SONOMA COUNTY, Calif. (KRON) - A former restaurant server has accused her past employer of unfairly attacking her beliefs. Now, the restaurant is defending itself.
In Sonoma County, a war of words has erupted between a popular restaurant and a former employee who refused to remove a Black Lives Matter face mask.
Back in September, server Kimi Stout wore a Black Lives Matter face mask while working at The Girl and The Fig restaurant in downtown Sonoma.
Stout has stated that a customer complained and that the incident led to the restaurant changing its dress code policy and asking her not to wear the mask at work.
She refused and resigned in protest.
Since then, Stout has voiced her frustration with the restaurant on social media.
This led to a backlash against the restaurant.
On Thursday, the owners held a virtual press conference to state their position on the matter.
The president of the company says the dress code was changed to protect the integrity of the business.
"We believe in professionalism and I believe the dress code is a huge method of supporting that and helping our staff provide that experience," John Toulze said.
He also says that the restaurant supports Black Lives Matter and that the attacks on the staff are unacceptable.
"The inaccuracies and false claims are leading to character attacks on our staff and management team. Even our families and children. It's disturbing and disheartening. It's been devastating to our business. We have prided ourselves on being diverse and inclusive and supporting our community because we are a piece of it," Toulze said.
As of Thursday afternoon, The Girl and The Fig restaurant remain closed until further notice because the owners had heard there may be a protest outside, and they are concerned for the safety of their employees.
KRON4 reached out to Kimi Stout for comment but have so far not heard back.
from KRON4 https://ift.tt/2NfsqZc
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