IHOP fires Black employee after they write racial slur on woman’s receipt
IHOP took swift action and fired a black employee who scribbled a racial slur on a customer’s receipt, Fox News reports.
Maya Thompson, who is also black, saw the offensive language on her receipt after receiving take-out at a Grandview IHOP. The 19-year-old called the pancake restaurant to complain and posted the receipt on social media.
The employee has since been terminated, said IHOP spokesperson Stephanie Peterson. An investigation began the same day Thompson reported the issue, she said.
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IHOP President Darren Rebelez released the following statement:
“The action taken by the server at this restaurant is inexcusable. IHOP and its franchisees do not and will not tolerate racism, bigotry or harassment of any kind. The franchisee, who owns and operates this restaurant, once made aware of the incident, terminated the employee in question and immediately contacted the guest to apologize. For 60 years, IHOP and our franchisees have strived to create a warm and hospitable dining experience for all guests, and we are currently working with the franchisee to ensure all possible steps are taken to deliver on that promise.”
Peterson also said a senior-level employee called Thompson to apologize saying the “server’s actions were not acceptable and in direct violation of their policy.”
“This type of behavior is absolutely not tolerated, and couldn’t be farther from what we stand for as a brand.”
Thompson’s mother said her daughter was “distraught and upset.” She said the restaurant mailed her a $10 IHOP gift card and she thanks the restaurant for “handling the situation well,” the Star reports.
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IHOP has been under fire in the past for racial discrimination. In March, the restaurant chain company apologized after black teens were asked by a waitress to pay for their meal before getting their food served.
