Restaurant Chain Kicks out Veterans for Being ‘Gangbangers’
American Legion Riders motorcycle jackets violated dress code
In a story virtually ignored by the national media, American veterans were disrespected by a major restaurant chain, accusing them of being a ‘biker gang.’
The Kentwood, Michigan branch of the national restaurant chain Dave & Busters, a combination of Buffalo Wild Wings and Chuck E. Cheese but for adults accused the motorcycle branch of the American Legion of violating the restaurant’s dress code policy of ‘gang attire.’ The restaurant’s management then asked the patrons to remove the offensive vests.
The Houston Chronicle explains:
Dallas-based restaurant chain Dave & Busters is getting what appears to be some negative blowback this week after a biker group made up of military veterans said it was harassed at a Michigan location.
MLive in Grand Rapids first reported on the story on Wednesday, detailing how a group of American Legion Riders were confronted by management at a Kentwood, Michigan D&B location on Saturday, Feb. 25.
According to biker Victor Murdock a general manager at the location told the group of bikers that they had to remove their riding vests, or colors, turn them inside-out or leave the premises. The bikers’ attire apparently violated the chain’s dress code policy which prohibits clothing that promotes “evidence of gang affiliation,” according to MLive.
The vests have patches of the American flag, the Prisoner of War flag and a bald eagle.
The chain’s dress code policy, from the company’s website, states:
Appropriate, clean attire required at all Dave & Buster’s locations. Dave & Buster’s reserves the right to modify the dress code guidelines for any reason, including or due to local or seasonal conditions or special events.
* We allow only ball caps and religious head wear as defined by law. Ball caps must be worn front or back facing.
* Persons wearing torn or soiled clothing will be admitted at the discretion of management.
* No hats, clothing, jewelry or visible tattoos with offensive language or imagery.
* Sunglasses may not be worn in the premises.
* We do not allow clothing which exposes underwear or excessive portions of the skin, which may be viewed as inappropriate in a family environment.
Mea Culpa (So Sorry!)
Since the incident began, D&B’s management has gotten in front of the situation and has issued an apology.
Further, the restaurant chain began a review of their dress code policy. WXMI-TV displayed D&B’s official statements:
Tuesday (February 28) full statement from Dave & Busters:
Dave & Buster’s is extremely grateful to all of our active military members
and veterans, and we are honored to have them as valued guests. We have
apologized to Mr. Murdock for his experience this past weekend. Mr. Murdock
has raised important concerns regarding our policies. We recognize the need
to educate our team members about the American Legion, and have reached out
to the local American Legion Post 179, and the national organization for
guidance. In addition, we will review our approach to our dress code. We
remain fully committed to our military and will work with the American
Legion and Mr. Murdock on ways we can support their mission and their
community.
April Spearman, Vice President of Marketing
Dave & Buster’s
Nice.
But what had they said earlier?
Monday (February 27) full statement from Dave & Buster’s:
We are extremely grateful to all of our active military members and
veterans and are honored to have them as valued guests in any of our
locations. Our dress code, which prohibits evidence of gang affiliation, is in
place to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy themselves in a fun
and safe environment. Though we understand that the American Legion
promotes a positive mission, for consistency reasons we cannot allow
motorcycle jackets displaying patches or rockers. Our policies are in
no way meant to be disrespectful and we apologize for any frustration
this may have caused.
In addition, please know that this group was not asked to leave, but
to simply turn their jackets inside out. Again, we apologize for any
misunderstanding.
April Spearman, Vice President of Marketing
Dave & Buster’s
Let’s hope other businesses learn from this.
Americans respect our veterans and we expect this from everybody…no exceptions.
