Twisted Fork reopens after all-clear from health district

It’s been a challenging couple of weeks for Reno-based restaurant The Twisted Fork.

After a recent E. coli outbreak in Washoe County was linked to the establishment, management decided to voluntarily close while the Washoe County Health District investigated the source of the illness.

The WCHD announced last Friday that it had determined the illness could be been traced to Reno Provisions, who had supplied a tainted dessert item that was sold at The Twisted Fork.

In light of the news, The Twisted Fork decided to reopen its doors Tuesday at 11 a.m. By noon, the restaurant had close to two dozen customers filling the dining room.

General Manager Joe Clements said that he feels privileged and excited to be open, but after the illness scare, he had a measured response to the incident.

We stood up and did the right thing,” Clements said.

The restaurant chose to be transparent with the public over their social media channels, and management continued to pay staff throughout the time the restaurant was closed.

Though he’s glad the source of the E. coli was determined, he said he feels that this is a difficult situation that has no winners.

“We’re a stand-up business, but even so, this could have happened to anybody,” Clements said. “This isn’t something we’re going to raise our arms and cheer about.”

Clements called the WCHD employees the “unsung heroes” of the investigation and worked with them closely while The Twisted Fork was closed.

While the health district combed through their ingredient lists, Clements said that he and his staff cleaned the restaurant from the ceiling tiles down to the floor with bleach, trying to eradicate any trace of potential illness.

Clements is not yet sure how news of the illness outbreak will affect business in the long run. He did say, however, that the phone rang often during the restaurant’s temporary closure and that this Tuesday night had more reservations than it usually does.

“We hope we’re being rewarded for doing the right thing,” Clements said.