For the past three years, Joe Koblenzer has put on his brown and yellow Cracker Barrel apron and greeted those who come into the Venice, Florida location.
The 73-year- old says two weeks ago, a man who looked like he might be homeless came through the doors. The man asked for mayonnaise and some tartar sauce saying he was going to cook a fish. Koblenzer got him the condiments and put a corn muffin in the bag as well. The gesture apparently cost Koblenzer his job.
Koblenzer admits he’s been written up before, two years go for getting a fountain drink and a second time for giving a cup of coffee to a woman. Now the Vietnam vet who was trying to supplement his social security is the one down on his luck.
The debate over the seriousness of the event and the subsequent firing has started a fire storm online. While some are saying it’s the companies’ right, the establishments reviews have plummeted with more than 30 negative comments about the firing.
A Cracker Barrel spokesperson says Koblenzer received multiple counseling and written warnings reminding him about the company’s policies and the consequences associated with violating them.
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