Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Potbelly Sandwich Shop

Name: Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Address: 1560 N Wells St, Chicago, IL

1560 N Wells St

Last inspected Apr 30, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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SteadyThe last two inspections recorded a similar number of violations. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

4 inspections

Canvass

Apr 30, 2026

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE CUTTING CUTTING BOARD AT DRESS ONE AND THE CUTTING BOARD AT THE BACK LINE WITH DEEP CUTTING GROOVES AND WORN ON EDGES. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION OF FOODS.

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 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE AIR VENTS OVER THE SERVICE LINE IN NEED OF A DETAIL CLEANING FROM DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 30, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

Aug 12, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

2 recorded violations

notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

NOTED NO ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED AT ALL TIMES AND ALSO THE PERSON IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE BY NEXT INSPECTION (UPON BEING INSPECTED) 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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

NOTED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST PROVIDE PROPER, RAISED SHELVING TO STORE FOOD CONTAINERS 6" OFF FLOOR.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 12, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Apr 3, 2025

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE SHELVING UNDER THE LARGE TOASTER WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS WHERE ITEMS ARE STORED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT ACTIVITY.

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

OBSERVED FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLING UNIT UNDER SHELVING WITH A BUILD UP OF DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA.

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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE VENT ATTACHMENT OVER THE UTILITY SINK IN THE REAR LOOSE AND HANGING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 3, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Jul 25, 2024

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE DRAINS IN THE REAR DISH WASHING AREA WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND GRIME. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED THE FLOOR IN THE REAR DISH WASHING AREA WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND DEBRIS UNDER THE METAL SHELVING AND THE SINK AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED THE FLOOR IN THE FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND OTHER DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN UNDER AND AROUND ALL COOKING AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT FEEDING AND HARBORING.

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 25, 2024 · Original Source