General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsPolice escort cancer patient from Nashville steakhouse after he’s forced to remove hat
steakhouse in Nashville has responded to complaints that its staff forced a cancer patient to remove his hat over the weekend because he did not have a note from his doctor.
According to WZTV, the controversy started when a group of 16 people were finishing up a $2,000 company Christmas dinner at Morton’s Steakhouse when one man, who is being treated with chemotherapy and is sensitive to the cold, decided to put on a wool cap for warmth.
“When he put on a wool beanie in the restaurant to keep warm, he was immediately asked to remove it… which he did,” Amanda W. explained in a Yelp review. “When his family mentioned his condition and questioned the treatment from Catrina, the assistant manager, they were told he could wear it if he presented a doctors’ note… or if we had given them previous notice so we could be accommodated elsewhere. (Out of sight, out of mind?)”
“In short, what followed was shock/disbelief (can’t say that I blame them) and the cops being called (huh?), and we were (all 16 of us) asked to leave,” she said.
Ashley S., who was also at the dinner, told a very similar story in her Yelp review.
“I understand there are rules at establishments…I get it, really. But when we are there, spending a few thousand dollars, and one of the men in the group who is battling cancer and has an extreme sensitivity to cold, decided to slip on his black wool beanie (AT THE END OF THE MEAL mind you…) he was told to take it off, which he did,” she wrote. “Upset, his son decided to tell the manager Catrina that his dad has cancer, etc…well her response was he needed a DOCTOR’S NOTE. Are you kidding me??? His wife then got extremely upset, and the family got up to leave…not before speaking with the management. They told them they should have called in advance so they could have put us in a room by ourselves…we didn’t realize cancer was so offensive!”
“And not to mention, they called the police on them! When another owner who happened to be the one paying the ridiculous bill went to speak with the manager, he was thrown out by police. Then we all had to leave, because they couldn’t handle us all being upset.”
Morton’s Steakhouse responded in a message posted to Facebook: “We are aware of the situation that happened at our Nashville location over the weekend. We appreciate you all bringing it to our attention, and we have reached out to the parties involved and can assure you that all facts will be uncovered.”
Watch this video from WZTV, broadcast Dec. 16, 2013.
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/12/16/police-escort-cancer-patient-from-nashville-steakhouse-after-hes-forced-to-remove-hat/
= new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight:
NoneDon't highlight anything
5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
lpbk2713
(43,273 posts)OMFG
demigoddess
(6,675 posts)sounds more like a totalitarian dictatorship than a free country.
WinkyDink
(51,311 posts)
loudsue
(14,087 posts)it's time to throw in the towel. I will tell you right now without ANY doubt whatsoever; that manager is a REPUBLICAN.
Morton's is a national chain, though there are few of them because they are so expensive. But they should be called out for this, and forced to close their doors. I was going to buy my bro a gift certificate for Christmas to Morton's. I'm glad I saw this before I did that.
I'll never drop another dime in that place, and I'm going to send this article to my bro. Morton's was one of his and his wife's favorite romantic spots. Neither one of them will ever want to set foot in that place again. I guarantee it.
drmeow
(5,989 posts)It only works if they know you are doing it.
loudsue
(14,087 posts)CFLDem
(2,083 posts)a manager position has just opened up at Morton's Steakhouse in Nashville.
Submariner
(13,365 posts)and replace it with another steak house (Ruth Chris, Outback, Longhorn, etc).
jazzimov
(1,456 posts)But I guarantee I won't be going to Morton's.
Lochloosa
(16,735 posts)Aerows
(39,961 posts)to save their lives, either. At least the one in New Orleans can't. Worst expensive steak I've ever had in my life.
woodsprite
(12,582 posts)I swear I heard it "moo" as they set her plate down. Sent it back to the kitchen to be cooked more. Of course, usually the quality of the cooking at any restaurant is up to whomever is in the kitchen at the moment. I rarely order steak out, but I sure wish I was better at cooking them at home. Alton Brown's method (sear in a pan on both sides, finish in the oven) seems to work the best and most consistent for me.
Tanuki
(16,448 posts)and Longhorn is part of the right winger Darden Group (along with Olive Garden, Red Lobster, etc.) I'd recommend patronizing a locally owned restaurant rather than a chain anyway!
sendero
(28,552 posts)...also sucks, if you want to pay double for a mediocre steak, it's the place for you.
Jenoch
(7,720 posts)made a horrible mistake and will probably (hopefully) lost her job. She should lose her job, not necessarily for what she did in this situation, but because it is now obvious she is not inteigent enough and does not have the judgement skills for her position. To punish the rest of the employees does not make sense to me.
By the way, comparing Outback and Longhorn to Morton's and "Ruth Chris" (sic) is ridiculous.
Captain Stern
(2,253 posts)It never really says why the police were called.
winter is coming
(11,785 posts)If, as claimed, he did it at the end of the meal, why bother calling the police? The party's about to leave, in any case. And why have such a hissy about it in the first place?
Captain Stern
(2,253 posts)The man put on his hat after the meal, when they were about to leave. The folks working at the restaurant told him he couldn't wear his hat...so, he took his hat off. Then somebody got upset, and then the cops are called. I don't understand why the cops were called. The article doesn't really say why they were called.
winter is coming
(11,785 posts)since they were on the verge of leaving.
Captain Stern
(2,253 posts)Maybe the folks that worked there that were dealing with it were just assholes. Maybe they had some kind of 'no tolerance' rules they had to go by, that took the decision out of their hands.
I still don't know why the cops got called.
liberalhistorian
(20,905 posts)calling the cops (seems like more and more, the cops are just being used for social control so that businesses don't have to actually use their brains and make sensible judgments, or so that they can enforce ridiculous policies like this one), was requiring a DOCTOR'S NOTE in order to wear a fucking hat when they're sick with cancer? A FUCKING DOCTOR'S NOTE? Really? Seriously? I didn't realize restaurants were elementary schools and managers were principals. Good God, a fucking doctor's note. I simply cannot believe that. Either that, or they'd put them in a separate room, away from everyone? Is not wearing a fucking hat, and having cancer, that much of a goddamn social offense? Any restaurant that would require a fucking doctor's note so as to not have to wear a goddamned hat is one that I will never set foot in or spend a penny on.
And that's another thing. This party was dropping several thousand dollars in that restaurant, no small amount in this day and age when restaurants are often endangered. The business owner who had the party there and who was paying the bill was even chewed out by the manager, who then was fucking stupid enough to call the damn cops because they didn't want to talk to people upset over their horrendous and ridiculous treatment? If I were the CEO of that company, those managers would be fired pronto and blacklisted from working in any restaurant job ever again, period.
A fucking doctor's note for a goddamned restaurant. Christ on a cracker. FUCK. THAT.
ItTakesAllKinds...
(19 posts)They say the man removed his hat so how did it escalate to the police getting called? Is it related to his wife getting "upset?" It frustrates me because it was already ridiculous enough with the doctor's note so it didn't need any more cowbell to garner outrage.
It's not uncommon for stories getting posted online with scant info that distort a particular situation.
justabob
(3,069 posts)It is truly shocking that they, Morton's staff, would do such a thing, and then management escalating it to the point of calling the cops? I am sure corporate will make it right in the end, but damn... The staff and managers involved should be ashamed of themselves.
IllinoisBirdWatcher
(2,316 posts)The affected diner has publicly accepted their apology.
https://www.facebook.com/Mortons
Refreshing to see corporate executives step up, accept responsibility, and try to deal with the problem.
Unlike this "service" organization which mistreated a gay couple and never bothered to apologize:
https://www.facebook.com/ResearchMedicalCenter
tblue37
(68,436 posts)medical condition, and their crappy donation is less than the tax write-off they will get for it.
But a lot of the comments pointed all that out--and quite fiercely, too.
Morton's management is trying to spin this on the cheap, but they are not getting away with it if the comments are any guide to general public reaction.
Locrian
(4,523 posts)Of course, I don't know what else was said in the call - but at a min I would want something about how the business will make it clear that it will never happen again.
IllinoisBirdWatcher
(2,316 posts)quite publicly said so.
Whether Morton's corporate did enough to satisfy him is for him to decide, not you, not me, nor those who quite fieercely object to the situation.
I posted because I see this as a striking contrast to the hospital situation I mentioned where management stonewalled, then finally conducted an internal "investigation" where they conveniently found that arresting a patron's partner was "totally appropriate."
A swift and public apology was the appropriate action in both cases and did occur in this one. Whether their apology is enough action for each of us to patronize Morton's in the future is up to each of us to decide.
I also liked the fact that Morton's management posted on their facebook page that they welcome comments on this issue, both positive AND negative, and that they would only delete comments which contain foul language or hate speech.
I was taught to remove my hat in public buildings and for the playing of our National Anthem, and would find it disturbing to me to see someone wearing a hat in an upscale restaurant. I doubt that any Observant Jews would actually eat at a Morton's, but have to wonder what would happen if one walked in to join friends at a business party.
liberalhistorian
(20,905 posts)his medical condition. His family and co-workers spoke up about it after the man removed his hat upon request, and that's when the management told them they'd either need a DOCTOR'S NOTE(for a fucking restaurant meal? Really? Seriously?) or be moved to a separate area away from everyone else. They're just playing spin doctor at this point.
Shrike47
(6,913 posts)I wonder if the company has a lawyer? Sue, sue ,sue, it's the American way!
TheDebbieDee
(11,119 posts)That might explain why the cops were called. Afterall, being angry while black (or brown) is a reason have call the police called, you know, to nip things in the bud!
lunasun
(21,646 posts)black or brown group was my thought too
TheDebbieDee
(11,119 posts)I hope they will soon be unemployed assholes!
justabob
(3,069 posts)No kidding they should be unemployed. I can't believe this happened. Not that Morton's is top of the line, but it ain't Olive Garden or some fast food joint where staff may not know better, you know? They have decent staff, or they should at that level.
lunasun
(21,646 posts)"Thank you to everyone's overwhelming show of support. It was not my intention to foster ill will. I am not interested in speaking to any media; that would only create more issues. I would like to ask that the outcome of this situation simply be empathy toward others. I have been in treatment for 10 months fighting for my life. I don't need or want another battle. My family and friends are highly protective of me because of this situation. I would like something positive to come from this. Perhaps, Morton's could examine their policies so that no one else would have this occur. 1 in 3 Americans are effected by cancer and the odds of an encounter with someone with cancer is high."
They have cancer and are cold AND wearing a cap
better call the cops 'cuz this is snooty Morton's Steakhouse donchaknow 
bench scientist
(1,107 posts)First thing I thought of too. Can't be angry while non-Caucasian.
He accepted Morton's apology too. Still think the manger should get fired.
https://www.facebook.com/robert.chambers.58/posts/10201181801963497
gvstn
(2,805 posts)[IMG]
[/IMG]
Berlum
(7,044 posts)cold as ice, dumb as a bag of hammers
FrodosPet
(5,169 posts)"I just had a 30 minute conversation with Morton's COO Tim Whitlock. He and I talked about Friday night, and the unfortunate events. He was very apologetic and we had a good discussion. End result, Morton's will make a donation in the amount of our check to St Jude's Children's Hospital. Apology accepted time too be on. I have more important things to fight than Morton's. Thanks to all of you for your words of support and angst over the situation. It's about empathy and how people are treated regardless of the situation. Again thanks for the support."
Robert
Matariki
(18,775 posts)Robert
https://www.facebook.com/robert.chambers.58
1000words
(7,051 posts)May his good nature prompt a speedy recovery.
valerief
(53,235 posts)philosslayer
(3,076 posts)Really? Who are you, Sinatra? is it 1960 again?
valerief
(53,235 posts)Who are you? Louie Gohmert?
But you're right. I should have said "dat broad".
cleanhippie
(19,705 posts)You're in for it now!
valerief
(53,235 posts)LanternWaste
(37,748 posts)Not quite clever bit of passive-aggressive, there.
(Insert rationalization here...)
cleanhippie
(19,705 posts)One not for the sense-of-humor impaired.
Jesus Malverde
(10,274 posts)
Cleita
(75,480 posts)Whatever happened to treating your customers like guests. Who cares what they have on their heads.
blackspade
(10,056 posts)When I visit my folks in Nashville.
My dad is a cancer patient so this hits close to home for me.
These Morton's managers are assholes.
TNNurse
(7,541 posts)Who also lost her hair, I would have accepted the apology. I would not ever go back there. It would just bring back the sad memory. You would think that the explanation would have been enough. The doctor's note is CRAP. They should have just taken his word. If people are bothered by seeing someone like him, they need to look deep and see if they can find their heart.
tblue37
(68,436 posts)QuestForSense
(653 posts)I'm a thousand miles away and this makes me as angry as if he were a member of my family. There can never be an excuse for this kind of heartlessness.
Vogon_Glory
(10,297 posts)I hope that jerk-ette manager gets a good talking-to, then gets fired.
Vashta Nerada
(3,922 posts)People do that all the time here in MN.
Nonhlanhla
(2,074 posts)I don't quite understand why he was not allowed to wear his hat in the first place (cancer or no cancer). Is there some health hazard involved in wearing hats in restaurants? Etiquette issues? Dress code?
tblue37
(68,436 posts)SCVDem
(5,103 posts)What if he wasn't white?
Iggo
(49,928 posts)Following orders is more important than doing the right thing.
DiehardLiberal
(580 posts)Thank you for letting me know to avoid the Portland Morton's. I have hair after chemo thanks to cold caps but find the stick up their ass offensive.
Lizzie Poppet
(10,164 posts)
FrodosPet
(5,169 posts)We need to boycott everybody! If they haven't done something racist, or homophobic, or otherwise not treat every customer with equality mercy, and generosity yet, well, it is highly likely someone working for them will at some point. So let's be ahead of the curve and completely boycott every profit seeking entity.
LanternWaste
(37,748 posts)Or we could focus on actual vulgarity towards others rather than acting out petulance in a passive-aggressive manner (although I realize that may deny far too many the visceral satisfaction of pretending to be clever).
BainsBane
(57,757 posts)They will regret this.
Iggo
(49,928 posts)
LiberalAndProud
(12,799 posts)St. Jude has accepted their donation. All's well that ends well.
“As a sign of our sincere apology and commitment to the community, we are donating on behalf of Mr. Chambers, $2,000.00 to the St. Jude’s Hospital. In addition, Morton’s The Steakhouse will also partner with Mr. Chambers to underwrite a cancer fundraiser.”
Morton’s then shared a Facebook post from Chambers.
“Apology accepted time (to) be on,” he wrote. “I have more important things to fight than Morton’s.”
Iggo
(49,928 posts)FrodosPet
(5,169 posts)Fuck em ALL!!!
For one: No one should be eating animal products.
The real challenge for science should be working on some type of supplement that allows human beings to digest grass.
Thinkaboutit - All the food humans need in the world, available right outside their door. There will be plenty to end commercial agriculture and the for-profit food distribution structure. Not to mention eliminating the need to mow grass (look how much energy THAT uses!)
Iggo
(49,928 posts)I eat cow flesh and I like it.
tblue37
(68,436 posts)voyage, only to find that in the time since their departure, which is years for them but centuries on earth because of the time dilation that occurs at such speeds, scientists had found a way to make it possible for humans to digest grass and other previously indigestible plants. This vastly expanded and easily accessible food source quickly gave a massive steroid shot to our tendency to overpopulate worse than bunnies.
When the space voyagers return to earth it is completely barren and they find no humans, no life forms visible with the naked eye. One astronaut makes the last statement in the story: "They ate it! The SOBs ate the whole damned world!
exboyfil
(18,359 posts)B Calm
(28,762 posts)ruin the taste of food for other patrons? Does it cause such a distraction no one in the steak house orders dessert?
If I was treated like that, I would never go back there and I would write a letter to the editor with the local newspaper.
rurallib
(64,688 posts)farmers with seed corn hats, Latinos in cowboy hats, young men in stocking caps. What's the problem?
B Calm
(28,762 posts)We go there a lot and you see people with hats on all the damn time. The Beef House was voted as the best steak house in Indiana. Bobby Knight use to stop there with his basketball teams whenever they played Purdue.
Egalitarian Thug
(12,448 posts)way overpriced for the quality they serve now. Fortunately, I live where great steak houses are plentiful and competition among them is fierce (as Ruth's Chris found out).
indepat
(20,899 posts)when a customer has broken allegedly broken an etiquette rule of a business establishment. Did the police respond improperly or did Morton file a false police report? A pox on Morton, their principals, managers, heirs, and assigns and may the sand fleas of a thousand camels follow them all the days of their lives. 
dembotoz
(16,922 posts)chemo hair or lack there of
had she been hassled such as this in a restaurant i am afraid i would have just gone off
how fucking dare they
JEFF9K
(1,935 posts)
Whos to say a knit cap is more offensive than a bad rug?