Cleaning Mistake: Chili's Closes After Margarita Incident

Three customers and two employees at a Chili's Grill & Bar in Forest City, North Carolina, suffered chemical burns to their mouths after sipping margaritas mixed with a cleaning agent.

The Foothills Health District reported that the incident occurred on the morning of October 26. Customers who ordered drinks shortly after the lunch service began reported immediate discomfort and burns in and around their mouths. Two staff members who tasted the substance later reported similar symptoms.

The restaurant closed on Thursday, October 29, following the event. Health inspectors found that a worker preparing the bar for service found an unlabeled container. The employee believed the contents were sugar and used the chemical to prepare the margarita station. The eatery reopened the next day.

Megan Rollins, a spokesperson for the Foothills Health District, stated in an email that the investigation is closed and no fines were issued. She confirmed that the injured parties received medical treatment but did not provide details on their current conditions.

The sequence of errors began on the morning of October 26. A restaurant employee received a granulated degreasing chemical from a contractor who was power washing the exterior. The worker placed the chemical into an unlabeled container. For reasons that remain unclear, the container was moved inside the restaurant and left in the bar area.

A Chili's spokesperson said in an email that the incident was isolated to the Forest City location. The company stated that its team took immediate action to support those affected and avoid further injuries. The spokesperson added that the company has thoroughly investigated the circumstances and addressed the issues specific to this location.

The Forest City restaurant is located about 60 miles west of Charlotte. The menu lists several margaritas that use a citrus-sugar rimmer in addition to traditional salt. A Chili's spokesperson said five people were injured, a count that differed from the five individuals identified by the health district in its initial report. The spokesperson did not respond to a follow-up question regarding the discrepancy in the number of injured guests and team members.