DAPHNE – The Daphne franchise of Five Guys fired or suspended several employees who refused to serve city police officers.
The incident happened on July 7, according to a Daphne police statement.
“Three officers of the Daphne Police Department entered the Five Guys restaurant in Daphne,” the statement said. The three officers became aware of the mask requirement, so they returned to their vehicles to obtain masks. All three officers were wearing masks the entire time they were inside of the establishment. The events that occurred while the officers were in the restaurant were unfortunate. We will continue to work with Five Guys on this matter towards a resolution once all the facts are known.”
Workers refused to serve the officers when the police came into the restaurant, according to reports. The employees turned their backs on the officers and the police left.
The national office of Five Guys and local franchise issued a statement saying that the workers have been fired or suspended.
“Five Guys and the Daphne, AL franchise want to thank the Daphne Police Department for their support in working together toward a resolution,” the statement said. “The actions the Daphne, AL franchise have taken include termination and suspension of the employees involved. The store has temporarily closed for further education and customer service training with a representative from the Daphne Police Department and will reopen at 4PM today, July 10th. As we uphold our commitment to fair, respectful, and equal treatment for all customers, please know that the actions and sentiments of a few employees in Daphne, AL do not represent Five Guys or the local franchisee.”
Daphne Mayor Dane Haygood said he was pleased that the issue had been resolved.
“A seemingly appropriate response has been issued by the local business involved in the incident on Tuesday evening in which Daphne Police Department were disrespected and refused service by some employees of the establishment,” Haygood said. “Thank you to the City of Daphne, Alabama - "The Jubilee City" and all of Coastal Alabama for showing your support for our men and women in blue.”
