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POTBELLY SANDWICH SHOP

6464 N SHERIDAN RD, CHICAGO, IL 60626 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

POTBELLY SANDWICH SHOP has been inspected 18 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since November 10, 2014. The most recent inspection, on September 14, 2026, recorded 1 infraction.

4 of 18 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 1 infraction recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Food temperature control and Food source, labelling and allergens.

The number of infractions per inspection has stayed roughly the same over time.

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.

  • 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on February 3, 2025. For example: FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on March 30, 2023. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on February 3, 2025. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on February 4, 2020. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 once on September 2, 2022. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

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.

18 inspections

  1. Complaint

    1 infraction

    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED SEVERAL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE THIRD PARTY CERTIFICATES FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES OR PROOF OF POTBELLY FOOD HANDLER TRAINING WHICH HAS BEEN APPROVED BY IDPH.
  2. Canvass

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE COMPARTMENTS NOT CLEAN (INTERIOR TOP). ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN UNIT.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • DRY FOOD IN PLASTIC CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME:FLOUR,SUGAR ETC.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • SOME CUTTING BOARDS IN THE KITCHEN WITH DARK STAINS AND DEEP CUTS,MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE SAID CUTTING BOARDS
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • EXCESS STICKY SUBSTANCE AT SELF SERVE SODA MACHINE BY THE NOZZLES.CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • REPAIR BROKED BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT FAUCET OF MOP SINK.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • REMOVE SYRUP FROM FLOOR INSIDE THE CABINET OF ICE MACHINE AND SODE DISPENSER IN SERVING AREA.CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • BROKEN PROTECTIVE LIGHT SHIELD AT REAR PREP AREA BY THE DOOR IN PREP AREA.REPLACE.
  4. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS, LOOSE CARBROARD, AND EMPTY BOXES BENEATH SHELVES IN THE REAR FOOD STORAGE SHELF AS WELL AS UNDER THE STANDING TWO DOOR COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA FREE OF DEBRIS.
  5. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED SMALL REACH IN COOLERS WITHOUT THERMOMETERS INSIDE ON COOKING LINE. MAKE SURE ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS HAVE INTERAL THERMOMETERS AT ALL TIMES.
  6. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER IS NOT PRESENT ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED (TURKEY DELI MEATS) AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. A PERSON THAT HOLDS A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES DURING HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • A SIGN OR POSTER NOTIFYING FOOD EMPLOYEES TO WASH THEIR HANDS IS NOT PROVIDED AT GENDER RESTROOMS, AND HANDWASHING SINKS ARE USED BY FOOD EMPLOYEES. PROVIDE A VISIBLE HANDWASHING SIGN AT EACH HAND SINK.-- PROVIDED HAND WASHING SIGN ON SITE.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • THERMOMETERS ARE NOT PROVIDED IN PREP-LINE COOLERS NEAR THE FRONT DESSERT AREA. COLD/HOT HOLDING EQUIPMENT USED FOR TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY SHALL HAVE AT LEAST ONE THERMOMETER IN AN EASILY VIEWED LOCATION.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • ALL GENDER RESTROOM LACKS A COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR THE DISPOSAL OF FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS. PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN THE RESTROOM.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • CEILING TILES NEAR VENT IN THE BACK PREPARATION/STORAGE AREA ARE SOILED WITH DEBRIS. THE FACILITY MUST BE CLEAN AND MAINTAINED.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • THE PERSON THAT HOLDS THE CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE DOES NOT HAVE A FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE. ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HOLD A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON SITE MUST OBTAIN A VALID ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE.
  7. Canvass

    0 infractions

  8. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST PROVIDE PROPER, RAISED SHELVING TO STORE FOOD CONTAINERS 6" OFF FLOOR
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOOR DRAIN AT THE REAR BY THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
  9. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • NOTED MINERAL BUILD-UP AT GRAY PANEL OF ICE MACHINE(SELF SERVE)IN DINING AREA,CLEAN,SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • LABEL FOOD BOTTLES(WHITE DRESSING) WITH COMMON NAME,ONCE IS REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL CONTAINERS -
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MILK/BREAD CRATES USED FOR SHELVES REMOVE AND PROVIDE RAISED SHELVES FOR HOUSEKEEPING PURPOSE
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED TWO CUTTING BOARDS WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS IN REAR PREP AREA,INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE SAID CUTTING BOARDS.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • INSIDE REFUSAL STORAGE NOT MAINTAIN,EXCESS DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND GARBAGE/RECYCLE CONTAINERS:PAPERS,GLOVES,FOOD ETC,MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED REAR HALLWAY LEADING TO GARBAGE ROOM WITH CLUTTER(BROWN BAGS FILLED WITH PAPER,BOXES,SODA BOXES, ETC. REMOVE ANY UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND STORE ALL REMAINING ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR TO PREVENT INSECT AND RODENT HARBORAGE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • PROTECTIVE SHIELDS IN REAR PREP ROOM WITH BLACK DUST ACCUMULATION. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN .
  10. Complaint

    5 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED DOOR BROKEN TO SEPARATE PATRONS AREA FROM FOOD PREPARATION AREA. REPLACE DOOR TO FOOD PREPARATION AREA AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED CEILING VENTS AND LIGHT SHEILDS IN REAR PREP ROOM WITH BLACK DUST ACCUMULATION. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CEILING, VENTS, AND LIGHTS.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • OBSERVED BURNT OUT BULB ABOVE HOOD. REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • OBSERVED THERMOMETER MISSING FROM SMALL REFRIGERATOR ACCROSS FROM CONVEYER OVEN. REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED REAR HALLWAY LEADING TO GARBAGE ROOM WITH CLUTTER. REMOVE ANY UNECESSARY ITEMS AND STORE ALL REMAINING ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR AND 6 INCHES AWAY FROM WALL TO PREVENT INSECT AND RODENT HARBORAGE.
  11. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • SODA NOZZLES AT SODA DISPENSER STICKEY.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE NOZZLES REGULARLY.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • NOTED FLOOR UNDER SODA DISPENSER CABINET DIRTY.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NOTED INTERIOR OF HOOD OVER SANDWICH CONVEYOR OVEN GREASY AND DUSTY.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOT HOOD.
  12. Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 31. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
      • NOTED HOTEL PANS NOT PROERLY STORED(INVERTED) AFTER SANITIZING.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT ON HOW TO PROPERLY STORE MULTI-USE UTENSILS AFTER SANITIZING.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • NOTED ICE CREAM FREEZER WITH ICE CREAM ON BOTTOM OF FREEZER.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN ICE CREAM FREEZER.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • NOTED CEILING PANELS DIRTY AT REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NOTED EXPOSED HANDSINK AT FRONT LINE SLOW DRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR.
  13. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • NOTED FOOD PARTICULATES ON TOASTER OVEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • NOTED BURNT OUT LIGHT UNDER HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPLACE.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MENS AND WOMENS RESTROOMS VENTILATION NOT FUNCTIONING. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR. NOTED NO GREASE TRAP UNDER THREE COMPARTMENT SINK .INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO INSTALL OR PROVIDE A LOCATION OF WHERE IT IS BY THE NEXT INSPECTION.
  14. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED RUST ON THE BOTTOM TRAY OF THE SODA MACHINE IN THE DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED DIRTY FLOORS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT UNDER THE HOOD, AND UNKNOWN DEBRIS IN THE LIGHT SHEILDS IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL WORKING LIGHT AND CLEAN SHEILDS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED CLUTTER IN REAR, AROUND HOT WATER TANK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE AND MAINTAIN.
  15. Canvass

    0 infractions

  16. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE WITH A MINIMUM PINK MINERAL BUILD-UP,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
  17. License Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  18. License

    3 infractions

    • 16. FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION
      • FOUND NO SNEEZE GUARDS INSTALLED AT STATION WHERE CLEAN SALAD BOWLS ARE STORED. SERIOUS VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 19. OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED
      • FOUND OUTSIDE DUMPSTER AREAS NOT CLEAN. OVERFLOWING GARBAGE. SERIOUS VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • FOUND GLASS LIGHT FIXTURE ABOVE FOOD PREPARATION AREAS.

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