The restaurant owner in the Washington, D.C. area fired a server after she publicly stated she would refuse service to incoming Trump administration officials.
The comments sparked outrage and led to her dismissal from Beuchert’s Saloon.
The server’s comments on refusing rervice to Trump officials
Suzannah Van Rooy, a server at Beuchert’s Saloon on Capitol Hill, shared her strong opposition to certain Trump administration officials.
In an interview with The Washingtonian, Van Rooy explained that she would refuse to serve individuals who she believes are responsible for actions she morally opposes.
Additionally, she specifically mentioned officials involved in sex trafficking or deporting millions of people.
“It’s not, ‘Oh, we hate Republicans.’ Van Rooy clarified. “It’s that this person has moral convictions that are strongly opposed to mine, and I don’t feel comfortable serving them.”
Her remarks were part of a broader discussion on local reactions to Trump administration officials in public settings.
This came after previous incidents, such as when figures like Sarah Huckabee Sanders were removed from restaurants
Beuchert’s Saloon responds to the controversy
After becoming aware of Van Rooy’s comments, Beuchert’s Saloon quickly issued a statement condemning her behavior. The restaurant expressed that her comments violated their zero-tolerance policy on discrimination.
“Her remarks were reprehensible and do not reflect the values of our establishment,” the statement said.
Beuchert’s Saloon fires Van Rooy for unacceptable behavior
On Friday, Beuchert’s announced that they had fired Van Rooy for her comments and behavior.
Additionally, the restaurant expressed dismay at her actions, especially her unauthorized use of the restaurant’s social media accounts to post offensive responses.
“Not only do Ms. Van Rooy’s comments clearly violate our zero-tolerance policy on discrimination, but her decision to sign into our social media accounts in the middle of the night to post her own rhetoric in wildly offensive responses to comments is a further breach of conduct and protocol. She has no authority to speak on our behalf, and her comments do not reflect the positions of over twenty other people who make up our staff,” the Friday statement read.
Additionally, Beuchert’s Saloon emphasized that Van Rooy’s views did not reflect those of the restaurant or its staff.
Van Rooy’s comments personally offended many staff members, as her remarks contradicted the inclusive environment the restaurant aims to provide.
“For these reasons as well as the sheer dismay and disgust we feel at her unforgivable behavior, Ms. Van Rooy has been dismissed immediately. Our staff and families (many of whom are personally offended by Ms. Van Rooy’s comments about them) are still reeling from what Ms. Van Rooy said and did, and we as a restaurant are simply horrified to be associated with base prejudice.”
Beuchert’s saloon stands by Its commitment to inclusivity
The restaurant reassured customers that it remains dedicated to providing a welcoming environment for all.
While, Beuchert’s reiterated its commitment to treating everyone, regardless of their background, with respect and kindness.
“Please visit us soon,” the restaurant concluded, inviting all guests to enjoy its atmosphere.