Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Little Caesar Pizza #1648

Name: Little Caesar Pizza #1648
Address: 2601 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL

2601 W Cermak Rd

Last inspected Aug 6, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

6 inspections

Complaint Re-Inspection

Aug 6, 2026

Pass

5 recorded violations

notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

2-402.11 ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL LONG HAIR MUST BE RESTAINED. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

4-202.15 LARGE CAN OPENER IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11(C) THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT IS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING: ALL COUNTERS, ALL TABLE TOPS, ALL HAND SINKS, PREP SINKS, 3-COMPARTMENT SINK, FOOD RACKS, INTERIOR OF ALL HOT AND COLD HOLDING CABINETS. ALL EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILDUP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CLEAN AT ALL TIMES.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

5-205.15 REAR HAND SINK VERY SLOW DRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-201.11 FLOORS AND WALLS THROUGHOUT ESTABLISHMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND FOOD SPLATTERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN UNDER AND AROUND ALL EQUIPMENT AND CLEAN ALL WALLS TO REMOVE ALL SPLATTER.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 6, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

Jul 28, 2026

Fail

7 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED HANDTOWEL DISPENSOR IN POOR REPAIR. NO PAPER TOWELS IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE FOR HAND DRYING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ON SITE TO PROVIDE HANDTOWELS AT SINK FOR USE. CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL LONG HAIR MUST BE RESTAINED. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

LARGE CAN OPENER IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING: ALL COUNTERS, ALL TABLE TOPS, ALL HAND SINKS, PREP SINKS, 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, FOOD RACKS, INTERIOR OF ALL HOT AND COLD HOLDING CABINETS. ALL EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CLEAN AT ALL TIMES.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

REAR HAND SINK VERY SLOW DRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

notedCode 54Facility maintenance

Official wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED OUTSIDE RECEPTACLE OPEN WITH TRASH ON GROUND ALL AROUND CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ON DUTY OUTSIDE CONTAINER MUST REMAIN CLOSED AND NO TRASH ON GROUND. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020 (B) CITATION ISSUED

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

FLOORS AND WALLS THROUGHOUT ESTABLISHMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND FOOD SPLATTERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN UNDER AND AROUND ALL EQUIPMENT AND CLEAN ALL WALLS TO REMOVE ALL SPLATTER.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jul 28, 2026 · Original Source

Short Form Complaint

Sep 16, 2025

Pass

5 recorded violations

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

3-302.12: OBSERVED DRY INGREDIENT CONTAINERS AND SQUIRT BOTTLES WITH NOT LABELED WITH COMMON FOOD NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

3-307.11: OBSERVED SPEED RACKS OF UNCOOKED PIZZAS NOT COVERED WHILE PROOFING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO COVER FOOD ITEMS AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination

notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

2-402.11: OBSERVED MAJORITY FOOD HANDLERS WITH HAIR RESTRAINTS ON WHILE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA, PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues

notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

5-501.17: OBSERVED NO RECEPTACLE WITH A LID IN THE ALL-GENDER TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

2-102.13: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST TAKE FOOD HANDLER COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 16, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

Aug 19, 2025

Pass

5 recorded violations

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

3-302.12: OBSERVED DRY INGREDIENT CONTAINERS AND SQUIRT BOTTLES WITH NOT LABELED WITH COMMON FOOD NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

3-307.11: OBSERVED SPEED RACKS OF UNCOOKED PIZZAS NOT COVERED WHILE PROOFING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO COVER FOOD ITEMS AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

More about food not protected from contamination

notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

2-402.11: OBSERVED MAJORITY FOOD HANDLERS WITH HAIR RESTRAINTS ON WHILE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA, PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues

notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

5-501.17: OBSERVED NO RECEPTACLE WITH A LID IN THE ALL-GENDER TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

2-102.13: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST TAKE FOOD HANDLER COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 19, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

Aug 14, 2025

Fail

7 recorded violations

notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH THE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE. A SERVSAFE CERTIFICATE FOR A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WAS PROVIDED WITH AN EXAM DATE OF 2023. INSTRUCTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WITH THE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012, CITATION ISSUED

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

3-302.12: OBSERVED DRY INGREDIENT CONTAINERS AND SQUIRT BOTTLES WITH NOT LABELED WITH COMMON FOOD NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

3-307.11: OBSERVED SPEED RACKS OF UNCOOKED PIZZAS NOT COVERED WHILE PROOFING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO COVER FOOD ITEMS AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

More about food not protected from contamination

notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

2-402.11: OBSERVED MAJORITY FOOD HANDLERS WITH HAIR RESTRAINTS ON WHILE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA, PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues

notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

5-501.17: OBSERVED NO RECEPTACLE WITH A LID IN THE ALL-GENDER TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

2-102.13: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST TAKE FOOD HANDLER COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

notedCode 59Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

8-404.13 (B:3) OBSERVED CONTINUED NON-COMPLIANCE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED AS FOLLOWS: #38:STILL NOTED OVER 25 SMALL FLYING INSECTS AND 3 BIG FLIES THROUGHOUT REAR PREP AREAS ON WALLS NEAR THE TOILET ROOM, FRONT PREP AREA WALLS, BIG FLIES LANDING ON FOOD CONTACT SURFACES (PREP TABLES). INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY. INSTRUCTED TO CONSULT WITH PEST CONTROL COMPANY AND HAVE PREMISES TREATED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090, CITATION ISSUED

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 14, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint

Aug 7, 2025

Fail

8 recorded violations

notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. INSTRUCTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WITH THE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012, CITATION ISSUED

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

notedCode 8Handwashing

Official wording

HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WASHING HANDS AND DID NOT DRY THEM WITH A HAND DRYER. INSTRUCTED MUST PROPERLY WASH, RINSE, AND DRY HANDS PRIORITY 7-38-010, CITATION ISSUED

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DRY INGREDIENT CONTAINERS AND SQUIRT BOTTLES WITH NOT LABELED WITH COMMON FOOD NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK IS MISSING REQUIRED INFORMATION (LOGBOOK WAS EMPTY). MISSING RECORD OF VISITS AND MISSING COPY OF SERVICE TICKET THAT SETS FORTH THE PEST CONTROL IDPH LICENSE NUMBER. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ALL REQUIRED PEST CONTROL RECORDS AND DOCUMENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (C), CITATION ISSUED

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SPEED RACKS OF UNCOOKED PIZZAS NOT COVERED WHILE PROOFING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO COVER FOOD ITEMS AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

More about food not protected from contamination

notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MAJORITY FOOD HANDLERS WITH HAIR RESTRAINTS ON WHILE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA, PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues

notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO RECEPTACLE WITH A LID IN THE ALL-GENDER TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST TAKE FOOD HANDLER COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 7, 2025 · Original Source