'I was shaking': Group says Winnipeg restaurant discriminated against them by asking for pre-payment
A group of young adults is raising concerns over an incident at a Winnipeg restaurant they feel was ageist.
Kayla McPherson and five friends decided to go to Montana's on Regent Avenue on Sunday after playing paintball.
McPherson says the table ordered their drinks, appetizers and main meals with no problem.
"Right when we were about to finish our appetizers, our server came over and approached us with a debit machine and bill and said that we had to pay for our drinks and appetizers before we could actually get our main meals," said McPherson.
"Me and my cousins and some of my other family, we've always eaten at Montana's, and that's never been requested from us."
Questioning why the table had to pay before their meals, they asked to speak to the manager.
"She went on to say this was a policy they had implemented because they've been having a lot of dine and dashes with a lot of young people," recalled McPherson.
McPherson said the group ranged in age from 20 to 25.
After checking with some other larger parties around them, McPherson believes they were the only ones in the restaurant asked to settle their bills early.
"We felt like we were being discriminated against," said McPherson. "I was shaking. I had anxiety, and I just wanted to shed a tear."
After paying, two members of the group left, with the others asking to speak to the manager again.
A little while later, the owner of the Montana's joined the group to discuss the issue.
"He was very understanding and respectful. I respect the way [he] approached us, but that doesn't discredit the way they embarrassed us and the way they made us feel," McPherson said.
CTV News spoke with the owner, who said staff at the restaurant started asking groups of young people for early payment after the establishment fell victim to a string of people walking out and not paying their bills.
The owner went on to say, after this incident, he has since had a meeting with his staff and will no longer be asking tables to pay early.
He said he regrets the incident and wants all customers to leave happy.
A spokesperson with Montana's corporate said the practice is not standard for franchises.
"We are regretful that this incident took place at one of our restaurants and would like to clarify that the experience outlined is not our policy or something we support. We take these matters very seriously and are looking into the incident and taking appropriate actions to ensure that this doesn't happen again," read an email statement from the restaurant chain.
McPherson said she is working on making a formal complaint and would like a written letter of apology from the server and manager.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Canadian couple among tourists on sinking sailing boat tour abroad
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.