OCT 20
2025
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
PIZZA NOVA EXPRESS.
EAT. 94/100
3836 W 79TH ST · ASHBURN, CHICAGO
Last inspected October 20, 2025 · passed
17 of 19 inspections passed, with 4 critical violations on file.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
19
17 passed · 1 w/ conditions · 1 failed
VIOLATIONS
63
includes 4 critical
RECORDS COVER
15 YEARS
since Feb 2010
INSPECTION HISTORY
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED A CLUTTER OF ITEMS UNDER THE STAIRS IN THE BASEMENT JUST LEFT OF THE HOT WATER UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAR AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST HARBORING.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED THE REAR FLOOR OF THE PREP AREA UNDER AND AROUND EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF A DETAIL CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON ALL VENTS IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AND SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION OF FOOD CONTACT SURFACES OR FOODS PREPARED IN AREAS.
FEB 272025PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
FEB 27
2025
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
INTEGRAL PERMANENTLY AFFIXED THERMOMETER AT PIZZA HOT HOLDING UNIT IN POOR REPAIR, UNABLE TO DISPLAY TEMPERATURE OF UNIT. INSTD TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THERMOMETER AND MAINTAIN AT UNIT
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STOED ON PREP TABLES/COUNTERS. INSTD TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE
APR 242024PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
APR 24
2024
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED PLASTIC BOWL USED AS A SCOOP IN SAUCE CONTAINER IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE BOWL AND REPLACE WITH UTENSIL WITH A HANDLE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION AND MAINTAIN.
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
OBSERVED IN-USE UTENSILS STORED IN CONTAINER WITH STILL WATER AT THE HOT HOLDING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UTENSILS FROM STILL WATER AND RELOCATE TO DRY, CLEAN AND SANITIZED SURFACE AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS BENEATH THE STAIRWELL IN THE BASEMENT AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN BENEATH STAIRWELL AND DISCARD ANY ITEMS OR EQUIPMENT UNNECESSARY TO FOOD OPERATIONS AND MAINTAIN.
MAR 12023PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
MAR 1
2023
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHES LAYING ON PREP STATIONS AND CARTS. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHES IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED THE SPRAYER AT THE 3 COMP SINK WITH LEAKS. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED THE AIR VENT AND CEILING TILE AROUND THEM DIRTY IN THE PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
APR 142022PASSED1 violationDETAILS
APR 14
2022
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED THE CEILING BY THE VENT AND THE LIGHT SHEILD IN THE FRONT AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
show all 19 inspections →
MAY 272021PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
MAY 27
2021
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
INTERIOR OF REACH IN FREEZER IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CLEAN.
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
NO THERMOMETER IN REACH IN NEED OF INSTALLING. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN A THERMOMETER FOR ALL REACH IN COOLERS.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
LARGE CAN OPENER IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST DETAIL CLEAN TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN CLEAN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FLOORS UNDER FRYERS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE AND WATER BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
CEILING ABOVE PIZZA TABLE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
JUN 102020PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
JUN 10
2020
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
7. NO DISCHARGE FROM EYES, NOSE, AND MOUTH
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES STORED UNDER SEWER LINES THAT ARE NOT SHEILDED TO INTERCEPT POTENTIAL DRIPS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENCASE ALL SEWER LINES ABOVE SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
DEC 62019PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
DEC 6
2019
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER AND WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL STOCK SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES STORED UNDER SEWER LINES THAT ARE NOT SHEILDED TO INTERCEPT POTENTIAL DRIPS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENCASE ALL SEWER LINES ABOVE SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE SPOONS NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT ALL SINGLE SERVICE UTENSILS TO PROTECT LIP CONTACT SURFACES FROM CONTAMINATION.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING VENTS AND LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA, FOOD AND GREASE SPILLS ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
FEB 112019FAILED4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
FEB 11
2019
FAILED
4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION,7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED NO CLEANING PROCEDURES FOR VOMIT/DIARRHEA EVENTS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED NO DATE MARKING ON TCS FOODS HELD IN WALK-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED SAID FOOD ITEMS (ITALIAN BEEF MEAT, HAM, AND RIBS). APPROX. 30 LBS, AND $150 FOOD VALUE.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION FROM ALL MANAGERS WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL MANAGERS WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. 3-302.12 OBSERVED NO LABELS ON FOOD IN WALK-IN COOLER WHICH ARE NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. 4-501.12 OBSERVED A SMALL CUTTING BOARD STAINED AND PITTED, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE. 4-501.11 (A) OBSERVED RUSTY COOLER STORAGE RACKS IN UPRIGHT COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE RUST. ALSO OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE HOT HOLDING/STEAM TABLE NOT CLEAN,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. 6-201.13 OBSERVED THE WALL COVING COMING OF THE WALL UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REATTACH WALL COVING. 6-101.11 (A) OBSERVED THE CEILING VENT DUSTY/NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED. 7-42-090
JUL 182018PASS W/ CONDITIONS11 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JUL 18
2018
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
11 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION,7-38-012. NO CITATION ISSUED.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED NO CLEANING PROCEDURES FOR VOMIT/DIARRHEA EVENTS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED NO DATE MARKING ON TCS FOODS HELD IN WALK-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE STATEMENT ON THE MENUS AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED NO LABELS ON FOOD IN WALK-IN COOLER WHICH ARE NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. CORE VIOLATION.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED A SMALL CUTING BOARD STAINED AND PITTED, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE. CORE VIOLATION.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED RUSTY COOLER STORAGE RACKS IN UPRIGHT COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE RUST. ALSO OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE HOT HOLDING/STEAM TABLE NOT CLEAN,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. CORE VIOLATION.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED THE CEILING VENST DUSTY/NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. CORE VIOLATION.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED THE WALL COVING COMMING OF THE WALL UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REATTACH WALL COVING. CORE VIOLATION.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED THE LIGHT SHIELDS NOT CLEAN THRU- OUT PREMISES, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. CORE VIOLATION.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO ALLERGENT TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
MAR 302017PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
MAR 30
2017
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
VENTS IN FRONT PREP AREA WITH DUST ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
CLEANING EQUIPMENT IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE IN DESGINATED AREA.
JAN 52016PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
JAN 5
2016
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED AN EXPOSED WASTE PIPE OVER DRY STORAGE (PAPER CUPS, CARDBOARD PIZZA ROUNDS) IN THE BASEMENT WITH NO ACTIVE LEAKING. INSTRUCTED TO COVER THE EXPOSED WASTE PIPE OR REMOVE ALL DRY STORAGE ITEMS FROM UNDERNEATH THE EXPOSED WASTE PIPE.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
OBSERVED CEILING VENTS IN THE RESTROOMS, AT THE BACK DOOR AND IN FRONT OF THE HOOD IN THE PREP AREA WITH ACCUMULATED DUST. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL CEILING VENTS.
APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLER WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A HAIR RESTRAINT AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING HANDLED.
FEB 232015PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
FEB 23
2015
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
OBSERVED THE LIGHT SHIELDS UNDER THE HOOD DUSTY, NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
OBSERVED 1 CRACKED LIGHT SHIELD OVER REAR PREP TABLE, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
APR 292014PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
APR 29
2014
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
FOUND THE CAN OPENER IN THE PREP AREA IN NEED OF SOME CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IT.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
FOUND WALL ON THE SIDE OF THE FRONT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK AND THE VENTS/CEILING TILES IN THE PREP AND TOILET AREAS IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
FOUND THE MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN BOTH OF THE TOILET ROOMS NOT WORKING. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
MUST STORE ALL WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (WITH THE CORRECT PPM OF SOLUTION) WHEN NOT IN USE.
JAN 252013PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
JAN 25
2013
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
NEED TO INVERT (HANDLE UP) FORKS, SPOONS ETC. SO EMPLOYEES ARE NOT TOUCHING THE EATING PART OF THE UTENSILS. AT REAR CARRY-OUT SECTION.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
SEATS IN DINING AREA IN POOR REPAIR NEED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
CLEAN FLOOR IN BASEMENT STORAGE UNDER AND AROUND SHELVES.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
CLEAN WALL BEHIND SODA/ICE MACHINE ( DUSTY)
MAR 262012PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
MAR 26
2012
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.NEED TO CLEAN HOOD AND FILTERS FRONT COOKING AREA.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.CLEAN FLOOR UNDER STORAGE IN REAR DOUGH ROOM.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. Use dustless cleaning methods.CLEAN ALL CEILING VENT'S DUSTY
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities.CLEAN ALL LIGHT SHIELDS.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.OBSERVED 3 COMP. SINK NOZZLE LEAKING INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
JUN 242011PASSED1 violationDETAILS
JUN 24
2011
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF REPLACING, WORN, DISCOLORED. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
FEB 222010PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
FEB 22
2010
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
LABEL AND DATE ALL COOKED FOODS IN COOLERS.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
CLEAN LIGHTSHIELDS AT FRONT COUNTER AREA.
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 →