1776Reporting
Cracker Barrel is under fire after a group of disabled students was denied service at its Waldorf, Maryland location. The incident has sparked outrage among parents and educators, leading to calls for a boycott and a rally scheduled for December 15.
The controversy unfolded on December 3, when students and teachers from Charles County Public Schools visited the restaurant as part of a community-based instruction program (CBI). The program aims to help disabled students apply classroom skills in real-world environments. However, their experience took a disheartening turn when restaurant staff reportedly treated them rudely and refused to seat them.
Parents and Teachers Speak Out
Parent Stacey Campbell took to Facebook, sharing an email from her son’s teacher that described the group’s experience as “very bad,” highlighting that servers and hosts were “very rude.” Campbell, whose son has autism, voiced her frustrations during an interview with WDCW. “What is the leadership going to do, and how are they going to ensure that their discriminatory practices are no longer happening?” she asked.
Superintendent Maria Navarro also addressed the situation in a letter, stating the district had informed the Cracker Barrel location in advance of the visit, including the purpose of the trip and the number of attendees. Despite this, Navarro noted, “Upon arrival, the students and staff were declined service and asked to no longer include the restaurant on its CBI list.”
Navarro expressed disappointment, saying, “Our students and staff are our No. 1 priority, and we are disheartened to learn about the alleged treatment they received while participating in an activity designed to educate our students using real-world applications.”
Cracker Barrel’s Response
Cracker Barrel responded to the incident by attributing the situation to a staffing issue. A company spokesperson said, “A staffing challenge that day led to the closure of part of our second dining room, creating confusion that impacted the group’s experience.” The statement emphasized the company’s commitment to “making things right” and extending apologies to the affected group.
However, the response did little to placate angry parents and community members, who criticized the chain for not taking stronger action. “Apologies aren’t enough,” said one parent on social media, echoing the sentiments of others calling for accountability.
A Rallying Call for Change
The incident has reignited debates about how businesses treat customers with disabilities and the need for better inclusivity. The planned boycott and rally underscore the community’s demand for accountability and systemic changes at Cracker Barrel to prevent similar incidents in the future.
About Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel, founded in 1969 in Lebanon, Tennessee, is known for its Southern-inspired menu and nostalgic décor, featuring rocking chairs and a cozy fireplace. With 658 locations across 45 states, the chain has built its brand around a family-friendly image. Yet, this incident challenges the very values the company promotes, leaving many to question how Cracker Barrel will restore its reputation.
As the rally date approaches, all eyes remain on Cracker Barrel to see whether the company will take meaningful steps to address the concerns raised by this incident.
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