Two team truck drivers are suing Denny’s after they say they were denied service at a Sioux Falls, South Dakota location in 2023.
The incident: Damon Whitfield and Hector Madera say they stopped at Denny’s while hauling a coast-to-coast load. They claim the waitress completely ignored them, helping other people who came in after. When they tried to ask for service, Whitfield says the waitress replied, “I’m not serving you people. You can get your stuff and go now, or I’m calling the cops.”
- Madera told reporters he tried to talk things over, but was told again to leave and that police had been called.
- Both drivers say they were embarrassed and humiliated as they had to walk out, hungry and shocked.
The lawsuit: Whitfield and Madera are suing Denny’s and the owners of that franchise. They say they were discriminated against because of their race and are asking for at least $4 million in damages. The team drivers also want a jury trial in Sioux Falls, according to KELOLAND News.
Denny’s response: The waitress was fired, and all other staff got extra training. A spokesperson for Denny’s said, “We regret this incident and want to apologize to the guests involved.” The company said it won’t comment further while the legal case is ongoing.