Michigan Mexican restaurant sees business pick up slowly following Norovirus outbreak

Fox17 reports that business has been slow for the Holland area Mexican restaurant, Margaritas, where several hundred people contracted Norovirus in late July.

After reopening his doors in early August, owner Alonzo Salinas has made some changes.

“I think a lot of people will always be cautious about what they eat and where they eat. … Our customers put their trust in us and I believe we’ve done that.”

He says he keeps in contact with the Ottawa County Health Department for things ranging from proper handwashing to food temperature.

Salinas says a handful of customers have come forward wanting to be reimbursed for hospital visits and lost wages during the time they fell ill. He says his insurance has and will continue to take care of any claims, as long as customers can prove them.

50 illnesses linked to Margaritas (a restaurant, not the drink)

Margaritas, a Holland, Michigan Mexican restaurant has been closed for the past few days due to yet-to-be identified cluster of gastrointestinal illnesses. According to reports, the Ottawa County Health Department is conducting interviews and testing food samples to search for a pathogen and source.

Spokeswoman for the health department, Shannon Felgner, said health department staff have called those who reported symptoms to gather a food history and timeline of the illness onset and recovery.

She said the number infected will be more than 50, but didn’t give an estimate of what they expect it will be.

The owner of Margarita’s, Alonzo Salinas, closed the restaurant Friday after several people were hospitalized earlier in the week.

Salinas said it’s not clear whether the illnesses were passed along by food or employees.

According to a Holland Sentinel picture, the operators posted a sign that says "We will be Closed…for cleaning and remodeling. We apologize for any inconvenience."  Remodeling might not be the best word here. Mentioning the outbreak and directing customers who might be ill to health care providers is a better message.