Restaurant Employee Fired After Customers Complain About Offensive Reference On Receipt [Photo]
A Missouri restaurant employee has been fired over a seemingly offensive reference toward a couple dining at Patrick’s Westport Grill in St. Louis, Missouri. It has been reported that the couple noticed a “colorful” description printed on their receipt. Apparently, the employee decided to label them as the “black couple” instead of using their table number as a form of identification. Needless to say, the couple was completely outraged.
According to Opposing Views, the July 18 receipt, which also included a mysterious $1.50 upcharge, had a caption that read, “Black Couple In.” A photo of the receipt was reportedly sent to Fox 2 Now, and viewers immediately began voicing their frustrations over the offensive gesture. Due to the overwhelming backlash, the restaurant’s owner, Patrick Hanon, took to the restaurant’s Facebook page with a lengthy statement of apology.
Patrick’s Westport Grill apologizes for receipt http://t.co/kwcaMX2e4G
— St. Louis News (@STLNEWSWEATHER) July 19, 2015
Here is the full apology.
“I, Patrick Hanon, sincerely apologize for the unacceptable act that is not symbolic of our company values or beliefs. We do not tolerate this behavior and have a zero tolerance for this behavior. This is not our management style and have addressed this issue. We are reevaluating our hiring, training, and screening process so that we develop the most professional of individuals. This was an isolated event which we do not and will not tolerate. Patrick’s is a family owned business and during our 33 years I have always treated my customers as family and encourage my employees to do so as well. We appreciate our loyal family members and our new family members.”
WGN-TV has also reported that in addition to addressing the employee’s actions, Hanon explained the reason behind the mysterious upcharge. Apparently, the charge is an itemized entry for a double-shot of liquor. Reports of racially offensive references printed on receipts have gradually increased with the implementation of social media because many people have opted to voice their frustrations online.
[Image via Twitter]
