Wendy’s made a huge mistake when they fired an employee with Down syndrome who had been working at the restaurant in North Carolina for more than 20 years. However, after his story went viral the internet stepped up to alleviate the disappointing situation.
Dennis Peek is 51 years old and had worked at the Wendy’s in Stanley, North Carolina for more than 20 years. Peek’s sister made it known publicly that he was fired from his job.
Cona Young Turner, Dennis’s sister, was furious that her brother was fired. She slammed the Wendy’s location for firing him.
Turner posted on Facebook, “My brother Dennis has worked at Wendy’s in Stanley for over 20 years and I am heartbroken to say they have fired him!”
“His dream was to retire from there someday and he was looking forward to a huge retirement party,” she continued. “We may just give him that party and tell him he has retired because he does not understand being fired!”
Turner claimed that the management at Wendy’s told her that Dennis “was unable to perform the duties of a normal person’s job.”
“I am very disappointed with the management at Wendy’s in Stanley,” she added. “They have no idea how they hurt my brother!”
Of course, the Facebook post went viral. Turner’s words racked up more than 13,000 shares and nearly 5,000 comments on the social media platform.
Peek’s story was covered by local news outlets. Soon it even spread to national media publications.
The nationwide outrage had the management at the Wendy’s in Stanley quickly reversing course and offering to rehire Dennis.
Turner said, “They have offered Dennis his job back starting next week. My heart is overwhelmed by the support that you all have given my brother and myself! Thank you all so much!”
The Carolina Restaurant Group, which happens to own the Wendy’s in question, gave a statement to WBTV on Peek’s termination.
“We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for our employees and our customers,” the Carolina Restaurant Group stated. “This was an unfortunate mistake and lapse in protocol; we are in touch with the employee’s family, and we are looking forward to welcoming him back to work in the restaurant.”
The group was publicly asked if any disciplinary action would be taken against the manager who fired Dennis.
“We cannot comment further on personnel matters, but we’re taking appropriate action,” the group commented. “This was an unfortunate mistake that we’re working through with the team member, his job coach and his family. We’re also using this as an opportunity to retrain all our teams on our protocols.”
However, Turner said that her brother with Down syndrome would not be returning to his former place of employment.
“Dennis will not be returning to Wendy’s,” Turner said.
“He will be having his BIG RETIREMENT party that he has been wanting,” she announced. “Wendy’s has offered to help with expenses and anything else they can for his special day.”
Turner encouraged people to send cards and letters to Dennis. The address to send your well-wishes is PO Box 183 Mount Holly, NC 28120.
