This week’s Weekly Whiner is Stephanie Wilkinson who owns The Red Hen restaurant in Lexington, Virginia.
On June 22nd, Friday evening, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the White House Press Secretary, made the mistake of having a reservation, under her husband’s name, for the Red Hen Restaurant in Lexington, Virginia.
If the reservation had been in her name, perhaps all of this hullabaloo could have been avoided. The Maître-D could have nixed the reservation saving Sarah Huckabee Sanders and her guests some gas money.
What hullabaloo? Sarah Huckabee Sanders was asked to leave, but not her husband, and the others at the table. But they did leave at the same time as her.
In an interview with The Washington Post, Stephanie Wilkinson was reportedly at home when one of the Chef’s called to report that Sarah Huckabee Sanders and some friends were dining at the restaurant. Some of the restaurant staff are gay and were troubled by having to serve someone from the Trump administration.
So, Ms. Wilkinson drove in and saw that indeed it was Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
Ms. Wilkinson asked Sander’s to come out to the patio for a word. Wilkinson said. “I explained that the restaurant has certain standards that I feel it has to uphold, such as honesty, and compassion, and cooperation. “, I said, ‘I’d like to ask you to leave.’”
Sanders’s response was immediate, Wilkinson said: “That’s fine. I’ll go.”
The next day Sanders Tweeted the following:
Last night I was told by the owner of Red Hen in Lexington, VA to leave because I work for @POTUS and I politely left. Her actions say far more about her than about me. I always do my best to treat people, including those I disagree with, respectfully and will continue to do so
— Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) June 23, 2018
Restaurant’s legally have the right to ask patrons to leave if they are unruly or improperly dressed. Everyone has seen signs like, “No shoes, no service”.
Some of the restaurant staff appeared to be somewhat jubilant as a Facebook post of the restaurant whiteboard had the term “86 – Sara Huckabee Sanders”. The term, “to 86 someone”, is a restaurant industry code to “refuse service”.
But, there could be a need for signs like, “No Republicans”. It sounds crazy, and we think it is, but it could prevent embarrassing issues such as this occurring.
A recent court case concerning a Baker asked to create a custom cake for a gay couple received national notoriety. The jist ended up the Baker cannot refuse service to anyone just wanting to buy a ready made cake. But could refuse service for a custom cake. A fine line subject to interpretation. But refusing service here sounds a bit like Old-School Jim Crow practices.
Significant Notes:
The staff was not asked to bake a special cake commemorating Sander’s or Trump. It was just a meal out for friends. No Art or statements of politics were asked for. They most likely just ordered from the menu.
From all accounts the Sanders party was not misbehaving.
There were no signs on display to warn people of different political persuasions that they need to steer clear of the Red Hen. Sarah and her guests were surprised. Perhaps a sign listing what kind of person should stay out.
Some members appeared jubilant in the success of their endeavors judging from a few of the Facebook and Twitter posts.
Stephanie Wilkinson and her staff should take courses in diversity and tolerance to help them cope with crazy people, such as Sarah Huckabee Sanders and her family.
Stephanie Wilkinson and her staff should either get a backbone, or reconsider their careers working with the public.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders handled herself with aplomb in this situation