Forest City Chili's Reopens After Chemical Burns

A Chili's Grill & Bar in Forest City, North Carolina, resumed operations the day after a mix-up caused chemical burns for three customers and two staff members. The incident occurred last week when a granulated degreasing agent was mistaken for sugar at the bar station.

The Foothills Health District stated that the restaurant closed on Thursday, October 29, after patrons who ordered drinks shortly after lunch service began reported immediate discomfort. The district noted that the individuals suffered chemical burns in and around their mouths. Two employees who tasted the substance later reported similar symptoms.

Investigators determined that the error stemmed from an unlabeled container. On the morning of October 26, a contracted worker power washing the building exterior provided a bag of granulated degreaser to a restaurant employee. That employee placed the chemical in an unlabeled container, which was then moved inside and left in the bar area.

Two days later, a worker preparing the bar for lunch service found the container. Believing the contents to be sugar, the employee used the chemical to prepare the margarita station. Chili's menu lists several margaritas that feature a citrus-sugar rimmer in addition to salt, a detail that may have contributed to the identification error.

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

A Chili's spokesperson told NBC News via email that the incident was isolated to the single location in Forest City. The company said its team took immediate action to support the affected individuals and thoroughly investigated the circumstances. The spokesperson noted that the issues specific to this location have been addressed.

The restaurant is located approximately 60 miles west of Charlotte. The spokesperson did not respond to a follow-up question regarding a discrepancy in the number of injured guests reported by the company versus the health district.