advertisement

Settlement may be coming in Buffalo Wild Wings race incident

Ten children who witnessed a case of racial bias at a Naperville restaurant last October may receive cash settlements, according to DuPage County court records.

A petition was filed Monday by attorney Cannon Lambert, who spoke last fall on behalf of a group of 18 people who said they were discriminated against by workers at a Buffalo Wild Wings.

The petition does not refer to the restaurant by name. But it says the children, identified only by their initials, were involved in an "incident" Oct. 26 at 2555 W. 75th St. That's the address of the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant.

On that date, a host asked about the racial makeup of some customers in their group before seating them. Two managers later asked the group to change seats.

The employees later told police they were trying to avoid having the group near two white patrons who previously espoused racist views.

The host and one of the managers were black; the other manager was white. The host quit that night, and the two managers were fired.

Lambert could not be reached for comment Wednesday and neither could the chief communications officer for Inspire Brands, which owns the Buffalo Wild Wings brand. The Naperville restaurant is a franchise, owned by Blazin Wings Inc.

At a Nov. 5 news conference, Lambert said the families did not plan to take legal action because "there is no need to file a lawsuit if there's no disagreement" that what happened was wrong. He said Buffalo Wild Wings needed to be held accountable, "but that does not mean that it has to come in the form of a lawsuit."

Lambert said the families want Buffalo Wild Wings to screen employees before hiring; inform applicants the corporation expects workers to be racially sensitive while on the job; and ensure the company's employee handbook clearly states that there is zero tolerance for racial bigotry and that employees will be fired for bigoted conduct.

Six of the children would receive $9,500 each, according to the petition. Four other children would split $9,500. Their parents would receive the awards on their behalf. The parents are identified only by their initials.

The petition asks the court to seal the file and all documents related to the matter, including the petition. A May 21 court hearing has been set.

Group: Illinois restaurant tried to reseat over skin color

Buffalo Wild Wings: Workers fired over skin color reseat bid

Responses call for action after black diners asked to move at Naperville restaurant

'I was appalled': Black customers say host told them to move

Attorney urges Buffalo Wild Wings 'to stand up to racism' after Naperville incident

Buffalo Wild Wings CEO meets to discuss racial incident

Naperville police chief: No evidence of hate crime in Buffalo Wild Wings incident

Attorneys to address racial policies after Buffalo Wild Wings confrontation

Police report: 'Miscommunication' strained racial confrontation at Buffalo Wild Wings in Naperville

Attorney: Corporate culture fostered 'a cancer like racism' in Buffalo Wild Wings case

Covering the Buffalo Wild Wings situation: One reporter's experience

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.