Applebees Responds To Public Outrage About Fired Employee

Yesterday we learned about an Applebee’s employee who was fired for posting a receipt from a customer on the internet. The receipt detailed a note from a pastor who refused to leave a tip. The note said, “I give God 10%. Why do you get 18?”

After the pastor’s information was revealed, the pastor called Applebee and demanded that the employee and the managers be fired. Applebee responded by firing the employee responsible for posting the note online.

Now, Applebee is speaking up, informing the public that the person they fired was not the one who waited on the pastor. Here’s what they said on their Facebook page.

As a company that relies on literally hundreds of thousands of incredibly hard working Team Members, we can assure you that we and our franchisees value and support them and their efforts. However this unfortunate situation has nothing to do with work.

The Team Member involved did not wait on the guest or party. Regrettably, and without the restaurant’s knowledge, she took it upon herself to take a Guest’s receipt, with the name clearly visible, and posted it online with her own commentary. That is a clear violation of our Guest’s privacy and against the franchisee’s company policy that the Team Member was provided when hired. We simply cannot accept behavior that compromises the safety and privacy our Guests have every right to expect and deserve. Please note that we are also not excusing the Guest’s behavior in this matter and the unacceptable comment she wrote on the receipt, which is offensive to us and all our hard working team members. To be clear, the 18% gratuity added to large party tickets was paid by the Guest’s party.

This is a regrettable situation, and we wish it had never happened. we hope this provides you with some additional insight. Thanks again for the chance to explain.