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POPEYE'S CHICKEN & BISCUITS

50 N WESTERN AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60612 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

POPEYE'S CHICKEN & BISCUITS has been inspected 14 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since December 10, 2021. The most recent inspection, on August 24, 2026, recorded 3 infractions.

1 of 14 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 3 inspections with 7 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Food temperature control, Cleaning and sanitizing and Pests.

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.

  • 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 5 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on August 24, 2026. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

    Anything that touches food, such as cutting boards, dishes and utensils, must be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Inspectors check dishwasher temperatures, sanitizer strength and how wiping cloths are stored. Poor sanitizing lets bacteria survive from one use to the next.

    Recorded 5 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on May 14, 2025. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on April 8, 2026. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on April 7, 2022. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 August 24, 2026. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

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.

14 inspections

  1. Complaint

    3 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED THE AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER STORED INSIDE THE WLAK-IN COOLER DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED A PLASTIC CUP BEING USED TO TRANSFER DRY INGREDIENTS IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO USE UTENSILS WITH HANDLES TO TRANSFER DRY INGREDIENTS, TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED COOKING UTENSILS (TONGES) IMPROPERLY STORED ON SPRINKLER SYSTEM UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD ABOVE THE DEEP-FRYING UNITS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE COOKING UTENSILS IN BETWEEN USE AND MAINTAIN.
  2. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED A SMALL OPENING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF MENTIONED DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
  3. Short Form Complaint

    3 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON DUTY/ SITE, WHILE TCS FOODS (CHICKEN, RICE)ARE BEING SERVED AND PREPARED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT VALID ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATION MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES, AS WELL AS CERTIFIED MANAGER. PRIORITY FOUNDATON 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED THE FAUCET BASE AT THE 3 COMP SINK IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOORS AND WALLS IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA AND THE PREP AREA TO REMOVE SPILLS, DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE.
  4. Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED THE REAR EXIT DOOR IN POOR REPAIR AT THE BOTTOM(1/4" GAPS). MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT POSSIBLE ENTRY POINT FOR PESTS.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN PREP STATION, MUST REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED LEAKS AT THE 3 COMP SINK AT THE FAUCET AND PIPE UNDERNEATH. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN THE FLOORS AND WALLS IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA AND THE PREP AREAA TO REMOVE SPILLS, DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE
  5. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE 3-DOOR BISCUIT PREP COOLER AND CONVECTION OVENS LOCATED NEXT TO THE COOLER.
  6. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED THE MIDDLE AND LEFT DOORS FOR THE 3 DOOR BISCUIT COOLER NOT FULLY CLOSING. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE DOORS. ALSO OBSERVED DUCT TAPE AROUND THE TOP SIDE OF THE MICROWAVE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • CLEAN THE FOOD DEBRIS ON THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS, FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS, AND HOT HOLDING AREA.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • REPAIR THE LEAKING FAUCET BASE AT THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE WAS PROVIDED IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • CLEAN THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER AND STORAGE ROOM. CLEAN THE WALLS AROUND THE MOP SINK AND BISCUIT OVENS.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES WERE PROVIDED FOR ANY OF THE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING.
  7. Short Form Complaint

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED EXCESSIVE BUILD UP OF GREASE, GRIME, AND FOOD DEBRIS BEHIND HOT COOKING EQUIPMENT AND IN REAR STORAGE AREA BEHIND C02 CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  8. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH FOOD SANITATION MANAGER TRAINING.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON SITE, WHILE TCS FOODS (CHICKEN, RICE)ARE BEING SERVED AND PREPARED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT VALID ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATION MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES, AS WELL AS CERTIFIED MANAGER. PRIORITY FOUNDATON 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED EXCESSIVE BUILD UP OF GREASE, GRIME, AND FOOD DEBRIS BEHIND HOT COOKING EQUIPMENT AND IN REAR STORAGE AREA BEHIND C02 CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  9. Complaint Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  10. Complaint

    3 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • NO ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD CERTIFICATE ON SITE. CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE DURING PREPARATION AND SERVICE OF TCS FOODS (CHICKEN, FISH, RICE, ETC). PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF CHICKEN (48.7-65.7F) INSIDE WALK IN COOLER AND COLESLAW (53.6F). APPROXIMATELY 560 POUND OF CHICKEN AND 3 POUNDS OF COLESLAW DISCARDED. TOTAL COST $1,242. ALL COLD FOODS MUST BE HELD AT TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED WALK IN COOLER TEMPERATURE OF 60.0F AND REACH IN COOLER TEMPERATURE OF 52.7F. ALL COLD HOLDING EQUIPMENT MUST MAINTAIN TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
  11. Short Form Complaint

    5 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • NO PIC ON SITE UNTIL 12:40PM. CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE DURING PREPARATION AND SERVICE OF TCS FOODS (CHICKEN, FISH, RICE, ETC). PRIORITY FOUNDATION.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER NOR CERTIFICATE ON SITE. CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE DURING PREPARATION AND SERVICE OF TCS FOODS (CHICKEN, FISH, RICE, ETC). PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • NO PAPERTOWELS/HAND DRYING PROVISION AT FRONT AND REAR PREP HANDWASHING SINK. HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE SUPPLIED WITH SOAP, HAND DRYING DEVICE, AND HOT WATER AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 21. PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED 2 PANS OF CHICKEN TENDERS IN HOT HOLD UNIT AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF 118.5F AND 122.9F. ALL HOT FOODS MUST MAINTAIN TEMPERATURE OF 135F OR ABOVE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY. 7-38-005. CITAITON ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND DIRT ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT WALK IN COOLER AND WALK IN FREEZER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  12. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • NO ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE. ORIGINAL AND VALID CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT AND POSTED AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • NO PAPERTOWELS/HAND DRYING PROVISION AT FRONT PREP HANDWASHING SINK. HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE SUPPLIED WITH SOAP, HAND DRYING DEVICE, AND HOT WATER AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP INSIDE FLOOR DRAINS IN FRYING AREA AND FRONT PREP AREA.
  13. License Re-Inspection

    6 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • Violation Codes: 4-501.11 Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DOORS IN POOR REPAIR ON BISCUIT PREP COOLER AND FRONT SERVICE COUNTER PREP COOLER.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM WALK IN FREEZER FLOOR.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP ON ALL STORAGE SHELVES AND COMPARTMENTS,FRYERS,WHEEL BASES,POP CADDY.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • Violation Codes: 5-204.12 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW DEVICE AT ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Violation Codes: 6-201.13 Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILE IN DINING AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Violation Codes: 6-201.11 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP ON WALL BASES,WALLS,PIPES WHERE NEEDED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Violation Codes: 6-501.13 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP ON FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT.
  14. License

    11 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETER FOR BISCUIT COOLER.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 30 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON TOP OF EQUIPMENT ON LOWER SHELF AT FRONT SERVICE COUNTER,ON FLOOR UNDER DINING TABLE, ON WALL LEDGES AND BOX IN REAR GARAGE AREA.ALSO. APPX. 5-7 LIVE SMALL FLIES FLYING AROUND PREP AND DINING AREA. MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS. CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 12/10/21.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DOORS IN POOR REPAIR ON BISCUIT PREP COOLER AND FRONT SERVICE COUNTER PREP COOLER.SINK STOPPER AT FAR RIGHT COMPARTMENT IN POOR REPAIR.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM WALK IN FREEZER FLOOR.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP ON ALL STORAGE SHELVES AND COMPARTMENTS,PREP COOLERS,FRYERS,WHEEL BASES,POP CADDY,DINING AREA SEATING,GLASS AND WINDOW SILLS,PREP TABLES,COUNTER TOPS.ICE BUILD UP ON COMPRESSOR UNIT IN WALK IN FREEZER.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW DEVICE AT ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN PIPE BEHIND AT ICE MACHINE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE HOLE IN LOWER WALL AT FRONT SERVICE COUNTER,LOOSE WALL PANEL AT SOUTH ENTRY DOOR,OPENING AROUND PIPES UNDER HAND SINK IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM,LOWER KICK PLATE ON EXTERIOR OF WALK IN FREEZER IN POOR REPAIR,STAINED CEILING TILE IN DINING AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP ON WALL BASES,WALLS,PIPES THROUGHOUT PREMISES INCLUDING WALK IN COOLER.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTS IN DINING AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON WALL AND DOOR FRAME AT SOUTH ENTRY DOOR.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP ON FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT INCLUDING WALK IN COOLER.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE OR ORGANIZE ARTICLES AND CLUTTER FROM REAR GARAGE AREA.CLEAN AND COVER UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN SAME AREA.

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