Mortons Steakhouse Forces Cancer Patient to Remove Beanie Hat, Then Apologizes
Morton's Steakhouse was forced to apologize after making a customer undergoing cancer treatments remove his beanie cap that he was using to keep warm. Robert Chambers was out with his family and friends when he was embarrassed by a waitress who told him he'd have to bring a doctor's note to prove his medical condition.
Morton's Steakhouse in Nashville was chosen by Chambers and his group of 16 for an office Christmas party when he decided to put on a beanie cap to keep warm- his chemotherapy makes him susceptible to cold. However, a waitress told him he had to take it off per restaurant policy, even though he has cancer. Shortly afterwards, Chambers left with his wife and children, according to WZTV news.
When co-workers questioned the decision by the waitress and management, they were told to leave and the police were called.
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"It would be one thing if we were just a couple of guys, splitting an appetizer and causing a commotion. However, we were a table of 16 with a $2,000+ tab and being treated like criminals," Jason M. wrote in a Yelp review about the restaurant.
"I really hate to think that the city I love has an establishment so pretentious that they would discriminate against someone with a life-threatening condition," Amanda W. agreed in a separate review. "Is a wool beanie on one individual's head that much of a threat to sales and ambiance?"
The story caused a firestorm of outrage from former patrons and social media viewers. After the backlash, Morton's Steakhouse apologized and their C.O.O. Tim Whitlock gave Chambers a personal call.
"There was a complete and total misunderstanding by our staff who had no idea that our guest had a medical condition. … As a sign of our sincere apology … we are donating on behalf of Mr. Chambers, $2,000.00 to the St. Jude's Hospital," a statement read. "In addition, Morton's The Steakhouse will also partner with Mr. Chambers to underwrite a cancer fundraiser."
"Superior customer service is our first priority," the statement added.
Chambers accepted the apology gracefully, mentioning that Whitlock was "very apologetic" during their 30-minute conversation.
"Apology accepted time [to move] on," he wrote on his Facebook page. "I have more important things to fight than Morton's."
