In a troubling incident that has sparked widespread debate, a Black Chick-fil-A customer from Maryland was left feeling “disgusted” and “humiliated” after discovering a racial slur on his order ticket. The incident occurred on August 23 at the LaPlata Chick-fil-A branch, where 52-year-old Marquise Vanzego was subjected to a deeply offensive experience that has since prompted him to call for serious consequences for the teen employee involved.
A Disturbing Encounter at the Drive-Thru
On the day of the incident, Marquise Vanzego visited his local Chick-fil-A to place a simple order of chicken strips, fries, and an iced tea/lemonade drink. The interaction took place face-to-face with a young white male employee at the drive-thru window. Vanzego clearly communicated his name, “Marquise,” to the employee when asked. However, what should have been a routine fast-food transaction turned into a shocking experience when Vanzego received his order.
To his horror, the receipt he was handed did not bear his name. Instead, where the ‘guest name’ should have appeared, the word “Monkeys” was written—a racial slur that has long been used to demean and dehumanize Black people. This appalling mistake left Vanzego reeling, a painful reminder of the racial prejudice that still exists in society.
The Impact of the Incident: “It Was Devastating”
Vanzego, reflecting on the incident, described the emotional toll it took on him. “It was devastating,” he told NBC4 in an interview. “It just set me back years. As a Black male, we’ve gone through a lot, and it’s a constant reminder, just when you think you’re healing from a situation, someone opens that wound back up.” His words underscore the deep hurt that such a blatant act of racism can cause, especially in a world where progress is supposed to have been made.
The incident was not just a fleeting moment of discomfort for Vanzego; it was a stark reminder of the racial bias that continues to permeate daily life. Despite advances in civil rights and the ongoing fight for racial equality, moments like this reveal the persistent and insidious nature of racism that can manifest in even the most mundane interactions.
Seeking Justice: Vanzego’s Response and Call for Action
In the wake of the incident, Vanzego took several steps to address the situation. He penned a letter to Chick-fil-A, detailing the experience and expressing his dismay that the name he had clearly communicated was replaced with such an offensive term. He also shared his story on social media, where he recorded a conversation with a woman claiming to be the store manager. In the clip, the manager apologized and informed him that his meal would be refunded.
However, this apology and refund did little to alleviate Vanzego’s distress. Feeling that the situation required more serious action, he returned to the restaurant to confront the employee responsible. Unfortunately, he was informed by other staff members that he would not be allowed to speak with the employee directly.
Credit: Instagram/@dcmetrocarpentry
In a subsequent conversation with the branch owner, Vanzego was told that the 17-year-old employee would not be terminated. The owner explained that the teen had simply written down the name he thought he heard. Vanzego questioned this explanation, asking the owner if he had ever encountered anyone named “Monkey,” further illustrating the implausibility of the employee’s claim of a mistake.
Vanzego’s frustration grew as he felt that the response from the franchise owner was inadequate. He believed that a mere apology and refund were insufficient given the gravity of the offense. “Your heart has that little sting in it. That’s what it felt like,” Vanzego shared, expressing the emotional pain that the incident caused.
Calls for Accountability: “He Needs to Learn from This”
Vanzego did not stop at simply voicing his displeasure. He went on to express what he believes should be the appropriate consequence for the young employee. “I think the employee should’ve been terminated on the spot,” Vanzego told NBC4. “It’s unfortunate that he might end up losing his job, but that happens. He needs to learn from this.”
His stance is rooted in the belief that actions have consequences, a lesson he has imparted to his own children. “I understand, he’s a young man, he’s 17, he’s still learning. But he also needs to know that there are consequences when you do things like that,” Vanzego said, emphasizing the importance of accountability, even for younger individuals.
The customer says he is now considering legal action. Credit: NBC4Washington
Vanzego’s comments reflect a broader frustration with how incidents of racism are often handled, particularly when the offender is young. While some may argue that the employee simply made an innocent mistake, Vanzego—and many others—believe that the impact of such actions should not be downplayed. He is now considering taking legal action against the restaurant, further highlighting his determination to seek justice.
Public Reaction: A Divided Response
The incident has sparked a divided reaction on social media, where Vanzego shared his story. Many users expressed outrage at the slur and supported Vanzego’s call for the employee’s termination, agreeing that such behavior is unacceptable in any context. They argue that allowing the employee to remain in his position without facing serious consequences sends the wrong message about the seriousness of racial slurs.
On the other hand, some have expressed concern for the young employee, suggesting that he may have genuinely misheard Vanzego’s name and made an innocent mistake. These individuals fear that firing the employee could be overly harsh, especially given his age. This debate reflects the broader societal conversation about how to handle incidents of racism, particularly when they involve young people.
Chick-fil-A’s Response: Corporate and Franchise Statements
In response to the incident, the corporate office of Chick-fil-A issued a statement distancing itself from the actions of the LaPlata branch. “This Chick-fil-A is independently franchised and operated. The franchisee of this restaurant has apologized to the guest. However, this experience does not meet our expectations and is unacceptable,” the statement read.
Despite this acknowledgment, the corporate office’s statement did little to satisfy those who feel that more direct action should have been taken. The incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of apologies and refunds in addressing acts of racism, and whether more stringent measures are necessary to prevent such incidents in the future.
Conclusion: A Call for Reflection and Change
The incident at the LaPlata Chick-fil-A serves as a stark reminder of the racial issues that still plague society. Marquise Vanzego’s experience highlights the deep emotional impact that such incidents can have and underscores the need for accountability. As the debate continues over how to address these situations, one thing is clear: racism, whether intentional or not, has no place in any aspect of life, including customer service.
The broader conversation sparked by this incident calls for both individuals and corporations to reflect on their practices and ensure that respect and dignity are upheld in every interaction. Vanzego’s call for accountability is not just about one employee—it’s about setting a precedent that such behavior will not be tolerated. In the end, it’s a reminder that every action has consequences, and it’s up to society to ensure that those consequences promote learning, growth, and ultimately, a more just and equitable world.
