Pita Express LLC
Troubled record — failed 3 of 7 inspections for employee hygiene, documentation & training
2026-03-03 Pass Canvass CRITICAL 2 ▾
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
MUST PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE FOR HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE CUSTOMER/EMPLOYEE RESTROOMS ON THE FIRST FLOOR.
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER PREPARING FOOD WITHOUT A HAIR RESTRAINT. INTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS PREPARING FOOD MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
2025-05-02 Pass Canvass CRITICAL 10 ▾
PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE
NOTED EMPLOYEE EATING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. REVIEWED PERMITTED AREAS FOR EMPLOYEES TO EAT.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
PREP AREA WET WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION.
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
NOTED IN USE UTENSIL USED TO SCOOP FALAFEL FOR THE DEEP FRYER BEING IMPROPERLY STORED IN STANDING WATER AT A TEMPERATURE OF 56.7F. IF STORED IN WATER, MUST MAINTAIN A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 135F OR STORE ON/IN A CLEAN SURFACE/CONTAINER, OR INSIDE FOO...
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
MUST NOT USE RAW WOOD OR USED CARDBOARD OIL BOXES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR PLUMBING PIPES UNDER THE 1ST FLOOR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
MUST NOT USE RAW WOODEN STICKS AS A MEANS OF SEPARATION IN COOLER FOR PREPARED RAW MEAT KABOBS. MUST BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE, NON-ABSORBENT AND ABLE TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
MUST NOT USE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS AS FOOD CONTAINERS INSIDE THE BOX FREEZER. MUST USE WASHABLE CONTAINERS OR FOOD GRADE DISPOSABLE BAGS.----MUST NOT USE TAPE AS A GRIP HANDLE FOR BLENDER. MUST BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND ABLE TO SANITIZE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
UNUSED ICE MACHINE IN THE BASEMENT MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES TO PREVENT ANY PEST HARBORING.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
NOTED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE DINING ROOM.----MISSING VENT COVER ABOVE THE UTILITY MOP SINK. MUST REPLACE ALL.----MUST PROVIDE A SMOOTH CLEANABLE CEILING ABOVE THE BASEMENT ICE MACHINE OR MOVE THE MACHINE TO AN AREA OF THE BASEMENT THAT DO...
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATE FOR EMPLOYEE (DISHWASHER)ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL.
2024-03-22 Pass Complaint Re-Inspection 2 ▾
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED A CONSTANT SMALL WATER LEAK AT FAUCET OF NEWLY INSTALLED HANDWASHING SINK IN BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED SOME OVER HEAD PIPES OVER THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA AND FOOD PREP AREA WITH NOTICEABLE ROUGH EDGES AND OPEN SEAMS AND CREVICES AND WRINKLES. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SAID AREAS SO THAT THEY ARE SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES AND ARE MAINTAIN...
2024-03-15 Fail Complaint Re-Inspection CRITICAL 5 ▾
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
5-204.11--Observed no handwashing station in basement prep area. Observed evidence of food prep and storage in basement. Instructed manager to install a handwashing station or sink in basement by 3/20. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c).
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
4-204.112(B)--Observed no thermometer present in clear glass doored cooler at front prep area. Instructed manager to provide an maintain a working thermometer in all coolers.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
3-305.14--Observed multiple waste lines above three compartment sink as well as over prep tables in basement prep area of establishment. Waste lines from first floor handwashing sinks and 3 compartment sinks. Instructed to encase all waste water pipe...
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
3-305.12--Observed dry storage and spices stored in basement beneath unfinished wood and open ceiling in basement. Provide smooth and easily cleanable surface on ceiling over any food storage or prep areas.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
2-102.13--Observed no food handler certificates provided on premises. Must show proof of training for all food handler employees.
2024-03-13 Fail Complaint CRITICAL 15 ▾
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
Observed no Certified Food Manager on site while TCS foods are prepared, handled, and/or served. (Handling beef, chicken, hummus) PIC provided a photo copy of certificate on phone. Physical and original copy must be present and posted as required. Pr...
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
Observed no employee health policies on site at time of inspection. Discussed with manager to provide a signed health policy for each employee, and maintain as required. Priority foundation violation 7-38-010, citation issued.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Observed no handwashing station in basement prep area. Observed evidence of food prep and storage in basement. Instructed manager to install a handwashing station or sink in basement by 3/20. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c).
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Observed no paper towels present at front prep hand sink. Instructed manager to provide paper towels and maintain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c). Consolidate with the above citation.
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
Observed TCS foods (chicken, hummus, rice, cheese, diced tomatoes) in standing double door cooler in rear to be at improper cold holding temperature with chicken at 46.4 degrees, hummus as 46.3 degrees, tomatoes at 46.5 degrees, rice at 70.3 degrees,...
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
Observed double door standing cooler in rear prep area with an ambient air temp of 48.2 degrees. Instructed management to repair and maintain the cooler at 41 degrees or colder at all times. Cooler is tagged "held for inspection" at this time, and ma...
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
Observed no thermometer present in clear glass doored cooler at front prep area. Instructed manager to provide an maintain a working thermometer in all coolers.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Observed bulk storage container without a label. Instructed to provide common name of contents to properly identify all items in establishment. (Salt, sugar, sesame, flour, etc.)
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Observed multiple waste lines above three compartment sink as well as over prep tables in basement prep area of establishment. Waste lines from first floor handwashing sinks and 3 compartment sinks. Instructed to encase all waste water pipes to preve...
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Observed dry storage and spices stored in basement beneath unfinished wood and open ceiling in basement. Provide smooth and easily cleanable surface on ceiling over any food storage or prep areas.
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
Observed spoons, scoops, and utensils stored improperly in rear prep area storage rack. All utensils must be inverted when stored.
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
Observed single service items stored facing up in rear prep storage rack. All single service items must be stored inverted.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Observed exterior, sides, and gasket of glass door cooler in front prep area to have heavy accumulation of food residue and debris. Instructed manager to clean and regularly maintain area free of food residue and debris.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
Observed no food handler certificates provided on premises. Must show proof of training for all food handler employees.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Observed no allergen training certificate on site. Must show proof of training.
2023-04-19 Fail License 6 ▾
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
OBSERVED BOXES OVERFLOWING FROM DUMPSTER AND BOXES WERE PLACED OUTSIDE OF DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HAVE DUMPSTER AND EXTRA BOXES PICKED UP. DUMPSTER AND AREA SURROUNDING IT MUST BE CLEAN AND UNCLUTTERED.
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
OBSERVED NO INSIDE RECEPTACLES FOR KITCHEN PREP OR DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED ITEMS IN BASEMENT STORED ON FLOOR, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO OBTAIN SHELVING OR STORAGE THAT WILL KEEP ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR, TO ENSURE THAT FLOOR CAN BE CLEANED.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED UNNECCESSARY ITEMS STORED IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DECLUTTER AND GET RID OF UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT PEST HARBAORAGE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED TWO HOLES IN BASEMENT FLOOR, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COVER AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED HOLE AROUND LIGHT SWITCH ON WALL LEADING TO BASEMENT INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL SMOOTHLY AND MAINTAIN IN ORDER TO EASILY CLEAN. OBSERVED HOLES AROUND METER ON ...
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED BUILDUP ON HOODS, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
2023-04-19 Pass License Re-Inspection 5 ▾
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
5-501.16 OBSERVED NO INSIDE RECEPTACLES FOR KITCHEN PREP OR DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-501.13 OBSERVED ITEMS IN BASEMENT STORED ON FLOOR, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO OBTAIN SHELVING OR STORAGE THAT WILL KEEP ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR, TO ENSURE THAT FLOOR CAN BE CLEANED.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-201.11 OBSERVED TWO HOLES IN BASEMENT FLOOR, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COVER AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED HOLE AROUND LIGHT SWITCH ON WALL LEADING TO BASEMENT INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL SMOOTHLY AND MAINTAIN IN ORDER TO EASILY CLEAN. OBSERVED HOLES AROUND ME...
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-501.11 OBSERVED UNNECCESSARY ITEMS STORED IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DECLUTTER AND GET RID OF UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT PEST HARBAORAGE.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
4-202.18 OBSERVED BUILDUP ON HOODS, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health ·
Score calculated from inspection outcomes, violation severity & recency.
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