2nd Sizzler Closed After More E. Coli Infections

The owners of a Sizzler restaurant linked to a fatal E. coli outbreak shut down their second Sizzler in Wisconsin after two people who ate there became infected with the bacteria. Eschenbach & Boysa Management Co. voluntarily closed the Sizzler in the suburb of Wauwatosa, Wis., late Wednesday, the only other Sizzler in the state. The company last week closed its Milwaukee Sizzler, which is believed to be the source of the outbreak that has left 49 people ill, including 26 children. One 3-year-old girl died from E. coli complications. Health officials collected samples from the Wauwatosa Sizzler. “We have to consider if there was a connection between the two sites, either a food product or a food server,” Milwaukee Health Commissioner Seth Foldy said. Officials believe contaminated watermelon at the Milwaukee Sizzler’s salad bar may be connected to the outbreak. Two meat samples from that restaurant also tested positive for E. coli, but officials have not determined if the bacteria was somehow transferred to the watermelon. Culver City-based Sizzler International, whose Sizzler USA unit owns 65 restaurants and 200 franchises, said it was cooperating with Wisconsin authorities. Sizzler shares fell 19 cents to close at $1.50 on the NYSE.