Florida IHop server fired for feeding homeless man gets job back
People experience homelessness for many different reasons, many through no fault of their own. With the cost of living skyrocketing after covid, a lot of people found themselves newly homeless while working full time jobs. But everyone isn't so lucky to have a relative to stay with, or a job to go do daily so they rely on the kindness of strangers to get by.
Victoria Hughes, who has worked at IHOP in Lakeland, Florida since 2013 has a soft spot for people struggling. In November, Hughes met a homeless man that walked into the chain restaurant and informed the server he was hunger. Without a second thought, the server went to the kitchen and came back with a stack of pancakes and some water for the hungry visitor. This act of kindness cost the server her job after informing the manager of her good deed.
The server's actions upset the manager, especially when the homeless man returned later with a family that offered to buy him a meal. Hughes tells WFLA, "He told me the reason behind him being upset [was] because it could cause a loitering issue…or a safety issue for customers.
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The manager's reaction was confusing to Hughes because she feels like she did the right thing in that moment, and informed her supervisor so there was no deception. Yet two days later she was let go from her place of employment of 13 years just weeks before the Christmas holiday. Thankfully, for the good hearted server, IHOP contacted her to inform her that she is welcome to return to work. The company even reimbursed her for the days she missed while temporarily unemployed.
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This change in stance occurred after Hughes appeared on the news about the incident. Since then, IHOP updated it's policies and trainings to address local food insecurity. Dan Enea of Sunshine Restaurant Partners, an IHOP franchisee released a statement to USA Today saying the incident was investigated and prompted the policy change including additional training for employees around food insecure patrons.
“As part of our ongoing efforts to support those in need within our local community, we will continue to address food insecurity through our partnership with Feeding America and by making a donation to local Lakeland charities that also support this important cause," Enea tells USA Today in the statement.
In the interim of her losing her job and having it offered back, the server started a GoFundMe page to help get her through the holiday season. While the offer for her job is still available, the former server says she's not sure if she will accept the offer at this time. Hughes is still considering her options as it is likely difficult to get over that being fired for being kind without wondering if it may result in more concerns later. Though, it's unclear what her full reasonings are.
"“I need my job, but I would still do it again,” she told WFLA. “I truly would. I would still help somebody if I could. If he asked me for my shirt, I probably would have tried to give him that too.”