Willie Smith:
I’ve tried to keep quiet about the Paula Deen situation, but I’ve seen so much “dirt” being tossed around, I figured I might as well shed a little light.
I’ve worked at Ms. Deen’s restaurant for close to nine years and I’m as “BLACK” as they come. I was never forced to enter through the back door. It’s a rule that ALL employees enter through the back door so we don’t disturb guest while they’re eating. I’m currently a waiter there, which is about as front house as you can get. I didn’t have to beg to be a waiter. In fact, I was ASKED to be one. Many of her staff in the front house are black. Young black kids in college. Bathroom usage is for ALL employees, but we(ALL EMPLOYEES) only use the back of the house restrooms during service so that we don’t disturb guest. One of Paula’s longest working employees, an elderly BLACK woman, was invited to be a guest at Paula’s house after this lady had surgery. Paula looked out for her. The restaurant looks out for ALL OF US by providing health and dental insurance and 401 K plans. Not too many restaurants doing that. We’re also allowed paid vacation. As a BLACK man who has been with the company for some time now, I’m simply saying don’t believe all accusations you’re hearing....cause they’re just that. Accusations. And no, I’m not just saying this to brown nose my employers. I’m saying this as someone who doesn’t believe in casting stones at an individual for making a mistake.
Signed,
A happily employed and thankful young man.
I so hope you are visiting some of the news sites out there and posting your story. I worked in the restaurant industry years ago and the ones that provide insurance and dental - man, I can’t really recall one!
One did provide two weeks paid vacation but that too is a rarity. Sounds like you have a great job.
Its always better to have employees wake up and look forward to going to work.