Cracker barrel has apologized after the restaurant in Waldorf, Maryland, refused to serve a group of students with special needs last week.
The Lebanon, Tennessee-based restaurant chain said the inability to accommodate the party had nothing to do with the students’ abilities, but that the situation was nevertheless “unfortunate.”
“Our missteps last week were unfortunate, but had nothing to do with the abilities of the students,” Cracker Barrel said in a statement to CBS MoneyWatch on Monday. “They were due to our inability to accommodate a group of 18 people who arrived when we experienced unexpected staffing issues and had partially closed our second dining room.”
The chain admitted that its response led to misconceptions among its guests and the public. “Our failure to follow certain operational protocols, combined with poor communication on our part, subsequently led to misunderstandings and misconceptions,” the report said.
In a public letter posted Thursday, Charles County Public Schools Superintendent Maria Navarro alleged that a group of 11 students and seven teachers visited Cracker Barrel in Waldorf as part of an organized outing and were “denied service.” The visit was part of a program that aims to help students with special needs practice the skills they learn in the classroom in real-life settings within the community, including at local restaurants and stores.
Navarro claims the school district notified the restaurant of the planned visit and was told reservations were not necessary. However, upon arrival, the group was denied service. They could order food to take away, the letter said.
“The alleged treatment of CCPS students and staff at Cracker Barrel is one that no one should have to experience. However, it is encouraging to hear that the district manager said the company would be willing to work with CCPS to do better,” Navarro said. .
She added that the school district has already received offers from other local institutions to house its students.
