Popeyes Store Under Criminal Investigation For Sign: “Will Reserve The Right To Refuse Service To White People”
Authorities have initiated a criminal investigation into a sign reportedly put at a Popeyes restaurant in Lake Saint Louis, Missouri, stating that the fast-food chain reserves the “right to refuse service to white people.”
On Wednesday, a picture of the sign, which was reportedly posted to an area of the restaurant’s drive-thru, was immediately shared across social media platforms, with the message, “Effective 6-1-21 This restaurant is under new management and will reserve the right to refuse service to white people. We apologize for any inconvenience. Signed, General Manager, Mason.”
Due to the backlash, the restaurant was forced to be closed on Wednesday.
According to KTVI-TV, Lake Saint Louis police suspect the sign was posted “unbeknownst to the business” and that it may be linked to a vandalism incident that occurred at the establishment earlier in May.
The damages included smashed glass and vulgar remarks written on the restaurant’s drive-thru menu, according to Lt. Pat Doering of the Lake Saint Louis Police Department.
“We are currently working and investigating a trespassing and possibly a related vandalism case which occurred at Popeyes located at 6475 Ronald Reagan Drive in Lake Saint Louis. Earlier this month, several drive through menu signs were spray-painted. Today, unknown subjects posted an inappropriate sign on the drive-thru window, unbeknownst to the business,” a statement made by the department.
An unnamed manager was able to view the surveillance video of the restaurant that, “confirms employees didn’t post the sign.”
“We have been made aware of the situation and are investigating the matter immediately. This type of behavior does not align with our brand values and we take such allegations very seriously. The franchise is cooperating with local authorities regarding this ongoing investigation,” Popeyes told KTVI in a statement.
