'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
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.