El Patron set to re-open

A local restaurant linked to a recent salmonella outbreak is set to re-open its doors this week.

According to health officials, El Patron Tex-Mex Restaurant, located on U.S. 43 in Russellville, passed their health inspection on Monday that gave them the go-ahead to re-open to the public.

Officials said plans are tentatively set to re-open at the end of the week.

Local diners have rallied round the restaurant with many restaurant-goers offering their support through social media and other outlets.

Russellville resident Lynn Suddith said she would continue to support El Patron once they re-open and that recent events would not keep her from dining at the restaurant she and her family have enjoyed for several years now.

“I feel really bad for my friends and family that became sick after eating there and pray everyone is better now, but this situation could happen to anyone at any restaurant and it could also happen to any of us in our own home kitchens,” Suddith said.

“I have always been extremely satisfied with every meal – and there have been many – I have had there. I have also never had bad service from any of the wait staff.

“On top of this, they support Russellville athletics by providing discounts on the Golden Tiger Baseball savings card, so I will definitely be back supporting them once they re-open.”

The popular Tex-Mex restaurant was closed two weeks ago after the Alabama Department of Public Health was contacted about a possible foodborne outbreak and the restaurant was identified as the common source for up to 14 people who had positive salmonella cultures.

Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Karen Landers said at least three of those people were hospitalized with the illness.