Chili’s must’ve lost their mind…according to a lawsuit filed by a Black family from Denver. They claim that before even placing their order, they were asked to provide payment up front. Why? You know why.
The lawsuit, filed Nov. 28 by Markesha Futrell-Smith, alleges she and her family were discriminated against because of their skin color. On April 30, 2022, Futrell-Smith, her husband and two children went to Chili’s, where they said they were the only Black diners in the establishment. After being sat down, the manager approached their table demanding she provide a valid form of payment prior to the orders being taken, the suit says.
Futrell-Smith claimed her family occupied the only table to be denied the ability to eat without paying upfront for their meal.
Apparently, the manager was acting shady because they accused Futrell-Smith of previously dining and dashing at the restaurant. But don’t worry, she made sure she had an alibi to clear her name.
Read more from the lawsuit:
After the initial interaction whereby Chili’s denied Ms. Futrell-Smith service unless she provided a valid form of payment up front, Ms. Futrell-Smith approached a waiter, “Jacob” who had served Ms. Futrell-Smith and her family on several different occasions.
Mr. Smith asked Jacob if he had reported or accused their family of walking out on two (2) bills. Jacob stated that he had not reported Ms. Futrell-Smith and her family for walking out on two (2) previous bills. Jacob stated that Ms. Futrell-Smith and her family were frequent, loyal customers at Chili’s who always paid their bills.
A Chili’s Manager pulled Jacob by his arm towards the back office and away from Ms. Futrell-Smith and her family’s table.
After pulling some teeth, Futrell-Smith was able to get the manager’s name and contact information to the corporate office. While leaving the restaurant, she said another customer expressed disappointment in how she and her family were treated and also offered to contact the Chili’s corporate office to file a complaint.
In response to the lawsuit, a spokesperson for the food chain gave the typical vague answer when it comes to pending litigation.
“We value every Chili’s Guest and take the responsibility of fostering an inclusive environment for all very seriously. We do not condone or tolerate discrimination of any kind, as the safety and wellbeing of our Team Members and Guests is a top priority,” said spokesperson Jake Young to The Denver Post.
Futrell-Smith accuses the restaurant and its owner, Brinker International, Inc., of violating her family’s civil rights and demands a jury trial. See ya in court, Chili’s.