GOOD INFORMATION. BETTER PEACE OF MIND.Español · Always free. No signup required.

Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Potbelly Sandwich Shop

756 E 111th St

Last inspected Jun 22, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

Read Reviews on Google

Fail

Get the next inspection, free.

We'll email you when Potbelly Sandwich Shop has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.

No account needed. Unsubscribe at any time.

More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

6 inspections

Canvass

Jun 22, 2026

Fail

6 recorded violations

notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

Inspector’s notes

FOUND THE PIC WITH NO CHICAGO CFM CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL PIC TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID CHICAGO CFM CERTIFICATE. VIOLATION COMBINED WITH VIOLATION #2.

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 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

FOUND NO CHICAGO CFM ON SITE WITH A VALID CERTIFICATE (PIC HAD A XEROX COPY). INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL PIC TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID (NO COPIES) CHICAGO CFM CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

FOUND THE REAR HAND-WASHING SINK LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH. INSTRUCTED TO FIX THE LEAK AND MAINTAIN GOOD PLUMBING.

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.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

FOUND THE CUTTING BOARDS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA WITH DARK GROOVES. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER SAND CUTTING BOARDS OR REPLACE THEM TO MAINTAIN A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.

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

FOUND A COUPLE OF LEAKS AT THE BASE OF THE FAUCET ON THE REAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO FIX LEAK AND MAINTAIN GOOD PLUMBING.

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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

FOUND THE PIC WITH AN EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL PIC TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.

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, Jun 22, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

May 12, 2025

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

2-402.11 OBSERVED SOME FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT PROPER HAIR RESTRAINTS SUCH AS A CAP OR A HAIRNET. OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLERS WITH BEARDS AND WITHOUT BEARD GUARDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES.

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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-501.12 OBSERVED FLOORS WITH ACCUMULATED DEBRIS UNDER THE PREP TABLE IN THE REAR AND IN THE CABINET UNDER THE DRINK DISPENSER IN THE CUSTOMER DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS.

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, May 12, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint

May 5, 2025

Fail

6 recorded violations

notedCode 5Other

Official wording

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

Inspector’s notes

2-501.11 OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE NOR ADEQUATE SUPPLIES ON SITE TO PROPERLY RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16(A:2,&B) OBSERVED TCS FOODS AT INADEQUATE COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES LOCATED IN A PREP COOLER; ABOUT 3 LBS OF SLICED TOMATOES AT 50F AND ABOUT 2 LBS OF CHICKEN SALAD AT 64F. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID TCS FOODS AND ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL COLD TCS FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. MANAGER DISCARDED SAID TCS FOODS DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode 33Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Inspector’s notes

4-301.11 OBSERVED A PREP COOLER, WITH TCS FOODS INSIDE, AT AN INADEQUATE COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 60F DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW AT ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON SITE. OBSERVED ABOUT 50 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON THE BOXES, CEILING, WALLS AND FLYING AROUND THE REAR DISH WAHSING AREA AND OBSERVED ABOUT 50 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON THE CABINETS WALLS AND FLYING AROUND THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LIVE SMALL FLIES ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).

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 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

2-402.11 OBSERVED SOME FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT PROPER HAIR RESTRAINTS SUCH AS A CAP OR A HAIRNET. OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLERS WITH BEARDS AND WITHOUT BEARD GUARDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES.

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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-501.12 OBSERVED FLOORS WITH ACCUMULATED DEBRIS UNDER THE PREP TABLE IN THE REAR AND IN THE CABINET UNDER THE DRINK DISPENSER IN THE CUSTOMER DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS.

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, May 5, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

Oct 4, 2024

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN SOUTH UNISEX WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLE IN ALL UNISEX WASHROOMS.

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 FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS, DEBRIS ON FLOORS INSIDE CABINET UNDER BEVERAGE MACHINES AND FLOOR DRAINS IN DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 4, 2024 · Original Source

Complaint

Sep 27, 2024

Fail

4 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HOT WATER (71.8F) AT HAND WASHING SINK IN SANDWICH PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT LEAST 100F WATER AT HAND WASHING SINK. PRIORITY 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.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED RESIDUE ON INTERIOR SURFACE OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER 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 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN SOUTH UNISEX WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLE IN ALL UNISEX WASHROOMS.

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 FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS, DEBRIS ON FLOORS INSIDE CABINET UNDER BEVERAGE MACHINES AND FLOOR DRAINS IN DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 27, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Sep 29, 2023

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

FOUND THE INTERIOR OF THE FLOOR DRAINS, FLOORS IN THE CORNERS, UNDER THE BEVERAGE STATION AND UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND SINKS WITH FOOD AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAINS AND FLOORS. -WALLS AROUND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND SINKS WITH FOOD AND DIRT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS. - Repeat

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, Sep 29, 2023 · Original Source

More restaurants nearby