Marquise Vanzego, hailing from Maryland, U.S., reports an unexpected surprise when he retrieved his food order, discovering that his receipt bore a shocking label instead of his name.
He has now highlighted the incident, which he characterizes as an example of racial insensitivity.
Vanzego, in an interview with Today, reported that the event took place at the drive-thru of a fast food restaurant on August 23, 2024.
He shares that after a period of anticipation for his order, he was taken aback to hear a Chick-fil-A employee consistently announcing a name linked to it.
At first, Vanzego dismissed the idea that the name could be linked to him. However, when the employee verified the order – which included chicken strips, fries, and an Arnold Palmer drink – and referenced a white van, a wave of unease washed over him.
He likened the sensation to the sorrow or letdown experienced after a breakup, stating: “Your heart has that little sting in it.”
Vanzego remarked that it resembled one of the many narratives he had encountered regarding racially insensitive circumstances.
Vanzego reported that he promptly sought clarification and engaged with the on-duty manager, who extended an apology and processed a refund for his order.
Subsequently, he engaged in a conversation with a store manager who had not been on-site during the event and chose not to provide any public remarks.
In the days that followed, Vanzego took to social media platforms, including Facebook, to share his experience. He shared videos along with a letter addressed to Chick-fil-A corporate regarding the incident.
Responses on social media varied widely – some individuals showed empathy and backing, while others raised doubts about the precise reason, proposing it might have stemmed from a misunderstanding linked to an intercom malfunction.
Vanzego has made it clear that he communicated directly with a young male employee in person, rather than using an intercom, which raises questions about the possibility of a technological mistake being the cause.
The franchise owner of the store later addressed the customer, offering an apology while clarifying that the employee in question, who is reportedly a minor under 18, would not be dismissed from their position.
The franchise owner of Vanzego stated that the employee merely recorded what he believed he had heard.
The customer feels that this absence of accountability could suggest to the young employee that such behavior is acceptable.
“I get it, he’s just a kid, only 17, still figuring things out,” Vanzego remarked. “However, it’s important for him to understand that actions have repercussions.”
He remarked, “When my children took actions, they had to face the outcomes.”
The corporate office of Chick-fil-A, which does not oversee this independently owned franchise, has released a general statement.
This Chick-fil-A operates as an independent franchise. The owner of this restaurant has expressed regret to the customer. This experience falls short of our standards and is not acceptable.
What about the contentious label that appeared on his receipt? It stated ‘Monkeys,’ a term that has historically been used as a derogatory slur against Black people.
Feature Image Credit: (Instagram/ @dcmetrocarpentry)
