AndrewBlakeFriendswood, TX – A plain clothes Friendswood Police detective was refused service Thursday at a Whataburger restaurant because he was openly carrying a weapon.
Police said the detective tried to explain to the manager on duty that he was a law enforcement officer but the manager didn’t change his decision, according to KTRK-TV.
Police said the gun was on his side and a badge was clearly visible next to it.
The detective left the restaurant before the situation escalated, according to police.
The Friendswood Police Department said a Whataburger corporate spokesperson made contact with the police and said an operations team was going to the restaurant to speak with the manager.
Three years ago, the restaurant chain stated that it wouldn’t allow customers to open carry in their restaurants, according to KHOU-TV. The restaurant made the policy after a law took effect in Texas that allowed people to open carry in June of 2015, according to USA Today.
Whataburger released a statement to the media.
“This was an unfortunate misunderstanding of our open carry policy, and we’ve reached out to the detective because we want to make this right,” the statement said, according to KTRK.
“Our company policy allows law enforcement with proper identification to open carry at our restaurants, and we’ll be reinforcing this policy with employees through additional training,” they added. “We’ve also been in contact with the Friendswood Police Officers Association and are trying to get a hold of the detective to apologize for the misunderstanding.”
“We want to make it clear that he and all law enforcement are welcome in our restaurants and we’re proud to serve them,” the statement ended.
In October of 2017, Whataburger fired a worker after she refused to serve two Denison Police Department officers, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Police said that employee also cursed at the two police officers, said that she hated the police and that would continue to not serve police officers.
Blue Lives Matter contacted our officers in Texas, who advised that Whataburger has a history of supporting law enforcement and they’ve never had any issues.