Roach sandwich closes North Side BBQ spot

Hecky’s of Chicago at 1234 N. Halsted St. was shut down Wednesday afternoon when city health inspectors discovered evidence of a cockroach infestation, according to a release from the Chicago Department of Public Health.

Hecky’s was also cited for a wastewater backup in a three-compartment sink, a faulty “hot holding” unit that was failing to keep cooked food at 140 degrees or above, and cooked food held at unsafe temperatures (15 pounds of ribs and 15 pounds of chicken at 110 degrees, which were discarded), the release said.

The inspection was triggered by a customer who called 311 to complain of finding a cockroach in his sandwich, the release said.

In addition to having its business license confiscated, Hecky’s owners face an administrative hearing on Sept. 18 and expected fines of $2,250, the release said.

It marked the 148th time in 2008 -- and the third time in as many days -- that health inspectors have shut a food establishment for violations of the city Health Code.