Montgomery Family Alleges Racism Following Restaurant Incident

MONTGOMERY, IL—A Montgomery family said they were hoping to enjoy a nice birthday dinner with their party of 18 at Buffalo Wild Wings in Naperville when they claimed they were singled out over the color of their skin.

According to Mary Vahl, of Montgomery, restaurant employees were setting up tables for her large group when a host approached her husband, Justin Vahl, a few minutes later and reportedly asked him what race he and his party were.

“My husband asked him why it mattered, and the host responded that a table with two of their regular customers were next to where we were to be seated, and he didn’t want us sitting there because he’s ‘racist,’” Vahl said in a Facebook post that has since been shared by more than 4,900 people as of Monday morning.

Vahl said her party mostly consisted of African Americans. Finally seated, a waiter approached the table and took the group’s drink and appetizer orders. However, Vahl said their restaurant experience continued to go downhill when another restaurant employee approached them.

“After a few minutes, we notice that an employee is talking to the ‘racist table’ and approaches us and communicates to us that ‘these seats are reserved and we will have to move your group,’” Vahl said. “The guys politely tell him that we’re not moving and request to speak to the manager in which he says he’s one of the managers.”

After being made to feel uncomfortable and unwelcomed, Vahl said her group ultimately decided to leave the restaurant and head to a nearby Hooters.

“In 2019, this type of behavior should not be accepted,” Vahl said. “It was not okay that that a person of management was willing to move six adults and 12 children versus two grown adults who are uncomfortable sitting by black folks!”

After Vahl publicly shared her experience at Buffalo Wild Wings on social media, the restaurant chain is now facing backlash. Buffalo Wild Wings spokesperson Clarie Kudlata told the Chicago Tribune that the company has conducted a thorough, internal investigation and “terminated the employees involved.”

The company also sent a statement to Patch saying, "We take this incident very seriously and after conducting a thorough, internal investigation have terminated the employees involved. Buffalo Wild Wings values an inclusive environment and has zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind."

Other local restaurants, like Macarena Tapas, are also hoping to treat the family to a complimentary dinner.

According to the Associated Press, the DuPage County NAACP says it also plans to look into the matter.

SEE ALSO:

2 Fired After Racism Allegation At Naperville Buffalo Wild Wings

For more news and information like this, subscribe to the Montgomery Patch for free. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here. Don't forget to like us on Facebook!