Frankie’s apologizes after backlash over ‘discrimination’ against frontliners

Frankie’s New York Buffalo Wings issued a public apology on Tuesday, October 6, after being accused of “discriminating” against health workers due to store signs encouraging front liners to “enter their premises” only in their “out-of-work attire.”

In their Facebook statement, the homegrown restaurant first explained that restaurants have had to adjust their guidelines on the entry of healthcare workers in scrub suits in light of the pandemic.

“By putting up the sign, we thought we found a compromise to address the concerns and safety of all parties, and that we were looking out for everyone, healthcare workers included,” they wrote, pertaining to their original intention of “being considerate of other guests and employees.”

“We tried to strike a delicate balance between what we perceived as safety and fairness to all. What we didn’t see was the bigger picture, that not one size fits all and that we could be setting a precedent that encouraged unjust profiling,” they added.

Frankie’s clarified that they had absolutely “no intention” of making health workers feel discriminated against but they understand that “this is what [their] actions have done.”

Frankie’s “sincerely and humbly” apologized to the medical community for their lack of understanding on the issue and for putting up the sign, acknowledging that health workers have “given so much already.”

Frankie’s announced that they have removed the signs and have reoriented their teams “to stick to the standard yet stringent health protocols, regardless of anyone’s profession or occupation.”

“The support of the medical community has helped our growth for the past 8 years, and now more than ever, with the ongoing pandemic, you deserve much better from us,” Frankie’s added.

Frankie’s thanked everybody who called them out, sharing that everyone, including the restaurant industry, are trying to adapt to the world’s changes.

“Moving forward, we commit to do so while continuing to educate,” they said.

Frankie’s statement was issued after they began receiving backlash online for asking health care workers to change before dining. 

The original sign read: “To our beloved Frontliners, we would be honored to have you at our establishment. We cannot begin to imagine the physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that you have to face day in and day out and we would love nothing more than to be able to boost your mood through your experience with us and our food. In consideration however, of other guests and employees, we would appreciate it if you enter our premises in your out-of-work attire.” – with reports from Winona Castelo/Rappler.com

Winona Castelo is a Rappler intern.