Two Dunkin’ Donuts employees refused service to an off-duty police officer because he was wearing a ‘Thin Blue Line’ cap to show support for law enforcement officers in the country.
The incident occurred in Iowa where Sgt. Paul Parizek, who was not wearing his uniform, was about to place an order at the Dunkin’ Donuts store he had been visiting for two years.
While the officer of the Des Moines Police Department was wearing his off-duty clothes, two of the employees at the donut shop located on East 14th Street allegedly had an issue with his Thin Blue Line cap.
“We are not going to serve you today,” the staff members allegedly told Parizek. After the off-duty cop inquired why he was refused service, one of the employees gestured at his cap with their eyes.
As KXNO reported, Parizek informed them that he had been visiting the shop for two years. Following the incident, however, he allegedly won’t be coming back.
After being refused service, Parizek talked to the store’s manager and dialed the corporate office to inform them of the incident. He also expressed concern that the staff at the shop could have tampered with his orders in the past.
“No one can guarantee me they haven’t been doing something to those products these last four months,” the disappointed cop said.
After the story went viral, Dunkin’ confirmed that the two employees in question have been fired.
“We are aware of the incident that took place at the Dunkin’ restaurant, located at 1220 E 14th Street in Des Moines, IA. The employees’ behavior is not consistent with Dunkin’s goal of creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for all our of guests,” their statement read according to KCCI.
“Additionally, Dunkin’ respects the efforts of our police force as they work to maintain a safe community for all of us.
“The franchise owner, who independently owns and operates this restaurant, informs us that the two individuals responsible have been terminated. The franchise owner has also connected with the police officer to apologize for the experience.”
Replaced!