MEMO'S RESTAURANT,INC..
6322 W GRAND AVE · BELMONT CRAGIN, CHICAGO
Failed 4 of 15 inspections. 17 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
APR 232024PASS W/ CONDITIONS13 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ONSITE FOR FOOD EMPLOYEES. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED ALONG WITH THE CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHEN TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS ARE STORED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER TOUCH READY-TO-EAT FOOD TORTILLA WITH BARE HANDS AND ADD TO CHEESE AND ONIONS IN KITCHEN AT FOOD LINE. FOOD EMPLOYEES’ MAY NOT CONTACT EXPOSED, READY-TO-EAT FOOD WITH THEIR BARE HANDS. MUST USE SUITABLE UTENSILS SUCH AS DELI TISSUE, SPATULAS, TONGS, SINGLE-USE GLOVES, OR DISPENSING EQUIPMENT. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED SEVERAL DEAD ROACHES BESIDE THE 2 DOOR COOLERS IN PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE AND CLEAN
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE PREPARING FOOD.
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
OBSERVED TORN/DAMAGED AND DIRTY RUBBER GASKET ON COOLERS; INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE GASKET.
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
FOUND DIRT AND OLD FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS IN THE DISH AREA, THE PREP AREA, INSIDE THE STORAGE "BUS". ALSO NOTED OLD FOOD SPLATTERS ON THE WALLS IN THE DISH AREA AND IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN ALL SAID AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEADS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
NOTED BURNED OUT LIGHT BULBS IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPLACE ALL BURNED OUT LIGHT BULBS AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN SAID AREA
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT.
OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
MAR 162023PASS W/ CONDITIONS7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO SHELLSTOCK TAGS RETAINED ON SITE. ESTABLISHMENT HAS COCTEL DE PULPO CON OSTIONES ON MENU WHICH IS A SHRIMP COCKTAIL SERVED WITH RAW OYSTERS ACCORDING TO EMPLOYEE. MANAGER STATES THEY ORDER FRESH OYSTERS ONCE A MONTH. The identity of the source of SHELLSTOCK that are sold or served shall be maintained by retaining SHELLSTOCK tags or labels for 90 calendar days from the date that is recorded on the tag or label. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED MINOR PINK AND BLACK BUILD UP INSIDE OF ICE MACHINE AT BAR. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED EXPIRED COOKED TACO MEAT WHICH HAD A DATE LABELED 3/7/2023. ALSO OBSERVED COOKED CHICHARRONES WITH A DATE LABELED 2/23/2023. COOKED EL PASTOR DID NOT HAVE A DATE MARKED ON CONTAINER. EMPLOYEE STATED IT WAS COOKED MORE THAN 24 HOURS AGO. COOKED TCS FOODS CAN BE HELD FOR A MAXIMUM OF 7 DAYS. DAY 1 COUNTS AS THE PREP DATE. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED FOOD. FOOD WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 15 LBS AT A COST OF $50.00.
OBSERVED ABOUT A 1/4 INCH GAP AT BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR ENTRANCE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE RODENT PROOF STRIP THAT COVERS GAP TO PREVENT ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS.
OBSERVED CRATES ON FLOORS BY REAR DOOR WHICH HAD GREEN ONIONS AND CILANTRO. MUST KEEP FOOD AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF FLOORS.
OBSERVED RAW WOOD WHERE SALSA AND SOUP CONTAINERS WERE STORED ABOVE PREP COOLER. OBSERVED RUSTY SHELVES IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY SEAL OR PAINT.
OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHT AT VENTILATION HOOD. MUST REPLACE LIGHT BULB AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING.
AUG 232022FAILED11 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT THE DISH AND PREP AREA HANDWASHING SINKS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH A HAND DRYING PROVISION AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO SOAP AT THE BAR AND PREP AREA HANDWASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH HAND CLEANING LIQUID AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030-(C). CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE CITATION.
UNABLE TO VERIFY THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE SANITIZING CONCENTRATION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025. INSTRUCTED TO CONTINUE USING THE 3-COMP SINK TO WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE ALL DISHES UNTIL MACHINE HAS BEEN SERVICED/REPAIRED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025. DISH MACHINE TAGGED AND MAY NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CDPH.
OBSERVED AN INCOMPLETE CONSUMER ADVISORY FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOODS; THE ADVISORY IS MISSING A DISCLOSURE STATEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO ADD A DISCLOSURE STATEMENT TO THE CURRENT ADVISORY THAT SAYS "ITEMS CAN BE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR CONTAIN UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS". PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
FOUND PERSONAL CARE ITEMS (VITIMINS, ETC.) STORED THROUGHOUT DRY STORAGE AND DISH STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO STORE PERSONAL CARE ITEMS IN A SEPARATE DESIGNATED AREA AND MAINTAIN.
MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE TOP OF THE BEER COOLER INSIDE THE BAR, AND THE PREP/STORAGE TABLES (BOTTOM SHELVES) INSIDE THE KITCHEN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS.
OBSERVED THE OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER OVERFLOWING WITH TRASH PREVENTING LID CLOSURE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TRASH MUST BE STORED INSIDE THE GARBAGE RECEPTACLE SO THAT IT IS INACCESSIBLE TO PESTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B). CITATION ISSUED.
FOUND DIRT AND OLD FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS IN THE DISH AREA, THE PREP AREA, INSIDE THE STORAGE "BUS", AND THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT. ALSO NOTED OLD FOOD SPLATTERS ON THE WALLS IN THE DISH AREA AND IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN ALL SAID AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
NOTED BROKEN BASE COVING TILES IN THE MENS WASHROOM, AND A HOLE IN THE WALL UNDERNEATH THE DELI SLICER PREP TABLE IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR BASE COVING TILES AND HOLE, AND MAINTAIN.
NOTED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF CLUTTER INSIDE THE STORAGE BUS BEING USED TO STORE TO-GO/SINGLE SERVICE ITEMS. MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS FROM THE STORAGE BUS THAT ARE UNRELATED TO THE BUSINESS OPERATION, REORGANIZE ALL REMAINING ITEMS, AND STORE ITEMS OFF FLOOR TO ALLOW FOR ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
NOTED BURNED OUT LIGHT BULBS IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPLACE ALL BURNED OUT LIGHT BULBS AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN SAID AREA.
JUN 242021PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
MUST PROPERLY LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER.
OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILE IN REAR KITCEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
show all 15 inspections →
FEB 52021FAILED8 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN OR POSTERS NEAR HANDWASHING SINKS THROUGHOUT PREMISES. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO THE REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
MUST PROPERLY LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER.
MUST NOT USE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS AS A FOOD CONTAINERS IN FREEZERS. MUST USE FOOD GRADE DISPOSABLE PLASTIC BAGS OR WASHABLE FOOD CONTAINERS.
OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET BASE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION/DISHWASHING AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2345924 11/19/19. OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. NO CITATION ISSUED.
NOV 192019PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO THE REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
CLEAN THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS ABOVE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE PREP AREA.
CLEAN THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
AUG 232018PASS W/ CONDITIONS9 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
2-102.14 (A) FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 (a) NO CITATION ISSUED
2-501.11 FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
3-501.17 (C) INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL AND DATE TCS FOODS (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) STORED INSIDE COOLERS AND FREEZERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
4-203.11 (A) INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE AND ACCURATE INSIDE ALL COOLERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
3-307.11 INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL DIVIDER/SPLASHGUARD AT HAND SINK (BETWEEN HAND SINK AND DISH MACHINE) IN DISH WASHING AREA.
4-201.11 INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REPAINT OR REPLACE METAL STORAGE RACKS WITH RUST ACCUMULATION INSIDE 3 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN REAR PREP/COOKING AREA.
6-501.114 INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REORGANIZE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. USABLE ITEMS (FOOD AND NON FOOD ITEMS) MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.
6-501.12 (A) INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED ON TOP OF WALK-IN COOLER IN REAR AREA.
58 PA-100-0367 FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA 100-0367 ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION PA 100-0367
JUN 222017FAILED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
Inspector Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 14 OR MORE LIVE ROACHES CRAWLING ON LEG AND IN CREVICES OF UNDERSIDE OF TILED COUNTER ,UNDERSIDE OF SMALL PREP TABLE,UNDERSIDE OF 3- COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.ALSO APPX. 30 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES FLYING AROUND,ON WALLS AND CRAWLING IN FLOOR DRAIN IN BASEMENT.ALSO REAR SCREEN DOOR NOT TIGHT FITTING APPX."3/4-1" GAP ALONG SIDE AND PIN HOLES IN DOOR PANEL.RODENT PROOF DOOR.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 6/19/17.(SERIOUS 7-38-020)
Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN FLOOR TILES UNDER STOVE.MUST PROVIDE A EXTENSION TO DRAIN LINE IN BASEMENT TO A OPEN SITE FLOOR DRAIN.
Inspector Comments: MUST SEAL ALL GAPS AND CREVICES IN WALL PANELS AND SHELVING UNITS THROUGHOUT REAR AREA.MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT RAW WOOD POP SHELVING UNIT.
MUST PLACE COOKING EQUIPMENT DIRECTLY UNDER VENTILATION HOOD
JUN 192017FAILED7 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED 3- DOOR GLASS REACH IN COOLER RANGING FROM 1ST DOOR-57.0F,2ND DOOR-51.2F,3RD DOOR 53.6F.WITH POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED INSIDE.A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON UNIT.ONCE REPAIRED FAX LETTER TO (312)746-4240 WHEN READY.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNIT AT 40.0F OR BELOW.(CRITICAL 7-38-005A)
OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF POTENTIALLY HAZRDOUS FOODS STORED INSIDE 3- DOOR GLASS REACH IN COOLER SUCH AS 11 LBS. PORK 47.4F,3.5LBS. CHICKEN BREAST45.5F,1.5 LBS. CHICKEN WINGS 47.6F,6.5LBS. CHIRIZO 46.8F,9.0LBS. CHICKEN 46.2F. PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 40.0F OR BELOW.APPX.31.5LBS.$39.54.(CRITICAL 7-38-005A)
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 14 OR MORE LIVE ROACHES CRAWLING ON LEG AND IN CREVICES OF UNDERSIDE OF TILED COUNTER ,UNDERSIDE OF SMALL PREP TABLE,UNDERSIDE OF 3- COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.ALSO APPX. 30 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES FLYING AROUND,ON WALLS AND CRAWLING IN FLOOR DRAIN IN BASEMENT.ALSO REAR SCREEN DOOR NOT TIGHT FITTING APPX."3/4-1" GAP ALONG SIDE AND PIN HOLES IN DOOR PANEL.RODENT PROOF DOOR.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 6/19/17.(SERIOUS 7-38-020)
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM INTERIOR OF OVEN.
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN FLOOR TILES UNDER STOVE.MUST PROVIDE A EXTENSION TO DRAIN LINE IN BASEMENT TO A OPEN SITE FLOOR DRAIN.
MUST SEAL ALL GAPS AND CREVICES IN WALL PANELS AND SHELVING UNITS THROUGHOUT REAR AREA.MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT RAW WOOD POP SHELVING UNIT.
MUST PLACE COOKING EQUIPMENT DIRECTLY UNDER VENTILATION HOOD.
NOV 92016PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED KITCHEN CEILING VENT DUSTY, OVER PREP TABLE, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES OVER HOOD IN KITCHEN, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE. ALSO OBSERVED REPAIRED WALLS IN REAR NOT SEALED, INSTRUCTED TO SEAL.
OBSERVED CLUTTER IN REAR YARD, INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE, REMOVE ITEMS NOT BEING USED.
APR 272016PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED THE CUTTING BOARDS, AND REAR SLICER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
OBSERVED BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD IN FRONT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
OCT 232015PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
FOUND LIGHT FIXTURE BURNT/NO SHIELD AT 3 DOOR REACH IN COOLER AT MAIN KITCHEN. MUST PROVIDE.
FOUND NO EXHAUST VENT AT WOMAN'S RESTROOM. MUST PROVIDE. FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES AT COFFEE WATERLINE AT BAR. MUST PROVIDE.
Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health. We'd love to link you straight to this restaurant's record — turns out Chicago considers that a luxury. The full dataset is what's on offer →