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Thursday, October 29, 2026Oct 29

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Cleveland, Tenn., Olive Garden shuts down after employees sickened by hazmat incident

This Monday, June 27, 2016, photo shows an Olive Garden restaurant, a Darden brand, in Methuen, Mass. Darden reports financial results Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
This Monday, June 27, 2016, photo shows an Olive Garden restaurant, a Darden brand, in Methuen, Mass. Darden reports financial results Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola) This Monday, June 27, 2016, photo shows an Olive Garden restaurant, a Darden brand, in Methuen, Mass. Darden reports financial results Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

The Cleveland Fire Department responded to Olive Garden, 4499 Keith Street in Cleveland at 1:04pm on a odor investigation and multiple complaints by individuals of nausea and vomiting.

Restaurant personnel were advised by fire officials to begin evacuation while fire engines were in route.

Cleveland Fire Department Hazardous Incident Response Unit entered the restaurant to confirm total evacuation and any imminent life threats. A list of all chemicals involved were produced and it was determined that ortho boric acid was the primary cause of symptoms described by employees. Eleven Olive Garden employees transported themselves to Tennova Emergency Room where they were treated.

Olive Garden will be closed for the remainder of the night. Please call 423-339-3330 to confirm operating hours for Saturday, March 3, 2018.