This Restaurant Just Beautifully Told Off Its Transphobic Customers

Now this is how to be an ally!

New York Grilled Cheese Co., a restaurant in Wilton Manors, Florida, is making a public show of support for a transgender employee after a disgruntled customer went on a transphobic tirade while at the restaurant and later on Facebook.

A spokesman for the company told The Huffington Post that a customer posted on the company's Facebook wall to let other customers know about the bad service she received from a “waiter” at the establishment. The “waiter” in question was actually a transgender waitress named Mia.

New York Grilled Cheese Co. also said that the customer in question reportedly misgendered their employee with male pronouns, shouting loudly and causing other customers so much discomfort that many left the restaurant.

New York Grilled Cheese Co. employee Mia.
New York Grilled Cheese Co. employee Mia.
New York Grilled Cheese Co.

Another customer chimed in on the initial post, claiming that while the food was “delicious” they wouldn’t be returning because “they only have transgender restrooms” ― meaning the restaurant has a gender-inclusive restroom policy.

Facebook

In response, New York Grilled Cheese Co. owner Leor Barak offered his thoughts:

“We are sorry to hear that you won’t be back simply because of that reason. We hope that one day you’ll change your mind about singling out transgendered [sic] folks… New York Grilled Cheese Co. is proud to support gender equality and we urge everyone to do the same.... We would never choose the revenue of an intolerant patron over the dignity of our employees.”

Barak then said that the company supports the entire transgender community, and encouraged people to change their Facebook profile picture to the below graphic in order to show support for Mia.

Thank you for being an example of how to be an ally, New York Grilled Cheese Co.!

New York Grilled Cheese Co.

Before You Go

1. Defining Transgenderism

15 Things To Know About Being Transgender By Nicholas M. Teich

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