Forest City Chili's Reopens After Workers Mistake Degreaser for Sugar

A Chili's Grill & Bar in Forest City, North Carolina, resumed operations on Friday after a one-day closure. The restaurant closed following an incident where three customers and two employees sustained chemical burns to their mouths after consuming margaritas made with a granulated degreasing agent instead of sugar.

The contamination began on the morning of October 26. A contracted worker power washing the exterior handed a granulated degreasing chemical to a restaurant employee. That employee placed the substance in an unlabeled container. The container was then moved inside the establishment and left in the bar area for two days.

On the morning of October 28, a staff member preparing the bar for lunch service found the unlabeled vessel. Believing the contents were sugar, the worker used the chemical to prepare the margarita station. Chili's menu indicates the restaurant uses a citrus-sugar rimmer for its drinks, a process that likely involved the contaminated granules.

Customers who ordered margaritas shortly after the lunch service began immediately reported discomfort and burns in and around their mouths. Two restaurant employees who tasted the substance reported similar symptoms. The Foothills Health District confirmed that the local health inspectors shut down the eatery on Thursday following these reports.

Inspection records show the restaurant reopened the next day. Foothills Health District spokesperson Megan Rollins stated in an email that the investigation was closed and no fines were issued. She confirmed that the injured parties received medical treatment but did not provide details on their current conditions.

A Chili's spokesperson characterized the event as an incident isolated to the Forest City location. The company stated in an email that its team took immediate action to support those affected and prevent further injuries. The spokesperson noted that the company thoroughly investigated the circumstances and addressed the issues specific to this location.

The Forest City restaurant is located approximately 60 miles west of Charlotte. The company's initial statement cited injuries to two guests and team members, a count that differed from the five individuals identified by the health district. The spokesperson did not respond to a follow-up question regarding this discrepancy.