U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) is suing the operators of a House cafeteria for alleged negligence stemming from a almost 3-year-old incident involving a sandwich he says left him with significant dental injuries.

Kucinich is seeking $150,000 in damages from companies that run the cafeteria in the Longworth House Office Building and the providers that service it. According to the District of Columbia Superior Court, the case was filed on Jan. 3, and a hearing has been scheduled for April 8.

A copy of the suit obtained by the Cleveland Plain Dealer documents the April 2008 incident, in which Kucinich purchased a sandwich wrap he says was “represented to contain pitted olives.” After consuming it, Kucinich found the olives were not pitted, causing “serious and permanent dental and oral injuries” that required “multiple surgical and dental procedures.”

Kucinich’s suit also claims he “sustained other damages,” including “significant pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment.” He also accuses the four firms of breach of implied warranty.


Gina Zimmer, spokesman for Restaurant Associates, which operates the Longworth cafeteria, confirmed that the company had received the lawsuit.

"[We] are reviewing the matter. Beyond that we don’t comment on pending litigation,” she said.

Kucinich, the former mayor of Cleveland and a two-time presidential candidate, represents Ohio’s 10th district in the House. He is serving his eighth term.

mmemoli@tribune.com