General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsAnyone remember the Veterans' Day story about a veteran at Chili's?
For background, here's the Washington Post story:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/11/15/restaurant-denies-free-veterans-day-meal-to-black-veteran-after-man-in-trump-shirt-accuses-him-of-lying/?utm_term=.7b951736d5dd
Restaurant denies free Veterans Day meal to black veteran after man in Trump shirt accuses him of lying
I was so angry that I did something I rarely ever do. I sent an email to Chili's headquarters via their website (wish I still had it). I told them how angry and disgusted I was with them, their "manager", and would never visit Chili's ever again. I thought it would end there, thinking they'd never even acknowledge the message. Well, I was wrong. It took a while (about 6 weeks) but this morning I was pleasantly surprised with the email below. Restores (somewhat) my faith in our fellow human beings. No doubt I'll be at a Chili's as soon as I can!! I'm sure Mr. Walker never expected anything like this (indeed, he was forced out of his home by harrassment), but Chili's deserves a lot of credit for their actions in rectifying this situation and their on-going work with veterans.
December 30, 2016
Dear Mr. XXXXX,
We understand your concern for the incident that occurred on Veterans Day in one of our restaurants. What happened was unacceptable and does not align with our core values. As a result, the former Manager is no longer with the company.
Our apology to Mr. Walker and subsequent resolution demonstrates our desire to do the right thing by him as an individual and as a veteran who served our country with honor. In addition to donating to Mr. Walkers newly established organization, Feed A Million Soldiers, this holiday season, weve contributed 100,000 meals to Feed Our Vets to support its work of establishing new food pantries. We are also dedicated to continuing our active participation with organizations such as Snowball Express, Wreaths Across America and Veterans Job Mission.
Lastly, we have begun additional trainings to support our Team Members who represent and reflect our culture and values to our Guests. As we move forward, we will continue to reinforce and foster a community of respect and inclusion.
Sincerely,
Chili's Guest Engagement Team
OregonBlue
(7,755 posts)tblue37
(65,503 posts)niyad
(113,714 posts)LisaM
(27,848 posts)was pretty quick.
niyad
(113,714 posts)and I well remember their completely lukewarm response to the incident when it happened.
George II
(67,782 posts)....being a national story, I'm sure they got lots of backlash and similar communications as mine. Things like that take a long time and I'm really happy they saw fit to even address it with me, not being directly involved in the situation.
niyad
(113,714 posts)their corporate image certainly took a hit that day.
dem in texas
(2,674 posts)This happened at a Chili's out in Cedar Hill, a Dallas suburb, so there has been quite a bit of news about this on TV and in the paper. Chili's gave him free meal specials for a year (I think) and donated to a veteran's group. When all was over, everyone was pleased with the outcome. Too bad it even had to happen.
niyad
(113,714 posts)started this ugliness got barred for life.
democrank
(11,112 posts)So happy that vets benefited in the end.
niyad
(113,714 posts)DK504
(3,847 posts)what about the a-hole that was stupid enough to challenge a vet because he is black? That dick needs to be 86'ed for life.
Marthe48
(17,079 posts)and save it in your draft folder. Whenever I create an email on a web site email form, I do this, so I have a copy. I especially do this when it is political.
Thank you for taking the time to write to Chili's. The manager was a total jerk and deserved to be fired. And the customer who started it, told to leave.
Mc Mike
(9,115 posts)mythology
(9,527 posts)There was no indication that this was anything other than one employee screwing up. He was fired. I can't see getting worked up to the point where I'd forswear ever eating at one again.
Boomerproud
(7,975 posts)not to engage in this reprehensible behavior? This is NOT about "freedom of speech" or "political correctness"-it's about being RIGHT.
George II
(67,782 posts)awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)they were where I had my first fajitas. I was visiting my sisters (in Texas) around 1990 before I moved down in 1992. I can do better fajitas at home, but I still go there once and a while for old time's sake. I am glad they made things right.