By Police1 Staff
FRIENDSWOOD, Texas — A Texas detective was reportedly denied service at a Whataburger because he was openly carrying a weapon.
The Friendswood police department said the plainclothes detective went to the Whataburger Thursday with his firearm on his side and a clearly visible badge, KTRK reports. Police said an employee denied the LEO service due to the company’s concealed carry policy, according to KPRC-TV.
Police said the detective tried to explain to a manager on duty that he was a law enforcement officer, but the manger still refused him service. The detective then left the restaurant.
On Friday, Whataburger released a statement and apologized to the detective. The fast food chain said the incident was an “unfortunate misunderstanding of our open carry policy.”
“Our company policy allows law enforcement with proper identification to open carry at our restaurants, and we’ll be reinforcing this policy with employees through additional training,” the company said. “We’ve also been in contact with the Friendswood Police Officers Association. We want to make it clear that this detective and all law enforcement are welcome in our restaurants and we’re proud to serve them.”
Whataburger also said that the detective was “understanding, accepted our apology and said he plans to come back to Whataburger.”