Illness reported at restaurant

Health department investigating

FAYETTEVILLE — The state Department of Health is investigating after a cluster of people reported getting sick from visiting a restaurant on the north side of town.

A total of 51 reports of illness have been identified in association with JJ’s Beer Garden and Brewing Co. at 3615 Steele Blvd., according to a department news release.

An employee said Monday the restaurant was open during its usual hours. Attempts to reach owner Jody Thornton through social media weren’t successful Monday evening.

Anyone who has visited the establishment since Sept. 13 and experienced diarrhea or vomiting should report the illness, according to the release.

“We are aware that many people traveled to that area of the state last weekend,” Dirk Haselow, state epidemiologist, said in the release. “People may have gotten sick after they returned home. We urge anyone to contact

us if they got sick after visiting or eating at this establishment.”

Illness has started about 24 to 36 hours after visiting the restaurant, and symptoms have mainly included diarrhea and vomiting with some fever. There have been no hospitalizations.

The Planning Commission last month granted the

restaurant and music venue a permit for additional shows outside its allowed 6-9 p.m. time frame on Thursdays. Concerts include live music to go along with Razorback football home games this season and Friday and Saturday for Bikes, Blues & BBQ.

Previous changes to the permit included expanding overflow parking and allowing times for sound checks.

“JJ’s Beer Garden and Brewery is cooperating with the ADH’s investigation,” the release states. “Efforts are underway to collect clinical samples for testing to try to determine what is making people sick. At this time, laboratory tests are pending and no pathogen has been identified as the source of the outbreak yet.”

Call (501) 537-8969 or email adh.foodsafe@arkansas.gov to report an illness.