOP SINK. EXTERIOR BULK COCOA CONTAINER. MUST CLEAN ALL AND MAINTAIN.#34 FLOOR THROUGHOUT REAR STORAGE AREA AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MUST MAKE BASEMENT CEILING ABOVE FOOD SMOOTH EASILY AND CLEANABLE.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • MUST REMOVE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES FROM BASEMENT TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
    • 42. APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
      • ALL EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS PREPARED AND SERVED.
  10. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • PLASTIC TAPE BEING USED TO REPAIR CRACKED/BROKEN PLASTIC DOORS OF ICE CREAM DISPLAY FREEZER. MUST REPLACE OR PROPERLY REPAIR TO MAKE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • THE FOLLOWING NEED CLEANING: INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF FRONT PREP EXPOSED HAND SINK. THREE COMPARTMENT AND MOP SINK. INTERIOR BOTH BOX FREEZERS. FRONT PREP ICE CREAM TOPPING CONTAINERS.EXTERIOR BULK COCOA CONTAINER. MUST CLEAN ALL AND MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS THROUGHOUT REAR STORAGE AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. MISSING/DAMAGED FLOOR COVING AT ENTRANCE TO FRONT PREP AREA FROM DINING ROOM. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR.
  11. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. DO NOT STORE ITEMS INSIDE THE FRONT EXPOSED HAND SINK .SINK IS ONLY USED FOR HAND WASHING.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.FRONT DOOR NEEDS ADDITIONAL THRESHOLD(WEST BOTTOM SIDE)
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. CLEAN INTERIOR OF CHEST FREEZER(ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS),ALSO SIDE OF EXTERIOR OF COOLERS AND FREEZERS(ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS)
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND EQUIPMENT(DEBRIS),ALSO WALK-IN COOLER(CORNERS AND ALONG THE BASEBOARD WALL,ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS).REMOVE ICE BUILD-UP IN WALK-IN FREEZER.ALSO ELEVATED STOCK 6" OFF THE FLOOR(PLASTIC CONTAINERS).
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. CLEAN LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.(DUST BUILD-UP)
  12. Canvass Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. DETAIL CLEAN THE CABINETS BELOW THE REAR SERVICE COUNTER, INTERIOR OF ALL FREEZERS, WIRE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZERS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. REPAIR THE WALL BEHIND THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. REMOVE ALL THE COBWEBS ON THE CEILING IN THE BASEMENT.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • REPAIR THE LEAKING FAUCET AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
  13. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENTS ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROX. 20 RAT DROPPINGS IN THE BASEMENT AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE OR MINIMIZE THE PEST ACTIVITY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. DETAIL CLEAN THE CABINETS BELOW THE REAR SERVICE COUNTER, INTERIOR OF ALL FREEZERS, WIRE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZERS.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE WALK-IN COOLER AND UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. ALSO CLEAN THE FLOOR DRAIN UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. DETAIL CLEAN THE WALLS AROUND THE MOP SINK. REPAIR THE WALL BEHIND THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. REMOVE ALL THE COBWEBS ON THE CEILING IN THE BASEMENT.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • REPAIR THE LEAKING FAUCET AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units. MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE OF ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. MUST REMOVE THE WOOD AND OTHER ARTICLES ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT. ALSO, MUST MAINTAIN THE AREA OUTSIDE THE REAR DOOR FREE OF LITTER AND GARBAGE.

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