A Baltimore restaurant group released a statement on Monday after video surfaced of a Black woman and her 9-year-old son being denied service because of the way the boy was dressed, even though a white boy who was similarly dressed was apparently served.
The mother, Marcia Grant, posted two videos and several still images of the incident to Facebook on Monday, saying that although she had faced racism, it was hard watching her son, Dallas, endure it.
“I have faced racism time and time again, but it’s hard AF, when you have to see your child (9yo) upset because he knows he’s being treated different that a white child!!!” Grant wrote.
The incident happened at Ouzo Bay, a restaurant owned by the Atlas Restaurant Group.
In the videos, a white employee, a manager who has not been identified, tells Grant that she and her son can’t be served because of how Dallas is dressed. The boy is wearing athletic shorts, sneakers and an Air Jordan T-shirt.
“Unfortunately, we do have a dress code,” the manager beings, as he starts to suggest the boy change if possible into “nonathletic dress shorts.”
Grant then turns her camera to a white boy, who is dressed in athletic clothing very similar to Dallas’, who appears to be leaving the restaurant with his family after having been served. The manager later claims in the video that he didn’t get a good look at the white boy.
Atlas Restaurant Group issued a statement calling the incident “disturbing.”
“This should never have happened, the manager seen in the video has been placed on indefinite leave,” the statement says in part. “We are sickened by this incident. We sincerely apologize to Marcia Grant, her son and everyone impacted by this painful incident.”
The group said its dress codes are the “result of ongoing input from customers,” and “in no way are they intended to be discriminatory.”
Atlas said it was immediately changing its policy so that children ages 12 and under aren’t subject to the dress code.
Grant did not immediately respond to a message requesting comment on Tuesday morning.
The Atlas Restaurant Group released a statement after a viral video showed a woman and her son not being allowed to eat at Ouzo Bay restaurant because he was wearing athletic gear.
Today, we learned of an incredibly disturbing incident that occurred over the weekend at one of our restaurants in Baltimore (MD), Ouzo Bay. The video made public earlier today was by a very concerned mother after she and her young son were denied seated dining service at the restaurant due to her son not meeting the dress code requirements. The video clearly shows the woman’s son, an African American young person, wearing athletic shorts and an Air Jordan shirt. The video also shows a Caucasian youth, dressed similarly, who was permitted to dine in the restaurant. This should never have happened, the manager seen in the video has been placed on indefinite leave. We are sickened by this incident. We sincerely apologize to Marcia Grant, her son and everyone impacted by this painful incident.
This difficult situation does not represent who or what Atlas Restaurant Group stands for. While dress codes across Atlas properties are the result of ongoing input from customers, in no way are they intended to be discriminatory. That said, this past weekend’s incident at Ouzo Bay clearly serves as a moment we will learn from and create change. We’ve taken the time to gather the facts and repeatedly review the video and interview employees. As a result, we immediately revised our dress code policy so that children 12 years old and younger, who are accompanied by an adult, will not be subject to a dress code at any Atlas property. From a management perspective, there is a level of sensitivity, discretion, and customer service we expect, and this incident will serve a teachable moment to ensure it is not repeated.
The company went on to say that they have addressed the incident with the managers at staff at the location.
We have addressed the issue with all managers and key staff at all properties and have spoken to many stakeholders who have contacted us. All Atlas employees will continue to receive diversity and inclusion training during this very important time. We know we failed in this instance and sincerely hope to be afforded the opportunity to meet with the Marcia Grant and her son, who both deserved better.
The restaurant group released another statement Tuesday afternoon, saying they are forming an advisory board and doing a thorough investigation.
Since learning of this incident, Atlas leadership has taken the following action:
Launched an assertive internal investigation, which included extensive video review, analysis, workforce interviews and input from human resources professionals and other experts in the field.
As a result of the investigation, two Ouzo Bay managers have been separated from and are no longer with the organization. To reiterate, there is a level of sensitivity, discretion, and customer service we expect from our managers and all who represent the Atlas brand.
Revised our dress code policy so that children 12 years old and younger, who are accompanied by an adult, will no longer be subject to a dress code at any Atlas property.
Communicated with our Atlas employees to inform them of the new dress code policy, reiterate and reinforce our unwavering position that there is no place for racism nor discrimination in any form within our company. We will continue to implement our diversity and inclusion training required for all employees and are currently educating ourselves on additional ways we can continue to expand and improve these efforts.
Attempted to connect with Marcia Grant and her son. Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful but we will continue to try and open dialogue. Again, we want to extend our sincerest, heartfelt apology. We don’t want anyone to go through this type of embarrassing and hurtful experience.
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