Huge Restaurant Chain Apologizes for Turning Away Detective Because of His Gun

FRIENDSWOOD, TX — A plain clothes detective who was open carrying and on his lunch break May 31 was denied service by a Whataburger manager because of the presence of his firearm, Fox News reports.

The detective reportedly went into the restaurant, placed an order, and was denied, despite having his badge clearly visible and right next to his service pistol.

When the detective tried to explain himself to the manager, the manager continued to refuse to the point that the detective left before tensions could escalate — a good move for anyone, law enforcement or civilian.

Now Whataburger, as you can imagine, is reeling from the PR hell that just dropped into their lap.

To corporate’s credit, they seem to be as embarrassed as they should be.

“This was an unfortunate misunderstanding of our open carry policy, and we’ve talked to the detective to make this right. He was understanding, accepted our apology and said he plans to come back to Whataburger,” a spokesperson said according to Fox News.

“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.”

“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,” they noted.

Good for them.

But what is Whataburger’s policy on open carrying for whose of us without a badge? No thanks, we don’t want your business. The chain decided that when Texas permitted the open carry of firearms, they didn’t want any part of it in their restaurants, with the exception of law enforcement, according to Dallas News.

The chain still permits concealed carry on its premises, which is certainly some consolation.

Although concealed carry is in this author’s opinion superior to open carry in most senses, it’s restrictions like these that show who stands with all aspects of practical application of the Second Amendment and those who don’t.

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