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WENDY'S

8740 S LAFAYETTE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60620 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

WENDY'S has been inspected 20 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since December 18, 2018. The most recent inspection, on April 20, 2026, recorded 1 infraction.

3 of 20 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 1 infraction recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Food temperature control and Handwashing and staff hygiene.

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.

  • 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 12 times across 11 separate inspections, most recently on June 27, 2025. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 6 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on February 15, 2024. For example: PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

  • 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 6 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on February 15, 2024. For example: PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

  • 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 February 15, 2024. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 February 18, 2022. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

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.

20 inspections

  1. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOORS NEED CLEANING IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: UNDERNEATH DISHWASHING MACHINE ALONG THE WALL BASE AND SAME INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER.
  2. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED GREASE AT THE BOTTOM REAR AREA OF THE FRYERS; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN TO REMOVE GREASE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOORS UNDER AND BEHIND COOKING AND OTHER KITCHEN EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOOR DRAIN UNDER THE TWO COMP SINK WHERE SALADS ARE PREPPED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED ONE CRACKED FLOOR TILE ON THE FLOOR BY THE GRILL AND AREA FILLED WITH WATER; INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE CRACKED FLOOR TILE WHERE NEEDED.
  3. Complaint Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 64. MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
      • 7-38-060 Default beverage for children's meals. Inspector Comments: OBSERVED DEFAULT BEVERAGE ON MENU CHOCOLATE MILK AT 140 CALORIES MUST HAVE AT 130 CALORIES OR LESS.
  4. Complaint Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2589657 2/15/24 NOT CORRECTED-#37-3-302.12 : MUST LABEL SHAKERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.#47-4-501.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKET ALONG BOTTOM OF WALK IN FREEZER.#49- 4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALK IN COOLER & FREEZER SHELVING UNITS,REACH IN 1- DOOR FREEZER,FRYER CABINETS & WHEEL BASES,OVEN RACK,UNDERSIDES OF HOT HOLDING UNITS,DISH RACK OVERHEAD SHELVING UNIT.DUST BUILD UP FROM SCREENS AND WIRED EQUIPMENT.#55-6-501.13 : MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR IN WALK IN FREEZER,UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT AND DRIVE-THRU AREA. #64-7-38-060 Default beverage for children's meals. : OBSERVED DEFAULT BEVERAGE ON MENU CHOCOLATE MILK AT 140 CALORIES MUST HAVE AT 130 CALORIES OR LESS.MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED)
  5. Complaint

    8 infractions

    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF SALAD COOLER AT 48.2F WITH TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE.A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG HAS BEEN PLACED ON UNIT.ONCE REPAIRED EMAIL WHEN READY TO [email protected] HAVE COLD HOLDING UNIT AT 41.0F OR BELOW.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • MUST LABEL SHAKERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • MUST PROVIDE A BEARD GUARD FOR MALE EMPLOYEE WITH BEARD.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKET ALONG BOTTOM OF WALK IN FREEZER.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALK IN COOLER & FREEZER SHELVING UNITS,REACH IN 1- DOOR FREEZER,FRYER CABINETS & WHEEL BASES,OVEN RACK,UNDERSIDES OF HOT HOLDING UNITS,DISH RACK OVERHEAD SHELVING UNIT.DUST BUILD UP FROM SCREENS AND WIRED EQUIPMENT.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR IN WALK IN FREEZER,UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT AND DRIVE-THRU AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST SCRAPE CHIPPING PAINT ON UPPER WALL OUTSIDE OF WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM.
    • 64. MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
      • OBSERVED DEFAULT BEVERAGE ON MENU CHOCOLATE MILK AT 140 CALORIES MUST HAVE AT 130 CALORIES OR LESS.
  6. Short Form Complaint

    0 infractions

  7. Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE COLD HOLDING EQUIPMENT IN THE PREP AREA TO REMOVE DEBRIS AND/OR SPILLS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOORS NEED CLEANING ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS TO REMOVE SPILLS, DEBRIS AND/OR GREASE. ALSO KEEP FLOORS DRY AS POSSIBLE TO PREVENT BREEDING PLACE FOR PESTS.
  8. Short Form Complaint

    0 infractions

  9. Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A WORKING THERMOMETER INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLERS.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN THE BOTTOM SHELF INSIDE THE REACH IN FREEZER TO REMOVE DEBRIS.
  10. Complaint

    7 infractions

    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOODS SUCH AS 10LBS. COOKED CHILI AT 53.4F INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER. PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. APPX. 10LBS. $50.(COS)(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED AN APPX. "1/2-3/4" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF REAR DOOR AND IN CENTER OF FRONT DOUBLE DOORS. MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED FEMALE EMPLOYEE NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE HANDLING FOOD.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.HAIR NET WAS PUT ON DURING INSPECTION(COS)
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM LOWER SHELF AT FRONT SERVICE COUNTER.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST GROUT FLOOR IN PREP AREA AND SODA STORAGE AREA.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED WALL TILE NEAR BUN STORAGE RACK.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES IN PREP AREA.
    • 64. MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
      • This Order requires that all individuals and businesses in the City of Chicago shall observe the following: (a) Any individual, regardless of vaccination status, who is age two or older and able to medically tolerate a mask (a paper, fabric or cloth filter that securely covers the nose and the mouth) shall be required to wear a mask when indoors an any public place, which for purposes of this Order includes any common or share space in: (i) a residential multi-unit building or (ii) any non-residential building, unless otherwise provided for in the Phase 5 Guidance issued by the Office of the Mayor. OBSERVED MALE EMPLOYEE WALKING AROUND IN PREP AREA AND THEN WENT TO SINK AND MADE LEMONADE WITHOUT A FACE COVERING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR FACE COVERINGS.EMPLOYEE PLACED MASK ON DURING INSPECTION.(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)(2-112-340)
  11. Complaint

    5 infractions

    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED TWO MALE EMPLOYEES NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED CALCIUM BUILDUP ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE, GREASE BUIDLUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, SPILLS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF BEVERAGE MACHINES, FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF COOLERS AND FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DAMAGED BASEBOARDS AND FLOOR TILES IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED MISSING GROUT ON FLOOR TILES IN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RE-GROUT FLOOR TILES AS NEEDED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT AND FOOD DEBRIS IN FLOOR DRAINS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED INOPERABLE LIGHT BULB IN EAST VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE BULB AND MAINTAIN.
  12. Short Form Complaint

    5 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • Violation Codes: 4-501.11 Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SOME BROKEN SHELVING UNITS IN WALK IN COOLER.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS AND WHEEL BASES,INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Violation Codes: 6-501.13 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP IN FLOOR DRAIN UNDER 3- COMP SINK.MUST CLEAN GREASE SPILL FROM FLOOR IN PREP AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Violation Codes: 6-201.17 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTS IN REAR AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Violation Codes: 6-201.13 Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES .MUST GROUT FLOOR IN DISH WASHING AREA.
  13. Complaint

    6 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SOME BROKEN SHELVING UNITS IN WALK IN COOLER.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS AND WHEEL BASES,INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPE AT HAND SINK IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES .MUST GROUT FLOOR IN DISH WASHING AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTS IN REAR AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP IN FLOOR DRAIN UNDER 3- COMP SINK.MUST CLEAN GREASE SPILL FROM FLOOR IN PREP AREA.
  14. Complaint Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • Violation Codes: 4-204.112(B) Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETER FOR SALAD COOLER.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • Violation Codes: 4-601.11(C) Inspector Comments: MUST DELIME DISH MACHINE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • Violation Codes: 6-501.14 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP AT VENTILATION HOOD.
  15. Complaint

    7 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • PIC DOESN'T HAVE A FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY NOR CERTIFICATE POSTED TO VIEW WHILE TCS READY TO EAT FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (HAMBURGERS,CHICKEN,CHILI,ETC) MUST BE ON SITE,PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETER FOR SALAD COOLER.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE NOT SANITIZING.PPM'S ARE AT 0.0 P.P.M. AT THIS TIME.A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG HAS BEEN PLACED ON DISH MACHINE.INSTRUCTED TO USE 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.FAX OR EMAIL LETTER WHEN READY.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-025)
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST DELIME DISH MACHINE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN WATER FROM FLOOR UNDER 3- COMPARTMENT AND KEEP DRY.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP AT VENTILATION HOOD.
  16. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FOUND THICK GREASE SPILLS ON THE FLOOR UNDER/AROUND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  17. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • EMPLOYEES IN FOOD AND/OR DISH WASHING AREA WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS IN THESE AREAS. MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • WIPING CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • FOUND DEBRIS AROUND THE OUTSIDE RECEPTACLES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FOUND THE SURFACE UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD WITH DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. WALLS IN DRIVE THRU WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DUST. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS. -THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF THE FLOOR DRAINS AND FLOORS UNDER/AROUND THE ICE MACHINE, COOKING AND COOLING EQUIPMENT WITH DIRT, FOOD AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
  18. License Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • Instructed must set all automatic faucets on handsinks to a minimum of 15 seconds for proper hand washing. Must maintain same.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • Must provide proof of separate allergen training for all City of Chicago certified food managers.
  19. License

    3 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • Instructed must set all automatic faucets on handsinks to a minimum of 15 seconds for proper hand washing. Must maintain same.
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • Observed cold holing counter cooler (next to grill) not maintaining proper temperature. Observed ambient air temperature of 78.1F. Instructed must have all refrigeration with ambient air temperature of 41F or less at all times. Priority violation 7-38-005.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • Must provide proof of separate allergen training for all City of Chicago certified food managers.
  20. License

    0 infractions

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