Update: Applebee’s is singing a different tune after a video uploaded by a St. Louis woman has garnered over 3 million views and loads of backlash. Alexis Brison and her friend Asia Hardy believed they were racially profiled when they were accused of skipping out on their bill the previous evening. Applebee’s top brass insisted race wasn’t a factor even though the only description available of the women was a “skinny” woman and one who wore makeup. After public outcry, Applebee’s now “doesn’t tolerate racism of any nature.”
In a statement provided to ABC News, an Applebee’s spokesperson revealed three employees had been fired. It read in part, “After an internal investigation and in-line with our values, the franchise terminated the manager, server and another employee involved in the incident. We do not tolerate racism, bigotry or harassment of any nature and we have taken additional steps to close the restaurant at this time in order for the team there to regroup, reflect, learn and grow from this.”
To make things right, Applebee’s said they’re reaching to the two women to apologize. “We know rebuilding trust with those affected by the incident will take time, and we look forward to finding resolution in the coming days,” the statement read.
https://www.facebook.com/alexis.brison.52/videos/vb.100012118323171/406305666450041/?type=2&video_source=user_video_tab
(Previously reported): St. Louis resident Alexis Brison and her friend got much more than they bargained after visiting an Applebee’s at the Independence Mall. Brison wrote of her unpleasant experience on Facebook. “About an hour into our dinner we were approached by an Independence police officer, a mall cop, and the restaurant manager…,” she wrote. Adding, “We were told that we were accused of eating and not paying for CHICKEN the day before.”
Brison said she had evidence to the contrary but was instead “mocked, humiliated and embarrassed.”
The women were asked to pay their bill and leave. After leaving, Brison wrote that calls were made to Applebee’s management where they found out that the only description provided for the women who reportedly skipped on the bill was a “skinny girl and a girl who wore makeup.”
“Just because we are black does not mean we are all criminals and I will not be treated as such..,” she added. The Applebee’s team at that location said in a statement, “they’ve found no indications of any racial bias.”
The CEO of the franchise, Bill Georgas added, “We do not tolerate racism or bigotry of any nature. We currently have no indications this was race related. We have a diverse workforce that is reflective of the community we serve. All are welcome at our restaurant, and will continue to be welcome.”
