Restaurant · Wake County, NC

Potbelly Sandwich Shop

Name: Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Address: 9662 Chapel Hill Rd, Wake County, NC

9662 Chapel Hill Rd

Last inspected Jul 15, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Score 96

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

The full inspection history

6 inspections

1 - Inspection

Jul 15, 2026

Score 96

Official score: 96 · Understand this area’s scale

7 recorded violations

notedCode 2-102.12 (A)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Certified Food Protection Manager

Inspector’s notes

2-102.12 (A); Core;Food protection manager was not available during the inspection. The PIC shall be a certified food protection manager who has shown proficiency of required information through passing a test that is part of an accredited program. At least one manager shall be available during all hours of operation. List of testing sites sent to manager. Link to the testing sites can be found at https://anabpd.ansi.org/Accreditation/credentialing/personnel-certification/food-protection-manager/ALLdirectoryListing?menuID=8&prgID=8&statusID=4

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 4-601.11 (A)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11 (A); Priority Foundation; Observed black buildup inside food prep sink basin. Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch- item washed.

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 3-501.18Food source and labeling

Official wording

Proper date marking & disposition

Inspector’s notes

3-501.18; Priority; Observed two pans of diced chicken; two bags of roast beef and open package of hummus with dates of preparation 6/28/26 through 7/2/26. Food shall be discarded if it: (1) Exceeds the temperature and time combination; except time that the product is frozen; P (2) Is in a container or package that does not bear a date or day; P or (3) Is appropriately marked with a date or day that exceeds a temperature and time combination as specified. Items discarded.

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 3-304.14Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

Inspector’s notes

3-304.14; Core; Observed quat sanitizer less than 0PPM in bucket. Quat sanitizer shall register 200-400PPM Solution replaced 300PPM

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

majorCode 4-501.19 Priority FoundationCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewashing facilities: installed; maintained & used; test strips

Inspector’s notes

4-501.19 Priority Foundation; Observed soiled dishes stacked in 3 comp sink. Hot water is not available to wash dishes in a soapy solution of 110F or greater. The temperature of the wash solution in manual warewashing equipment shall be maintained at not less than 110F.

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 4-601.11(B) and (C)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Non-food contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11(B) and (C); Core; Observed a buildup of dust on metal shelf on the line. There is a buildup of debris on bottom shelves of reach in coolers. Debris present inside spray nozzle at 3 comp sink. Nonfood contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust; dirt; food residue; and other debris. Clean equipment.

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

criticalCode 5-103.11 PriorityOther

Official wording

Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure

Inspector’s notes

5-103.11 Priority; Observed hot water not available hot water temping 77-78F. The water source and system shall be of sufficient capacity to meet the peak water demands of the food establishment. Maintenance is in the process of fixing the water heater. Keep hot water available during all hours of operation. EHS will follow up.

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 Wake County Environmental Services, Jul 15, 2026 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Feb 3, 2026

Score 96.5

Official score: 96.5 · Understand this area’s scale

7 recorded violations

notedCode 2-102.12 (A)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Certified Food Protection Manager

Inspector’s notes

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 3-501.18Food source and labeling

Official wording

Proper date marking & disposition

Inspector’s notes

3-501.18; Priority; Observed two pans of cooked chicken; chicken salad; open packages of hummus and feta cheese with dates of preparation 1/13/26 through 1/22/26. Observed no date marking for cut lettuce/ cut tomatoes; boiled eggs; cooked onion; open gallon of milk; and hummus. Food shall be discarded if it: (1) Exceeds the temperature and time combination; except time that the product is frozen; P (2) Is in a container or package that does not bear a date or day; P or (3) Is appropriately marked with a date or day that exceeds a temperature and time combination as specified. Items discarded.

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 3-501.15Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

Inspector’s notes

3-501.15; Priority Foundation; Observed recently cut ham and turkey cooling inside line drawer in a deep container Cooling shall be accomplished by: 1) Placing the food in shallow pans (2) Separating the food into smaller or thinner portions (3) Using rapid cooling equipment 1) Arranged in the equipment to provide maximum heat transfer through the container walls; or loosely covered; or uncovered if protected from overhead contamination. Item placed in walk in for rapid cooling.

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 3-304.12Equipment and utensils

Official wording

In-use utensils: properly stored

Inspector’s notes

3-304.12; Core; Observed water turned off at dipper well where ice cream scoops are stored. During pauses in food preparation or dispensing; food preparation and dispensing utensils shall be stored: -In running water of sufficient velocity to flush particulates to the drain; if used with moist food such as ice cream or mashed potatoes.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues

notedCode 4-501.12Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Equipment; food & non-food contact surfaces approved; cleanable; properly designed; constructed & used

Inspector’s notes

4-501.12; Core; Observed a few stained cutting boards on the line. Surfaces such as cutting blocks and boards that are subject to scratching and scoring shall be resurfaced if they can no longer be effectively cleaned and sanitized; or discarded if they are not capable of being resurfaced.

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 5-202.13Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

Inspector’s notes

5-202.13; Priority; Observed faucet hose for sanitizer dispenser submerged in water at 3 comp sink. To avoid backsiphonage an air gap is required. An air gap between the water supply inlet and the flood level rim of the plumbing fixture equipment; or non food equipment shall be at least twice the diameter of the water supply inlet and may not be less than 25 mm (1 inch). Hoses removed. Zip tie hose at least one inch above the rim of the sink basin.

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 6-501.12 CleaningCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Physical facilities installed; maintained & clean

Inspector’s notes

6-501.12 Cleaning; Frequency and Restrictions (C) Floor under units along make-line and in back kitchen were soiled with food debris and black residues. A buildup of debris inside floor drain under coke machine. Physical facilities shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to keep them clean. Clean areas listed

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 Wake County Environmental Services, Feb 3, 2026 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Sep 16, 2025

Score 96

Official score: 96 · Understand this area’s scale

5 recorded violations

notedCode —Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Certified Food Protection Manager

Inspector’s notes

A certified food protection manager was not present during inspection. A person in charge shall be a certified food protection manager who has shown proficiency of required information through passing a test that is part of an accredited program. Acquire a food protection manager certification. List of ANSI-approved programs: https://anabpd.ansi.org/Accreditation/credentialing/personnel-certification/food-protection-manager/ALLdirectoryListing?menuID=8&prgID=8&statusID=4

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 3-501.16 (A) (1) Time / Temperature Control for Safety FoodFood temperature

Official wording

Proper hot holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16 (A) (1) Time / Temperature Control for Safety Food; Hot and Cold Holding (P) Three containers of soup; one container of macaroni; and one container of chili were maintained below 135F within steam table. Steam table did not have enough water within it to contact any of the containers of food. Temperature controlled for safety foods shall be maintained at 135F or above when held hot. CDI: PIC voluntarily discarded foods.

In plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

notedCode 3-501.16 (A) (2) and (B) Time / Temperature Control for Safety FoodFood temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16 (A) (2) and (B) Time / Temperature Control for Safety Food; Hot and Cold Holding (P) Lettuce; tomatoes; chicken salad; and cooked peppers within left toppings prep unit were maintained above 41F. Ambient air of unit was 48F. Temperature controlled for safety foods shall be maintained at 41F or less. CDI: Tomatoes; lettuce; and peppers were relocated to another cooler to rapidly cool to 41F. Chicken salad was voluntarily discarded.

In plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

notedCode 2-402.11 Effectiveness - Hair Restraints (C) Employee in back kitchen was preparing food without a hair restraint. Food employees shall wear hair restraints such as hatsEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Personal cleanliness

Inspector’s notes

2-402.11 Effectiveness - Hair Restraints (C) Employee in back kitchen was preparing food without a hair restraint. Food employees shall wear hair restraints such as hats; hair coverings or nets that are designed and worn to effectively keep their hair from contacting exposed food; equipment; utensils; linens; and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles. Ensure employees wear hair restraints during food prep.

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 6-501.12 CleaningCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Physical facilities installed; maintained & clean

Inspector’s notes

6-501.12 Cleaning; Frequency and Restrictions (C) Floor under units along make-line and in back kitchen were soiled with food debris and black residues. Physical facilities shall be cleaned at a frequency necessary to keep them clean. Clean areas listed.

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 Wake County Environmental Services, Sep 16, 2025 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Nov 25, 2024

Score 97

Official score: 97 · Understand this area’s scale

5 recorded violations

notedCode 5-205.11Handwashing

Official wording

Handwashing sinks supplied & accessible

Inspector’s notes

5-205.11; Priority Foundation; At the beginning of inspection; observed cookie sheets stored directly on top of hand sink in backroom. A handwashing sink shall be maintained so that it is accessible at all times for employee use. A handwashing sink may not be used for purposes other than handwashing- items moved to 3 comp sink.

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-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Inspector’s notes

4-602.11; Core; Observed thick black residue inside ice machine chute at coke dispnser. In equipment such as ice bins and beverage dispensing nozzles and enclosed components of equipment such as ice makers; clean equipment at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil or mold. Empty ice and detail clean machine. Manager called service provider at Coke to detail clean machine.

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 3-501.18Food source and labeling

Official wording

Proper date marking & disposition

Inspector’s notes

3-501.18; Priority; Observed no date marking for open package of feta cheese; and open gallon of milk. Food shall be discarded if it: (1) Exceeds the temperature and time combination; except time that the product is frozen; P (2) Is in a container or package that does not bear a date or day; P or (3) Is appropriately marked with a date or day that exceeds a temperature and time combination as specified. Item discarded.

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 7-201.11Chemicals

Official wording

Toxic substances properly identified stored & used

Inspector’s notes

7-201.11; Priority; Sanitizer bucket stored on prep table above food prep sink. Poisonous or toxic materials shall be stored so they can not contaminate food ; equipment; utensils; linens; and single service articles by: (A) Separating the poisonous or toxic materials by spacing or partitioning; P and (B) Locating the poisonous or toxic materials in an area that is not above food ; equipment; utensils; linens; and single service articles or single use articles- all items placed in designated area. 7-102.11; Priority Foundation; Observed no label on spray chemical. Working containers used for storing poisonous or toxic materials such as cleaners and sanitizers taken from bulk supplies shall be clearly and individually identified with the common name of the material- item labeled

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely

notedCode 4-601.11(B) and (C)Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Non-food contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11(B) and (C); Core; Observed a buildup of residue on cold top doors. Observed wiping cloths lining reach in cooler shelving; there is a buildup of debris on bottom shelves of reach in coolers. Debris present inside spray nozzle at 3 comp sink. Nonfood contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust; dirt; food residue; and other debris. Clean equipment.

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 Wake County Environmental Services, Nov 25, 2024 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Jun 6, 2024

Score 96

Official score: 96 · Understand this area’s scale

5 recorded violations

minorCode 2-102.12 (A)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Certified Food Protection Manager

Inspector’s notes

2-102.12 (A); Core; A certified food protection manager was not present during inspection. A person in charge shall be a certified food protection manager who has shown proficiency of required information through passing a test that is part of an accredited program. CDI: Provided operator with ANSI-approved list of food protection manager certification programs.

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

minorCode 4-602.11Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

Inspector’s notes

4-602.11; Core; Multiple soda nozzles had built-up black residues. Equipment such as ice bins and beverage dispensing nozzles and enclosed components of equipment such as ice makers shall be cleaned at a frequency to preclude accumulation of soil or mold. Clean soda nozzles more frequently.

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

criticalCode 3-501.16 (A)(2) and (B)Food temperature

Official wording

Proper cold holding temperatures

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16 (A)(2) and (B); Priority; Food within lower compartment of left toppings prep unit had temperature ranges above 41F. Temperature controlled for safety foods shall be maintained at 41F or less. CDI: Food was relocated to another prep cooler and service order was placed.

In plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

minorCode 4-904.11Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Utensils; equipment & linens: properly stored; dried & handled

Inspector’s notes

4-904.11; Core; Cleaned spoons were not inverted during storage. Knives; spoons; and forks shall be stored to prevent contamination until use. Invert utensils.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues

minorCode 4-501.11Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Equipment; food & non-food contact surfaces approved; cleanable; properly designed; constructed & used

Inspector’s notes

4-501.11; Core; Ice forming on blower and condenser in walk in freezer. Walk in cooler was leaking. Equipment shall be maintained in a state of good repair. Repair condenser and walk in cooler.

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 Wake County Environmental Services, Jun 6, 2024 · Original Source

1 - Inspection

Feb 20, 2024

Score 99

Official score: 99 · Understand this area’s scale

1 recorded violation

minorCode 2-102.12 (A)Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

Certified Food Protection Manager

Inspector’s notes

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 Wake County Environmental Services, Feb 20, 2024 · Original Source