Applebee's Shuttered After Black Patrons Accused Of Dine And Dash

INDEPENDENCE, MO — An Applebee's restaurant in Independence temporarily shut its doors after three workers were captured on video accusing two black patrons of eating and never paying their food. Alexis Brison posted a nine minute video on Facebook of the encounter. In her post on Saturday, she says she and her friend were dining at the restaurant and were approached about an hour into their dinner by a police officer, a mall security guard and the restaurant manager.

"We were told that we were accused of eating and not paying for CHICKEN the day before (dining and dashing)," she said. "Mind you that we have proof that can show our whereabouts and it’s not even in our character to steal. After being mocked, humiliated, and embarrassed we were asked to pay for our food, leave, and not come back."

She said in the post that after they left, someone called the restaurant and said the accuser wasn't them, citing differences in weight and makeup.

"In 2018 is this really what we’re debased to? Our weight and whether or not we wore makeup. She could not recognize any facial features or any defining characteristics . This is a clear example of RACIAL PROFILING that should not be stood for. Just because we are black does not mean we are all criminals and I will not be treated as such."

The video has been viewed more than 2 million times.

The Applebee's has temporarily closed and three workers involved in the incident were fired, the Kansas City Star reported.

Applebee's said in a statement that it doesn't "tolerate racism, bigotry or harassment." It said it's closing the restaurant in the Independence Center shopping mall in Independence, Missouri, so employees can "regroup, learn and grow."

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— Applebee's (@Applebees) February 12, 2018

A spokesperson for the restaurant chain told The Star in a statement: "We recognize the hurt and pain caused by the recent incident at an Applebee’s restaurant in Independence, Mo.,”.

“We very much regret this occurred and sincerely apologize to our guests and community. After an internal investigation and in-line with our values, the franchisee [sic] 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.”

Photo credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images