Frankie’s New York Buffalo Wings has released a statement regarding “discrimination” allegations against healthcare workers in light of store signs that requested frontliners to wear “out of work” attire when entering store premises.

The original sign read: “To our beloved frontliners, we would be honored to have you at our establishment. We cannot begin to imagine the physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that you have to face day in and day out and we would love nothing more than to be able to boost your mood through your experience with us and our food. In consideration however, of other guests and employees, we would appreciate it if you enter our premises in your Out of Work attire.”

Isn’t this a form of discrimination? Aren’t your service crews also “frontliners”? @frankieswings pic.twitter.com/4UkbfVvnse

— stranger (@speedofdark_00) October 2, 2020

According to Frankie’s Facebook post, the decision to put up the sign was meant to address the safety concerns of all parties, including the frontliners themselves. They admit that they didn’t see the bigger picture: Healthcare workers already undergo stringent protocols on top of their extensive health and safety knowledge.

Unfortunately, this public notice only “encouraged unjust profiling.”

Frankie’s acknowledged that what they lacked was empathy and understanding. The team has already removed the signs and reoriented their staff to follow strict health procedures regardless of their profession. They are thankful for the people who called them out and are working towards educating themselves to adapt to the changes in the industry.