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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsPanera Apologizes To Family Of Toddler Asked To Leave Restaurant Over Orthopedic Shoes (VIDEO)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/14/panera-toddler-shoes-emma-duke_n_4595122.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000009Panera Bread has apologized to the family of a 2-year-old girl that was asked to leave a Savannah, Ga., restaurant because the child's special orthopedic shoes were reportedly bothering a customer.
Emma, who has developmental delays that make walking difficult, was at the Panera location with her mother, Catherine Duke, on Jan. 2, when, the parent said, they were approached by an assistant manager who gave them an ultimatum: Take off the shoes, or leave, local station WTOC reports.
Duke said she was shocked and humiliated by the request.
"It was very hurtful, and I left the store crying, not a very good thing for a mom to feel like her child is being discriminated against," she told WTOC.
In an interview with ABC's "Good Morning America," Emma's dad, Stephen Duke, explained that the special shoes are required by her doctor.
Hassin Bin Sober
(26,324 posts)lpbk2713
(42,752 posts)They really should have identified the stupid asshole customer
who complained about a child's corrective footwear.
frylock
(34,825 posts)Hoyt
(54,770 posts)Poor kid and parents. Panera Bread should be ashamed.
"If you don't like it, then get the hell out" would be the only appropriate response.
frazzled
(18,402 posts)who heard the complaint and acted on their own. Or at least I hope.
I can't entirely blame the whole company for the decision of an individual employee or manager. Still, what a horrible thing to do.
JI7
(89,244 posts)Brigid
(17,621 posts)silverweb
(16,402 posts)[font color="navy" face="Verdana"]Kind of a biofeedback thing to let her know when she's walking properly.
gollygee
(22,336 posts)A friend's child needed them. The squeak signals something to the child, but it does make noise.
It isn't like Panera is silent. I don't see why the squeak would be so much louder than people having conversations, talking on their cell phones, etc.
JI7
(89,244 posts)customer is just an asshole.
probably the type that always complains about something .
Arkansas Granny
(31,514 posts)They should have asked the complaining customer to leave.
oldandhappy
(6,719 posts)Complaining culture wins again. Panera, get a head on your shoulders. Give complaining customers a free ride and a coupon for your competition.
ashling
(25,771 posts)struggle4progress
(118,273 posts)I gotta listen to a two-year-old's shoes squeak! I cain't takes it no more!"
Nevernose
(13,081 posts)Liberal_in_LA
(44,397 posts)MagickMuffin
(15,933 posts)That says a lot about the company. It was unfortunate that the Duke's had to experience that form of discrimination, but at least something good will come of it.
WillowTree
(5,325 posts)I would have told the complaining customer to leave it was bothering him/her so much, but that's just me.