In a lawsuit recently filed, a woman said she ate at a Taco John's in Waterloo, Iowa, and later became ill with E. coli, which would make four stores affected.
On Dec. 20, the company confirmed the media's report of a lawsuit, that there had been one confirmed illness and possibly a few other illnesses allegedly associated with a fourth restaurant, in Waterloo, Iowa. According to a statement, neither the restaurant franchisees nor the corporation were contacted by the local health department or by any individuals who believe they became ill after eating at the Waterloo location.
Brian Dixon, Taco John's vice president of marketing, said the company expects to take a hit in sales, but is unsure of an approximate number. So far, he said, customers have been sympathetic.
"As more and more customers start returning, our franchisees have been receiving compliments on the way we've all responded to this situation, which we all appreciate very much," Dixon said
Taco John's has paid medical expenses for customers whose illness resulted from eating at one of the affected restaurants.
Taco John's operates and franchises more than 400 quick-service restaurants in 26 states.
