Mariscos owner asks customers for 2nd chance after shigella outbreak

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KTVU) - A day after the restaurant at the center of the shigella outbreak reopened, the owner of Mariscos San Juan Restaurant #3 told KTVU the food is safe to eat.

He was also apologizing and asking diners to give him another chance as some of his loyal customers returned.

“I never lost confidence in the restaurant that’s why I came back,” said Juan Alvarez of San Jose.
               
“They had a problem, an incident and I think we have health inspectors and regulations for a reason to make sure people are safe and I think that process is going to play out just fine,” said David Skiver of San Jose.

County health officials approved the restaurant's reopening Thursday after it passed re-inspection. The owner threw out existing food, cleaned and sanitized the place and employees were retrained in proper food handling methods. Handwashing signs were clearly visible in the kitchen.

“We didn't really find a smoking gun of an employee who caused this problem,” said Jim Blamey of the Santa Clara Co. Department of Environmental Health. “What we found was an employee who got sick as a result of someone else.”
               
“People are scared now to eat,” said Mariscos San Juan Restaurant owner Sergio Cruz.

For the first time since the outbreak, Cruz defended his restaurant saying his one employee who tested positive for shigella got sick after customers reported their illness. His said, his restaurant chain has suffered. Business at his other two restaurants in San Jose is down 70 percent.
               
“Sorry about the people who got sick,” said Cruz. “There's nothing I can do. It’s not in my hands. This is not in my hands. I will try to do better this time.”

Health officials aren't sure how the outbreak started and said they may never know. The restaurant is facing an uphill battle to restore its reputation as backlash is growing on social media and at least three lawsuits are in the works.

“People are quick to judge,” said Sergio Becerra, who is the owner’s son. “People don't read anymore. They just see headlines. I just want them to give us another chance.”

The restaurant is offering meals half off Friday. Some meals are even on the house.